This WWDC conference video from 1997 show Steve Jobs taking a question and answer session from developers after returning to Apple. Apple acquired Steve Jobs' company NeXT in late 1996 and the NeXTStep operating system became the basis for Mac OS X. We highlighted this video once before amidst the iCloud rumors, but it is a very interesting video to watch, especially in light of Jobs' resignation as CEO of Apple.
At the time, Apple had just acquired NeXT, after years of losses and no clear plan for the future of the Mac operating system. Jobs came first as an advisor to then Apple CEO Gil Amelio, and eventually took the title of CEO. The video shows a particularly candid question and answer session with Steve Jobs who talks about the state of the company and his vision for the future. Some of the material is dated, but his outlook for the future seemed remarkably clear.
Steve Jobs says in the opening:
"I'm actually pretty excited about the way things are going. I think that there are some really good people, whom you met this week, running the key areas of Apple now. And I think they're making enormous progress towards executing what is a a pretty clear strategy. And that strategy revolves around one fundamental concept, which is to make some really great products. And I believe very firmly that there is still a very sizable market for some really great products. And there are some giant holes that we can fill with your help."
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Top Rated Comments
iCloud in 1997, pretty much summed up what Apple would push for this decade. I am always inspired as a leader by this man.
Jobs yes, but Jobs was a rockstar. I'm talking about all the neck-beards with the button-down collars in the audience asking questions at their shoes.
Devs now seem far more socially aware.
"I don't care if Apple is viewed is different. I think it's very important that Apple is viewed as much better."
I think more than that, he has a true passion and i can really understand and APPRECIATE that. I am not a crazed Apple fan or Microsoft fan either, I just have a passion for technology and how it relates to me. This video sparked a lot inside of me. It is NO accident that Apple is where they are and though Steve has said NO to things I want or need, I will do like the rest have and be ok. Maybe I DO need to rethink my approach. All because I can program or do something the hardway(in some eyes) or my way because itis easy for me does not mean it should be set in stone. I am always preaching about change, and adopting something else, but I need to apply it even more. But even still, Steve just wants the best. I do to. I accept my best is different than others. DLNA is fine enough for me, lol :).
It's his ability to quickly isolate new ground-breaking trends and make them part of a vision, part of a greater hole that is BETTER than the sum of the implemented parts. Next was the highlight of this announcement as they where working into the "Workstation" which is everything he sum'd up in this Q&A.
Many CEO's are lined up (for decades) to catch a cup-full of his soul-juice.