Steve Jobs' Impact Permanently Changed How We View Movies

Steve Jobs was a visionary who drastically altered the future of technological interface. At a time when personal technology was decidedly gimmicky and detached, Jobs returned to Apple and shifted its focus. Back at the helm, CEO Steve Jobs spearheaded an initiative to permanently revolutionize the way consumers look at electronics and electronics serve consumers.

Gradually the elimination of physical media and the rise of digital distribution would unfold as key elements to Jobs' vision. These innovations would lead to the current preferred method of viewing movies: streaming. This extremely convenient norm was largely bred out of necessity from Apple's mark on the industry.

When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1996, sweeping changes were made. The corporation's focus was shifted to three key areas: user-friendliness, strong brand association, and innovation. In order to compete with the Microsoft war machine, Jobs reworked Apple's image to staunchly differentiate it from its rival. The successful launch of the "i" line, combined with the establishment of Apple users as being artsy and trendy, cemented the company's future in the mainstream.

On all fronts digital distribution was being fought for. The launch of iTunes was one of the biggest boons to Apple's ambition. More and more consumers realized just how convenient it was to log into a single hub and download products. The process was fast, accessible, and required no human interaction. The streamlined process benefited not only users, but developers as well. This shift to digital distribution would later be the software foundation for the iPhone and iPad.

If it could work for the music industry, surely this method could benefit the movie industry, right? The impact was made. The rise of Apple and its radical new philosophy would radically alter all entertainment forms. Video games and movies saw massive changes. Blockbuster and the video store model both went down in flames as the demand for convenience bred Netflix. The same key areas of innovation can be noted: speed, accessibility, and no human interaction. Movies were easy to peruse, quick to arrive, and easy to return.

While still wildly popular, the online rental service left consumers wanting. The Jobs/Apple effect would again inspire inspiration. If only there was a way for customers to have access to a massive library of films and watch them with the press of a button. Movie streaming soon replaced DVD by mail as the preferred choice of movie viewing.

The content library grew rapidly, as did streaming options. While originally the process was exclusive to PCs, this was found to be unsatisfactory. Popular game consoles like the Nintendo Wii received Netflix streaming capabilities to bring movies back into the living room. The streaming innovation wasn't done yet. Borrowing another page from Apple's book, soon it became portable. Nowadays you can flip open your Nintendo 3DS and enjoy thousands of movies and television shows.

Steve Jobs, your vision and impact will be forever remembered. Sleep well.

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