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Apple discontinues development of the Newton computer

The Newton is a specified standard and series of personal digital assistants (PDAs) developed and marketed by Apple Computer, Inc. from 1993 to 1998.

The Newton is a specified standard and series of personal digital assistants (PDAs) developed and marketed by Apple Computer, Inc. from 1993 to 1998. An early device in the PDA category – the term itself originating with the Newton – it was the first to feature handwriting recognition. Newton devices run on a proprietary operating system, Newton OS; unlike the company's Macintosh computers, Apple licensed the software to third-parties, who released Newton devices alongside Apple's own MessagePad line.

Apple started developing the platform in 1987; conceptualized by Steve Sakoman as a tablet-like device with handwriting capabilities, he worked with AT&T Corporation to develop a low-power processor, Hobbit, for the project.

Historical Significance

The Newton is a specified standard and series of personal digital assistants (PDAs) developed and marketed by Apple Computer, Inc.

Events Before

  1. The Republic of Zaire officially joins the World Trade Organization as Zaire

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), also known as the DR Congo, Congo-Kinshasa, or simply the Congo, or less often Zaire, is a country in Central Africa.

  2. "Smothers Brothers" actor-singer Dick Smothers (58) weds third wife Denby Franklin (47) in Las Vegas, Nevada; divorce in

    "Smothers Brothers" actor-singer Dick Smothers (58) weds third wife Denby Franklin (47) in Las Vegas, Nevada; divorce in 2006

  3. "Wall Street" actor Charlie Sheen (31) divorces model Donna Peele after nearly 5 months of marriage

    "Wall Street" actor Charlie Sheen (31) divorces model Donna Peele after nearly 5 months of marriage

  4. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," created by Joss Whedon and starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, premieres on the WB Television Ne

    "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," created by Joss Whedon and starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, premieres on the WB Television Network

  5. American rapper Vanilla Ice (29) weds Laura Giarritta

    American rapper Vanilla Ice (29) weds Laura Giarritta

Events After

  1. Euro currency is introduced to world financial markets

    The European Currency Unit (French: Unité de compte européenne, Spanish: Unidad Monetaria Europea, German: Europäische Währungseinheit ; ⟨₠⟩, ECU, or XEU) was a unit of account used by the European...

  2. President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial begins in the US Senate after the House voted to impeach him for lying about

    President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial begins in the US Senate after the House voted to impeach him for lying about his affair with Monica Lewinsky

  3. "The Sopranos", starring James Gandolfini as mobster Tony Soprano, debuts on HBO

    The Sopranos is an American crime drama television series created by David Chase. The series follows Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey Mafia boss who suffers from panic attacks.

  4. American actress Angelina Jolie (23) divorces actor Jonny Lee Miller (26) after 3 years of marriage

    Angelina Jolie is an American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian. She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award and three Golden Globe Awards.

  5. US President Bill Clinton is acquitted by the Senate in his impeachment trial

    The impeachment trial of Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, began in the U.S. Senate on January 7, 1999, and concluded with his acquittal on February 12.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on February 27, 1998?
The Newton is a specified standard and series of personal digital assistants (PDAs) developed and marketed by Apple Computer, Inc. from 1993 to 1998. An early device in the PDA category – the term itself originating with the Newton – it was the first to feature handwriting recognition.
Why is Apple discontinues development of the Newton computer significant?
The Newton is a specified standard and series of personal digital assistants (PDAs) developed and marketed by Apple Computer, Inc.

Explore More

February 27 in HistoryYear 1998