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Today in Apple history: Steve Ballmer freaks out and stomps an iPhone

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Ballmer
Turns out using an iPhone at a Microsoft event is a bad idea.
Photo: Off2riorob/Wikipedia CC

September 11: Today in Apple history: Steve Ballmer freaks out and stomps an iPhone September 11, 2009: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer reportedly snatches an iPhone from a Microsoft employee during a meeting and pretends to destroy it.

This isn’t the first time Ballmer behaves in a wacky way and incurs negative publicity as a result. However, it’s an embarrassing moment for a man who ranks among the tech world’s most powerful people.

Today in Apple history: Raging success of Windows 95 makes Cupertino worry

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Windows 95 banner
With Windows 95, Microsoft clearly had a hit on its hands. And that spurred nervous Apple execs into action.
Photo: Microsoft

September 6: Today in Apple history: Windows 95's success gets Cupertino worried September 6, 1995: The newly launched Windows 95 operating system dominates software sales, sending virtually every other company scurrying for cover — Apple included.

Microsoft’s $85 PC operating system only went on sale at the end of August. But by early September, the company reportedly sells a massive 1.63 million copies of Windows 95, according to excited analysts. It represents a massive triumph for Apple’s biggest rival of the 1990s.

Today in Apple history: Apple hatches secret plan to save the Mac

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Close-up of vintage Apple Keyboard II with rainbow Apple logo
An internal Apple memo outlined four possible ways to combat the increasingly dominant Windows operating system.
Photo: Maurizio Zanetti/Flickr CC

August 30 August 30, 1990: A 112-page confidential Apple memo lays out what the company must do to make the Macintosh division a marketplace contender.

The internal memo comes from Dan Eilers, Apple’s vice president of strategy and corporate development. He boldly says Apple must consider four strategies: licensing Mac OS, licensing both the Mac’s operating system and hardware, creating a spinoff brand for the Macintosh, or starting a totally new company to combat the growing threat of Microsoft’s Windows.

Today in Apple history: Apple fan Jerry Seinfeld joins the dark side

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Microsoft ad
"What's the deal with bad advertising?"
Photo: Microsoft

August 21: Today in Apple history: Jerry Seinfeld appears in failed Microsoft ads August 21, 2008: Microsoft recruits comedian Jerry Seinfeld for a series of ads. It’s a naked attempt to shake the company’s reputation as a stodgy oldster (as opposed to Apple’s trendsetting hipster image).

Microsoft pays Seinfeld a reported $10 million for the ads. However, thanks to the Mac’s appearance in virtually every episode of Seinfeld over the years, the comedian remains the world’s most famous Apple fanboy.

Today in Apple history: Apple steals a financial record from Microsoft

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Tim Cook earnings apple
Yet another financial milestone.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Aug 20: Today in Apple history: Apple passes Microsoft as most valuable publicly traded stock ever August 20, 2012: Apple passes a financial milestone as it becomes the most valuable publicly traded stock ever.

The company it bests to attain this record? Longtime rival Microsoft, which peaked on December 30, 1999. Apple’s surge to the top spot serves as a reminder of just how radically the fortunes of both companies changed over the years.

Today in Apple history: Tide turns against Apple in war with Microsoft

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Mac vs. PC
A judge's decision proves very damaging to Apple.
Image: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

August 14: Today in Apple history: Tide turns against Apple in war with Microsoft August 14, 1991: As Apple and Microsoft head to court to battle each other, the tide begins to turn against Cupertino and its claims that Windows unlawfully copies the look and feel of Mac OS.

The case concerns whether key elements of Apple’s operating system are original enough for copyright protection. The decision turns out to be a major blow against Apple — and the start of the company’s 1990s decline.

CdkeySales flash sale: Take additional 35% off Microsoft Windows 10 Pro ($15) and Office ($25)!

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Use promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software.
Use promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software.
Photo: CdkeySales.com

The blazing sun isn’t summertime’s only hot thing. You can also get blistering deals on crucial Microsoft productivity software. Whether it’s new or you’re just keeping yours updated to work smoothly and sidestep emerging security threats, it’s a good thing you can nab the latest versions of Windows, Microsoft Office and other great software at super-low summer prices.

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This post is brought to you by CdkeySales.
To avoid paying full price, check out the selection at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com. You’ll find deals on Windows, Office and more. And if you want the biggest savings, enter promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com. That cuts an additional 35% off the site’s low prices on software keys. And that’s not all. When you buy Windows 10 you get a free upgrade to Windows 11.

Why the Microsoft/Activision deal is a huge win for Mac gamers

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Why the Microsoft/Activision deal is a huge win for Mac gamers
Microsoft promised to allow rival cloud-gaming services access to Activision Blizzard games.
Image: Cult of Mac

Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard will be best thing to happen to Mac gaming in decades. The selection of titles available for Mac (and iPad) will shoot up dramatically because Microsoft has committed to allowing its popular games available on rival cloud gaming services.

Mac gaming has limped along since the 1990s. This deal will be a huge turnaround — if it makes it over all the regulatory hurdles.

MacBook Pro rig rides high Down Under [Setups]

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A 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro with a view drives a setup in Sydney, Australia.
A 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro with a view drives a setup in Sydney, Australia.
Photo: nathansreddit@Reddit.com

There’s nothing like working with windows — floor-to-ceiling ones with epic views of a world-class city, that is, not Microsoft’s OS software.

In today’s featured computer setup, a MacBook Pro and a Surface 8 laptop vie over a nice Dell 4K display overlooking Sydney, Australia.

Get Windows 10 Pro for just $13, Office 365 for only $20 at CdkeySales’ Mid-Year Sale

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Windows 10
Use promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software.
Photo: CdkeySales.com

While few people enjoy updating their Microsoft software, it’s important to do it to maintain the best productivity and security. So it’s a good thing you can score genuine copies of Windows, Microsoft Office and other great software at way below full price.

You can do that when you buy software activation keys.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by CdkeySales.
If you’re ready to stop paying full price for crucial software, try shopping at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com. You can find low prices on Windows, Office and more. And if you want to score the most savings, enter promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s super-low prices on software keys.

And don’t miss this — you get a free upgrade to Windows 11 when you buy Windows 10.