Bill Atkinson, architect of the Mac's graphical soul, dies at 74
Briefly

Bill Atkinson played a crucial role in the development of HyperCard, a tool that enabled non-coders to create interactive content across education, art, and business. His high-contrast dithering algorithm defined early Macintosh graphics and still resonates in modern digital art. After leaving Apple, he co-founded General Magic and later joined the AI startup Numenta, emphasizing the societal importance of machine intelligence. In his later years, Atkinson shifted to photography, publishing a book that reflected his artistic eye. His legacy was honored by Apple CEO Tim Cook following his recent passing due to pancreatic cancer.
Bill Atkinson's innovative contributions to hypermedia and graphics profoundly shaped early computing, multimedia experiences, and interactive lessons, leaving a lasting legacy in technology and art.
After Apple, Atkinson's ventures moved toward personal communication technology, emphasizing the importance of machine intelligence, significantly impacting future AI developments beyond traditional computing.
Atkinson's artistic pursuits in nature photography mirrored his programming creativity, showcasing a rich visual perspective on life through his acclaimed book, 'Within the Stone'.
In mourning Bill Atkinson's passing, Tim Cook highlighted the invaluable legacy he left in shaping graphics for the Macintosh, solidifying Atkinson's place in tech history.
Read at Ars Technica
[
|
]