QuickTime

QuickTime is a multimedia framework developed by Apple, initially released in 1991, that enabled the playback, editing, and streaming of digital video, audio, animation, and graphics directly on personal computers. It revolutionized computing by transforming Macs into media machines, supporting…

Key facts

First appeared: 1991
Category: technology
Problem solved: QuickTime solved the inability to play digital video natively on personal computers, which previously required expensive hardware like laserdisc players or lacked software support for embedded multimedia, making video playback groundbreaking for consumer Macs[1][4][5].
Platforms: macOS, SGI workstations, MIPS, PowerPC Macs, Mac OS Classic (System 6/7), Windows

Related technologies

Final Cut Pro
System 7
iMovie
Mac OS X
PowerPC Macs

Notable users

Filmmakers
Macromedia (Final Cut Pro origins)
Apple
Game developers (e.g., Myst)
Pixar