The Unexpected Legacy of a Windows Screensaver: SereneScreen Marine Aquarium
A recent video by retro tech YouTuber LGR explores the surprisingly enduring story of SereneScreen Marine Aquarium, a screensaver that's been captivating users for over two decades. Created by Jim Sachs, a former Air Force pilot turned programmer and digital artist, the screensaver began as a response to Microsoft's simplistic aquarium screensaver in Windows 95 and 98. Using hand-drawn 3D art and C++, Sachs released the first version in 2000. Its success led to a licensing deal with Microsoft for Windows XP, and it has since seen numerous updates and appearances in movies and TV shows. Available across various platforms, including Mac, iOS, Android, and Roku, SereneScreen Marine Aquarium shows the unexpected staying power of a seemingly simple screensaver in the age of smart TVs and streaming services.