Profound impact
Just over a month after Apple's iconic CEO stepped down, conceding he was no longer capable of performing the role, Steve Jobs has died.
It's a bit of a cliché, and no less true because of it, but this does put things into perspective. Whatever your stance on this most polarising of companies, the impact of Jobs on the technology world and beyond is indisputable.
Jobs spent many of his formative professional years as the plucky underdog, championing the only real alternative to Microsoft in the PC market - and arguably creating many of the features that found their way onto all PCs. But his enduring legacy is in creating the mobile device market as we now know it - first with the iPod, then the iPhone, and most recently the iPad. In so doing he made Apple the biggest company in the world.
It says something about the significance of the man that his death was the lead item when we tuned into the BBC news this morning. We would love to hear your reflections on Jobs and his achievements and add them to the many public statements reflecting on his passing, some of which we have collated below.
Tim Cook - Apple CEO
Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing
human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.
We are planning a celebration of Steve's extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.
No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve's death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.
Barack Obama - US president
Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.
By building one of the planet's most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.
The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve's wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.
Bill Gates - Microsoft founder
I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work.
Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives.
The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come.
For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.
Larry Page - Google CEO
I am very, very sad to hear the news about Steve. He was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance.
He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it. His focus on the user experience above all else has always been an inspiration to me.
He was very kind to reach out to me as I became CEO of Google and spend time offering his advice and knowledge even though he was not at all well. My thoughts and Google's are with his family and the whole Apple family.
Mark Zuckerberg - Facebook CEO
Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.
Steve Ballmer - Microsoft CEO
I want to express my deepest condolences at the passing of Steve Jobs, one of the founders of our industry and a true visionary. My heart goes out to his family, everyone at Apple and everyone who has been touched by his work.
