RIP Steve Jobs

"Without Steve Jobs Apple would still be only a fruit." 

--------------Xorro

 

APPLE genius Steve Jobs died last night after a long battle with cancer.

The computer pioneer, 56, had recently looked incredibly frail after a fight with the illness.

US President Barack Obama paid tribute to the man who "exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity".

He said: "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."

 Jobs resigned as the company's chief exec in August after being on medical leave since January 17 for an undisclosed condition.

 The unveiling of the iPhone 4S on Tuesday was the first time he had not been at a key product launch.

Jobs died as Walt Disney Co.'s largest shareholder after he sold Toy Story makers Pixar to them.

Comparisons were drawn between Jobs and some of history's most celebrated minds.

Movie director Steven Spielberg, one of the founders of Pixar rival DreamWorks Animation, said: "Steve Jobs was the greatest inventor since Thomas Edison. He put the world at our fingertips."

Daniel Ek, the founder of digital music service Spotify, said: "My hat off to our time's Da Vinci."

Remembered ... Apple homepage after Jobs's death was announced

The CEO Jobs hand-picked to replace him, Tim Cook, addressed Apple staff in an email.

He wrote: "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."

Grieving Apple devotees left floral and written tributes outside his home in Palo Alto, California.

He died peacefully with his family by his side.

A spokesman for Apple said: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

The face of Apple ... Steve Jobs

"Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives.

"The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

"His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family.

Innovator ... Steve Jobs posing with an Apple II computer

"Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."

Jobs co-founded Apple in a garage in 1976 and after resigning as chief exec this year stayed on as chairman.

He battled pancreatic cancer in 2004 and had to have a liver transplant in 2007.

COMPUTER pioneer has died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

His chief exec resignation letter in August was given an added poignancy after his death.

He said: "I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know."

"Unfortunately, that day has come.

"I believe Apple's brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

"I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you."

Jobs has been behind some of technology's most revolutionary creations.

He transformed the music industry when the iPod was introduced on October 23, 2001.

Six years later he revitalised the mobile market with the first iPhone on January 9, 2007.

And on January 27, 2010, the iPad was announced, changing the portable computer world forever.

In August this year Apple became the world's most valuable company for the first time.

In a survey last month Jobs was said to be worth $7BILLION - or £4.5BILLION.

Celebrities paid tribute to the computing legend online on Twitter.

Jonathan Ross said: "RIP Steve Jobs. You changed the world. Sad day."

Arnold Schwarzenegger added: "Steve lived the California Dream every day of his life and he changed the world and inspired all of us."

Lord Alan Sugar remembered his Amstrad computer company competing with Jobs in the 1980s.

He wrote: "Gutted: Steve Jobs died.

Creations ... the iPod, an old Mac and iPhone

"We started our computer biz at same time and were competitors thru 80's. Great visionary. Sadly missed RIP."

Kim Kardashian said: "Steve Jobs died. He was a brilliant man."

Stephen Fry said: "Woke to the news of Steve Jobs's death. He changed the world. I knew him a little and admired him entirely. Love to Apple and his family."

Revolutionary ... Steve Jobs shows off an iMac computer and a NeXTstation

Alexandra Burke said: "So sad to hear that Steve Jobs has passed away.

"What a genius. He is with the angels now. May he rest in perfect peace."

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates also expressed his condolences saying that it had "been an insanely great honour" to work with his long-time rival.

Pioneer ... Steve Jobs and a NeXTstation computer

Mr Gates said: "I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death.

"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 honour. I will miss Steve immensely."

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Google CEO Larry Page, also spoke of Jobs' passing.

Mr Zuckerberg said: "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"

Mr Page said: "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.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin added: "Steve, your passion for excellence is felt by anyone who has ever touched an Apple product. On behalf of all of us at Google and more broadly in technology, you will be missed very much." 

RIP Steve Jobs. We WILL MISS YOU. :'(