Steve Jobs passed away last night. Since then, reactions, tributes, stories have been flooding the Internet as people react to the news. Here is a sampling of these:
Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder:
The way I see it… the way people love products he put so much into creating means he brought a lot of life to the world.
Tim Cook, Apple CEO, in an email to employees:
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.
Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and former CEO:
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.
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.
Nadir Mohamed, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rogers Communications:
“Steve Jobs was one of the greatest innovators of our time. He revolutionized how we consume entertainment, access information and stay in touch by making iconic devices that are brilliantly designed, intuitive and easy to use. He had a clear vision for what technology should deliver to consumers and his focus on the customer was relentless. He will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, his friends and to all the employees at Apple.”
Larry Page, Google co-founder:
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.
Sergei Brin, Google co-founder:
From the earliest days of Google, whenever Larry and I sought inspiration for vision and leadership, we needed to look no farther than Cupertino. Steve, your passion for excellence is felt by anyone who has ever touched an Apple product (including the macbook I am writing this on right now). And I have witnessed it in person the few times we have met.
On behalf of all of us at Google and more broadly in technology, you will be missed very much. My condolences to family, friends, and colleagues at Apple.
Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and 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.
Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, co-chiefs of BlackBerry maker Research in Motion Ltd.:
Steve Jobs was a great visionary and a respected competitor. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to all of the employees of Apple.”
Brian Lam, former Editor-in-Chief at Gizmodo, wrote a great piece about his relationship with Jobs before and after Gizmodo got their hands on that iPhone 4.
Love him or hate him, it’s clear that Steve Jobs is leaving a powerful legacy behind. He was a catalyst of change who played a pivotal role in the evolution of the technology that we use day in and day out. RIP, Steve Jobs.