Tech leaders, politicians and the public are paying tribute to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs after news of his death broke last night after his long battle with illnesses.
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak told CNET his memories of his friendship with Jobs and his work in the early days of the company.
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Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and once one of Jobs’ biggest rivals, along with his wife Melinda Gates, offered condolences to Jobs’ family and friends, as well as to everyone influenced by 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,” said Gates.
“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,” he said.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer also offered his sympathies to Jobs’ family and everyone at Apple.
Larry Page, CEO and co-founder of Google, recalled how Jobs reached out to him after Page was made chief executive of the search giant and spent time giving advice even though he was ill.
“He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it,” said Page.
Google’s other co-founder Sergey Brin also offered his condolences, saying both he and Page sought inspiration for leadership and vision from Jobs.
Google itself remembered Jobs by placing his name under the search bar today.
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg thanked Jobs for being “a mentor and a friend.”
Outside the technology world, politicians also paid tribute to Jobs, including US President Barack Obama.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny offered his condolences to the Apple co-founder and former CEO: “Steve Jobs was a creative genius who broke down walls in business and opened doors in people’s minds. His innovative prowess in the area of technology has brought about a level of access to information for millions that few would have ever foreseen. His legacy will be not just his products and business achievements, but also the way in which he altered mindsets in the business world and in everyday life.”
IDA Ireland also expressed its condolences, saying that both Jobs and Apple have become “icons of the technology revolution.”
“Steve Jobs was an unrivalled innovator and visionary whose designs and products changed how people interact with technology,” said IDA Ireland CEO Barry O’Leary
The public has also reacted strongly to Jobs’ death. Many have placed flowers at the Apple Store in San Francisco, as well as sticking up post-it notes on the windows, thanking Jobs for his work.
Apple is letting people email in their thoughts, memories and condolences to rememberingsteve@apple.com.
