Apple’s Steve Jobs Dies at 56
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October 6, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
The “visionary” Steve Jobs lost his seven-year battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday. We have lost a “genius”, say Apple.
Steve Jobs, co-founder of the technology giant Apple, has died at the age of 56. Flags have been flying at half mast outside company headquarters in California, as the world of technology, business and politics commemorate the man behind the iPod and iPad.
A family statement confirmed that Mr Jobs died at his home in California on Wednesday “surrounded” by those he loved. They have now asked the public to “respect our privacy during our time of grief”.
Following the announcement, Apple stated that Mr Jobs’ “brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives”.
They added: “The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.”
Elsewhere, US President Barack Obama has paid tribute to the 56-year-old. The world has “lost a visionary”, he said.
“Steve was among the greatest American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.”
Thousands of fans have held vigils outside Apple stores; paying tribute to the man they say revolutionised modern technology.
Mr Jobs, who dropped out of college, founded the Apple empire in 1976 with childhood friend Steve Woznick. They launched their first computer in that same year, starting the Apple II series. Following its success, the company then launched the iMac computer, the iPod and the iPhone to the world and is now valued at an estimated $351bn (£227bn).
On their company website, Apple have posted that we have “lost a visionary and creative genius and the world has lost an amazing human being”.
Mr Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004 and received a liver transplant five years later. Due to health issues he resigned as CEO in August, handing over his duties to Tim Cook.
In his resignation letter, he said: “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.”
News of Mr Jobs’ death comes 24 hours after Apple’s launch of the iPhone 4S module.
By Catherine Rees
[Image courtesy of COG LOG LAB.]
