Microsoft founder Bill Gates, a close personal friend of Jobs, said in a statement: “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 honour. I will miss Steve immensely.”
“Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs,” US president Barack Obama said in a statement. “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 grown-ups 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.”
Facebook creator Mark 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."
The BBC reported that actor, director and producer Spike Lee said: "VISIONARIES are always called CRAZY in the beginning. A VISIONARY sees things that everybody else says is IMPOSSIBLE, sees a World that People can't invision (sic) - MAC, IPOD, IPAD, IPHONE, ITUNES and PIXAR. I have nothing but Love for Mr. Jobs and Apple, they have always given me and my films L-O-V-E."
VIP's Dave Stevinson commented: ""It’s a tragic loss not just for his family but for the computer and music industries also. He's been instrumental at bringing innovation to the forefront of every industry and his ability to think outside the box will continue to inspire generations to come."
John Caudwell, who used to own Phones4u but now concentrates on charitable work, said: “Steve Jobs challenged all the longstanding mobile phone manufacturers - who had massive market share - and came from nowhere, to not only beat them at their own game, but to virtually kill them. He revolutionised the mobile phone industry. His application driven smart phone set the benchmark from which all phones would be judged.”
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