Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and pioneer in the tech industry, passed away at the age of 56, just as his company launched the iPhone 4S -- the device he helped create.
Steve Jobs Passes Away, Mourners Remember
Steve Jobs, the creative genius behind products like the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone and iPad, passed away after a long struggle with cancer. Jobs underwent surgery for the disease in 2004, received a liver transplant in 2009 and took three medical leaves of absence as Apple's CEO before stepping down from the position in August, saying he could no longer meet the duties necessary to perform.
People around the nation and world remembered Jobs as a visionary. Many of them found out about his passing on devices he helped create. Fans arrived at Apple's flagship Manhattan store to leave candles and flowers, and memorials also cropped up worldwide, including in Australia and China.
Colleagues and competitors of Steve Jobs also issued statements about his passing. Microsoft founder Bill Gates said, "The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for generations to come." Google CEO Larry Page and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg also thanked Jobs for inspiring them.
The positive remarks about Jobs legacy are well-earned considering his accomplishments. Jobs changed the world of mobile technology with Apple's release of the iPhone, which was years ahead of all other smartphones on the market.
Jobs is also credited with helping the music industry transition into the digital era. The iPod and iTunes store forever changed the way people listened to and purchased music. Digital sales now account for nearly one third of music industry revenues and iTunes has sold 16 billion songs.
Steve Jobs' death leaves Apple without the mastermind behind these great innovations. Apple's new CEO Tim Cook will now face the task of keeping Apple on top, without Jobs' guidance behind the scenes.
