Entrepreneur Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Computer Inc., died Wednesday. He was 56.
Jobs' vision for a "computer for the rest of us" yielded a host of products and services that have revolutionized the tech industry, among numerous others. During his reign at the top of Apple, the company introduced the iPod portable digital audio player in 2001, an online marketplace called the Apple iTunes Store in 2003, the iPhone handset in 2007 and the iPad tablet computer in 2010.
While Jobs struggled with health issues including a pancreatic tumor and a liver transplant, Apple's products continued to resonate with consumers, driving mind-boggling profits for the company. Apple says it has sold more than 300 million iPods, over 100 million iPhones and more than 15 million iPad devices. The company has sold billions of songs from its iTunes Store.
Here's a collection of reactions of Jobs' death from fellow entrepreneurs, tech personalities and other notable figures:
Bill Gates, founder of Apple rival Microsoft:
"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."
Guy Kawasaki, entrepreneur, venture capitalist and former Apple chief evangelist
"May Steve rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones. No CEO has done more for his customers, employees, and shareholders than Steve.
"He changed the world -- my world, your world, the entire world. His words to live by: 'There must be a better way.'
"You changed our lives, Steve, and you showed us that there is a better way. . .we will miss you."
Mark Cuban, Internet entrepreneur and billionaire:
"He was a once-in-a-generation mind. His ability to understand and translate pop culture was second to none. He will be missed."
Google co-founder Sergey Brin:
"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."
AOL co-founder Steve Case:
"I feel honored to have known Steve Jobs. He was the most innovative entrepreneur of our generation. His legacy will live on for the ages."
Apple Board of Directors:
"Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve."
U.S. President Barack Obama:
"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 grownups 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."
The overwhelming outcry of sadness, wrapped in accolades, for Jobs also flooded the Twittersphere.
Michael Dell, founder of Dell Inc.
@MichaelDell Today the world lost a visionary leader, the technology industry lost an iconic legend and I lost a friend and fellow founder. The legacy of Steve Jobs will be remembered for generations to come. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the Apple team.
Richard Branson, Virgin Founder
@richardbranson RIP Steve Jobs. A truly great businessman. Inspiration to so many. A real Family man. He will be sorely missed.
Kevin Rose, founder of Digg.com
@kevinrose damn.. damn.. damn.. RIP Steve Jobs
Ben Kaufman, founder of Quirky
@benkaufman "Those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.". Thanks Steve. Your products started me on this path.
Gurbaksh Chahal, serial entrepreneur
@gchahal Thank You, Steve Jobs.
Robert Scoble, tech evangelist and blogger
@Scobleizer Rainbow over Silicon Valley. Steve Jobs RIP. @ Sunnyvale
Scott Heiferman, founder of Meetup.com
@heif Sad sad sad sad sad sad sad
Ashton Kutcher, actor, investor and entrepreneur
@aplusk We have all surfed on the wake of Steve Jobs ship. Now we must learn to sail, but we will never forget our skipper.