The world has taken to the Web to express condolences about the news of Steve Jobs’ death. Political leaders, technology executives and other celebrities mourned the loss of Apple co-founder online referring to him as one of the “greatest American innovators” and a “true visionary.”
U.S. President Obama said in statement released by the White House: “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.”
“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."
Microsoft co-founder, Chairman and longtime rival Bill Gates said in a statement: "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."
Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in the social network: “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.”
Google co-founder Larry Page posted on Google+: “I am very, very sad to hear the news about Steve. He was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance. He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it. His focus on the user experience above all else has always been an inspiration to me. He was very kind to reach out to me as I became CEO of Google and spend time offering his advice and knowledge even though he was not at all well. My thoughts and Google’s are with his family and the whole Apple family.”
Apple competitor Nokia CEO Stephen Elop expressed: "The world lost a true visionary today. Steve's passion for simplicity and elegance leaves us all a legacy that will endure for generations. Today, my thoughts, and those of everyone at Nokia are with the friends and family that he leaves behind."
Twitter CEO Dick Costolo said: "Once in a rare while, somebody comes along who doesn't just raise the bar, they create an entirely new standard of measurement."
Walt Disney CEO Robert Iger, who bought Jobs’ Pixar animation studio in 2006 making Jobs Disney’s largest individual shareholder, made a statement saying: "Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted adviser. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an 'original,' with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers."
