Apple Founder Steve Jobs Dies

According to the Associated Press, Apple Co-Founder and technological giant Steve Jobs has died. He was 56. According to a statement issued by his relatives, "Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family."

Jobs, who founded Apple Computing with Steve Wozniak, Mike Markkula, and others in the late 1970s, is responsible directly and indirectly for the iPhone, the iPad, The Apple Macintosh line of computers and a number of other innovations that have revolutionized the way we work, play, and interact. Jobs had been battling a rare and painful form of pancreatic cancer since 2004, and resigned from his position as head of Apple on August 24 of this year, writing that he could "no longer meet his duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO." Since then, Jobs had served as the chairman of Apple's board of directors.

"In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family," the Jobs' family statement reads, "We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve's illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories."

"Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple," Apple said in a statement.

Sometimes referred to as the Thomas Edison of his time, Jobs was either the primary inventor or co-inventor of 338 US patents or patent applications ranging from computer and portable devices to user interfaces, speakers, keyboards, power adapters, staircases, clasps, sleeves, lanyards and packages. His impressive array of patents speaks towards his creativity, ingenuity, and love of innovation, along with his hands-on approach to management, one that he applied very successfully during his time at Apple.
 
Jobs was also instrumental in the success of computer animation company Pixar, purchasing the company in the late 1990s and acting as its CEO through one of the most successful times in the company's history, producing classic movies like A Bug's Life, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, WALL-E, and Toy Story 3.
 
With his trademark black turtleneck, Apple fans always looked forward to Jobs getting up on stage and announcing "just one more thing," but it was never just one more thing; it was always so much more than that. Apple, under Jobs's impressive leadership, introduced products that were not only useful, but incredibly simple to use and stylish. Jobs transformed Apple from a producer of products to a worldwide brand that oozes class and sophistication.
 
In recent years with the release of the iPhone and iPad which ushered in the era of smart phones and mobile gaming for the masses, it seems as though the entire tech industry has been trying to keep pace with Apple, without ever been able to catch up. What Steve Jobs built was a company that made computing sexy. The allure of owning an iPhone is not only that it's an impressive piece of machinery, but that all the cool kids have one. . .and Steve Jobs was definitely one of the cool kids.
 
We'll miss you, Steve.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences with the good people at Apple, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com

Watch Attack of the Show's reaction to the news of Jobs' death below:

 ...And our tribute to Jobs: