Computer pioneer Steve Jobs, co-founder and former chief executive officer of Apple Inc, died following a long battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday. He was 56.
Jobs was the central figure in transforming Apple into one of the world's largest and most envied companies.
He died just a day after Apple unveiled its latest device, the iPhone 4s, at an event that Jobs usually presided over with singular showmanship. It was the first such presentation in years where Jobs did not take the stage in his signature jeans and black turtleneck.
"Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives," Apple said in a statement. "His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."
Also read: Steve Jobs Through the Years (Slideshow)
Jobs stepped away as CEO of the company he helped turn into a tech titan in August, citing his failing health. He was replaced by Tim Cook, but continued to serve as the company's chairman.
Apple's homepage currently bears an image of the company's co-founder, top, and advised those wishing to send condolences to email them to rememberingsteve@apple.com.
His former rival, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, paid tribute to Apple's creative visionary, calling him a colleague, a competitor and a friend.
"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," Gates said in a statement. "For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."
Also read: Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg React to Steve Jobs' Death
Though often brusque, Jobs inspired near messianic devotion from his employees and millions of customers. In addition to creating sleek computers, he helped transform the music and publishing industries by creating portable and user friendly products like the iPod, iPhone and the iPad.
Jobs also helped refashion a tiny graphics company into Pixar, the creator of such animated smashes as "Toy Story" and "Finding Nemo." After Disney acquired Pixar in 2006, he became the media giant's largest shareholder.
Robert Iger, Disney CEO and president, said Wednesday that he mourned the loss of a trusted advisor.
"Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started," Iger said in a statement. "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."
Jobs, known for a keen interest in design, has his name on 313 Apple patents. His work in technology and entertainment made him an extremely wealthy man, worth an estimated $8.3 billion.
Jobs, who was born in San Francisco on Feb.
