Apple's corporate statement announcing the death of 56-year old co-founder Steve Jobs was brief: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.
Steve Jobs: "The last of the great technology hardware entrepreneurs from the days when you could start up a business in your friends' garage"
Apple's corporate statement announcing the death of 56-year old co-founder Steve Jobs was brief: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.
"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."
Many technology experts, industry peers and other admirers have been quick to add their own tributes.
US President Barack Obama
"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.
"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.
"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."
Tim Cook, Apple chief executive
"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being.
"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."
Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder
"For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honour. I will miss Steve immensely.
"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."
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard
"All of us would be touched every day by products that he was the creative genius behind, so this is very sad news and my condolences go to his family and friends."
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg
"Tonight, America lost a genius who will be remembered with Edison and Einstein, and whose ideas will shape the world for generations to come.
"Again and again over the last four decades, Steve Jobs saw the future and brought it to life long before most people could even see the horizon.
"In New York City's government, everyone from street construction inspectors to NYPD detectives have harnessed Apple's products to do their jobs more efficiently and intuitively."
Arnold Schwarzenegger, former governor of California
"Steve lived the California Dream every day of his life and he changed the world and inspired all of us."
The Grammys (recording academy)
"Thank you for revolutionizing the way we listen to music. Your vision will not be forgotten."
Tim Charlton, Charlton Media Group
"Steve Jobs was the last of the great technology hardware entrepreneurs from the days when you could start up a business in your friends' garage.
More importantly he personally envisaged the smartphone which put the power of a computer in your pocket, forever freeing us from our work desks and old style punch key mobile phones and with the iPad he moved us into the Star Trek era."
iPhone vigils
Other tributes (via Twitter) included praise for the way Steve Jobs changed the technological landscape:
"Thank you, Steve Jobs, for making technology a delight to use, instead of a necessary evil."
"The world pauses their iPods and rushes to their MacBooks and iPhones to confirm the news."
"3 Apples changed the World, 1st one seduced Eve, 2nd fell on Newton and the 3rd was offered to the World half bitten by Steve Jobs."
Apple fans were invited to share their thoughts, memories and condolences by sending messages to
