Apple co-founder, former CEO, and chairman Steve Jobs died today, Apple's board of directors has confirmed. He had been battling an illness widely believed to be pancreatic or liver cancer, and had stepped down as Apple CEO in late August saying he was no longer able to do the job. He had remained as Apple's chairman after promoting then-CFO Tim Cook to CEO.
Jobs had a colorful, sometimes contentious relationship with the tech industry, but he led several revolutions, including the advent of user-centered computers via the Macintosh, the digital music business via iTunes and the iPod, and most recently tablet computing via the iPad.
Apple's board of directors wrote:
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.
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.
Yesterday, Apple announced the iPhone 4S, an update to the widely successful iPhone 4 that incorporated voice recognition and artificial intelligence technology acquired from Siri, a technology mix that had been an area of strong interest to Jobs and one he spoke about with clear passion when acquiring Siri. In a strange twist of fate, that dream came true on his watch.
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