Earlier today, a tweet went out under the account @Whatstrending that reported Steve Jobs’s death, but was later removed because reports of his death had not yet been confirmed. At 7:45 p.m. Eastern time, however, the reports were substantiated that Jobs had in fact passed away, though the cause of death has not been confirmed.
Jobs was responsible for Apple’s most acclaimed innovations, including the home computer (iMac) and the portable mp3 player (iPod) as well as the recent stream of iOS products released in the last decade.
Apple’s statement, released earlier today, said, “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 him and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.”
Jobs’s creations can be found all around Manual. From the entirely iMac CMA lab to iPods and iPhones in the hands of students, Apple’s impact seems obvious.
“Jobs was an amazing guy. Attending the IdeaFestival taught me a lot about innovation and really gave me a whole new appreciation for people like him,” Jake Sims (12) said. “To say his legacy will remain is an understatement; every time we answer a text or scroll on an iPad we’ll remember his invaluable contributions to technology, communications, and entertainment.”
Jobs recently stepped down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, leaving Tim Cook, the company’s former Chief Operating Officer (COO), as its new CEO.
The Apple website displays a black and white photo of Jobs, and the only text on the page reads “Steve Jobs, 1955-2011.” The official statement on the website read, “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.”
Anyone who would like to share any final thoughts about Jobs can email Apple at [email protected].
Charley Nold is a senior and the Editor-in-Chief of Manual RedEye. He is also the Managing Editor for the Crimson Yearbook, a Life Scout, and Vice President of the duPont Manual Student YMCA. He Plans to Study Web Media and Political Science at Western Kentucky University.
