Steve Jobs - the world pays tribute

Steve Jobs, co-founder and former chief-executive has died at the age of 56 after a long battle with cancer. Tributes to Mr Jobs have been made outside Apple stores across the world, while millions of people have turned to Twitter and Facebook to post messages of condolence.

Collected here are a selection of tributes from industry figures, colleagues, friends and family.

Steve Jobs' family:

"Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.

In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. 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.

We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief."

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple:

"No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve's death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honour his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much."

John Lasseter, chief creative officer and Ed Catmull, President Walt Disney and Pixar Animation studios:

"Steve Jobs was an extraordinary visionary, our very dear friend and the guiding light of the Pixar family. He saw the potential of what Pixar could be before the rest of us, and beyond what anyone ever imagined.

Steve took a chance on us and believed in our crazy dream of making computer animated films; the one thing he always said was to simply 'make it great.'"

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO:

"I want to express my deepest condolences at the passing of Steve Jobs, one of the founders of our industry and a true visionary. My heart goes out to his family, everyone at Apple and everyone who has been touched by his work."

Bill Gates:

"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.

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.

For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and President of Facebook:

"Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you."

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.

Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

The world has lost a visionary."

And finally, in his own words

In 2005 Steve Jobs delivered a speech at Stanford University, which can be watched here. The full text of the speech is available to be read here.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com