The world reacts to Steve Jobs' passing

There are few, if any, corners of the tech world that Steve Jobs' vision and breakthroughs have not touched. He has inspired generations with his innovative ideas and approach to the world of technology, computing and music.

So it should come as no surprise that tributes poured in after his death. Below is a compilation of what people are saying after Jobs' passing.

Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak, was reached at dinner by the Los Angeles Times, and he said he was so overwhelmed by calls from the media he was having trouble getting in touch with his emotions. He went on to add:

"People sometimes have goals in life. Steve Jobs exceeded every goal he ever set for himself."

President Barack Obama said in a statement:

"Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. 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. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. 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 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. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve's wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him."

On his personal website, Bill Gates wrote:

"I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work.

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."

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in a statement:

"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."

On his Facebook page, Mark Zuckerberg wrote:

"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."

Google co-founder Larry Page wrote:

"I am very, very sad to hear the news about Steve. He was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance. He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it. His focus on the user experience above all else has always been an inspiration to me. He was very kind to reach out to me as I became CEO of Google and spend time offering his advice and knowledge even though he was not at all well. My thoughts and Google's are with his family and the whole Apple family."

Google's other co-founder Sergey Brin wrote:

"From the earliest days of Google, whenever Larry and I sought inspiration for vision and leadership, we needed to look no farther than Cupertino. Steve, your passion for excellence is felt by anyone who has ever touched an Apple product (including the macbook I am writing this on right now). And I have witnessed it in person the few times we have met. On behalf of all of us at Google and more broadly in technology, you will be missed very much. My condolences to family, friends, and colleagues at Apple.."

Dell Computers founder Michael Dell said in a statement:

"Today the world lost a visionary leader, the technology industry lost an iconic legend and I lost a friend and fellow founder. The legacy of Steve Jobs will be remembered for generations to come. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the Apple team."

California Governor Jerry Brown said in a statement:

"Steve Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what a totally independent and creative mind can accomplish. Few people have made such a powerful and elegant imprint on our lives. Anne and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Steve's wife, Laurene, and their entire family."

New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg said in a statement:

"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. And Steve's passionate belief in the power of technology to transform the way we live brought us more than smart phones and iPads: it brought knowledge and power that is reshaping the face of civilization. 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. Tonight our City - a city that has always had such respect and admiration for creative genius - joins with people around the planet in remembering a great man and keeping Laurene and the rest of the Jobs family in our thoughts and prayers."

The chairman and CEO of salesforce.com, Marc Benioff, said in a statement:

"I am deeply sorry to hear of Steve Jobs passing today. Steve was the greatest leader our industry has ever know. He led our industry relentlessly for over three decades. I was fortunate to be given my first job by Apple in May 1984, I was 19. Steve has since given me incredible personal support, always cared for my problems, and salesforce has directly benefited by a myriad of his ideas. There would not be a salesforce.com without Steve Jobs. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."

Author Salman Rushdie tweeted:

"I have been in love with the world Steve Jobs made ever since my first Apple Mac. He was one of the great architects of the real. RIP."

Lance Armstrong tweeted:

"Devastated 2 hear about the passing of Steve Jobs. Was blessed 2 have the opportunity to spend time w/ him on several occasions. May he RIP."