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Yesterday, Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple, but will continue to have influence at the company as Chairman of the Board of Directors. His announcement was sad and shocking, though highly anticipated. My sincere hope is that he will beat the odds and recover some day. Miracles do happen.
Jobs’ genius extends from tech to design, innovation, marketing, development, management and presentations. The iPod, iPhone and iPad not only have become best sellers in their categories, they have also brought mass appeal to consumers. MP3 players, smartphones and tablets existed before Apple launched their devices. But widespread consumer adoption occurred only when Apple entered these markets. Jobs has succeeded not only in brilliant innovation, but in making personal technology appealing to the general public. Few products instill fervor in consumers as Apple products do.
With all of the impact Jobs has had on the consumer technology market, his biggest contribution has been his introduction of devices that are sophisticated enough to satisfy the appetites of techies, while being intuitive enough for everyday people to enjoy.
His genius was believing in the wonder of tech and making us believe in it too.
What do you think of his announcement? The impact Steve Jobs has had on technology? The future of Apple? Share your thoughts with us in the Comments section below.
* Image by Marco PakΓΆeningrat
Adrienne says
Hey Carolyn,
Since you know I’m not up on all things technical, I was surprised at his announcement. But I also read that he said he would know when it was time to step down and let someone else take Apple to new heights. Obviously he knows what is best for him and the company so I applaud him for that.
As always, reporting the news when it happens. Yep, you’re the Tech Queen for sure.
Thanks for sharing.
Adrienne
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Adrienne, Yes, even though we knew this news was coming some day, it’s still shocking when we learn of it. Yes, he is following through with what he promised to do, but it’s still a sad time.
I’m glad to share the latest tech news with Wonder of Tech readers, though usually it’s exciting news like a new product or app I discovered.
Thanks so much for the incredible support you have given me, Adrienne, today in your wonderful blog post and every step of the way. You have been a great friend!
Stephanie Stewart says
I had a Lisa Apple computer in the 80s and friends thought we were crazy. When the 90s rolled around we were bummed as it appeared Apple was entering its death throws. Then the genius of Jobs brought a new design to the Apple Imac and the next decade we fell in love with the Iphone and Ipad. My Ipad 2 was named by my husband, Steph’s True Love. It has been a wonderful roller coaster Steve Jobs. Thanks!
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Wow, Stephanie, you certainly have been on a roller coaster ride with Apple. But you have stuck with them and now have a new true love. Now I bet your friends don’t think you’re crazy. Or, if they do, it’s not because you’re an Apple fan. π
Thanks so much, Stephanie, for your visit and awesome comment!
KathyF says
Steve Jobs and his computers made my life so much better in so many ways. I never would have adapted to the PC environment, so I owe a lot to Steve Jobs and his computers for the rest of us.
We’ve had Macs since 1987 and my daughters were pretty sure I was a genius as they were growing up, seeing me do so many amazing things on that little Mac SE. Now they know better, since I can barely turn on a gadget that isn’t a Mac. Steve’s influence in my life will be missed. Best wishes to him and his family as he begins the next chapter of his life.
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Kathy, Yes, it was nice when my kids were young enough to be impressed with my skills. I think they won’t be impressed again until they have kids. Then they’ll wonder how I managed. Ha!
But I still think you’re a genius.
Thanks so much for your visit and wonderful comment! π
Kathy Do says
I cannot imagine how different our lives would be if it were not for the vision of Steve Jobs (I say as I type on my Mac and get ready to go for a power walk with my I-Pod.) Now if I can just hint a little harder to my husband to get me an I-Pad for Christmas, I’ll be all set.
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Kathy, You’re right, it is hard to imagine life without iPhones, iPods and iPads. Jobs’ time at Apple had a huge impact on many people’s daily lives.
Keep hinting for the iPad, it’s worth it!
Thanks so much, Kathy, for your visit and brilliant comment. π
Ira says
Hi Carolyn,
I also felt sad when I read the news but on a positive note, I’m also glad that he finally decided to step down because I know he needs more rest. He really is a genius and I’m praying for some miracles too.
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Ira, Good point. Rest will do him good. It’s hard to push yourself when your health is not at its peak. Perhaps his health will improve with rest. We can always hope.
Thanks so much, Ira, for your visit and awesome comment! π
Carl says
Steve Jobs is mean Apple, without him the world wasn’t the same. He is a model for me and i think for more others!
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Carl, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech. Steve Jobs is certainly a wonderful role model for all of us. He made us look at the world in a different way.
Thanks so much for your visit and comment!
Stan Faryna says
Sell your apple stock now. [grin]
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Stan, Some people would agree with you, but many wouldn’t. Apple stock price is down < 1% today. Thanks so much, Stan, for your visit and great comment! π Note, see Full Disclosure, I own some shares of Apple stock.
Allyson Stewart says
Hi, Carolyn
That is sad! Steve has been a great influence in Apple, that’s for sure. I don’t think the company will be the same without him. I know he’s been ill for a while, bless his heart. Like you, I hope he does recover some day too.
I do believe Apple will continue to do well, even if their products aren’t quite as innovative.
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Allyson, Yes, the news is very sad. Time will tell how Steve Jobs’ resignation affects the design and innovation of Apple products. It’s difficult to imagine that they will be the same without Jobs, but they will probably continue to surprise and amaze us!
Thanks, Allyson, for your visit and wonderful comment! π
Cathy | treatment Talk says
I am saddened by the announcement. My first experience with computers was with an Apple, and I have loved them ever since. I, as most Apple fans do, went on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. I’m concerned the company will not be quite the same, but I hope they will continue to grow. You are correct, Steve Jobs is a genius who has changed all of our lives.
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Cathy, Good point, once you try one Apple product, you tend to want others. The quality of their products and ease of use turns many consumers into Apple fans.
Thanks so much for your visit and awesome comment!
Jocuri Online says
I heard the news today, i was a bit sad he is leaving but nothing is more important than health. He is truly a living legend, a pioneer!
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Jocuri, So true. Nothing else matters more than health.
Thank you very much for your visit, awesome comments and all of your votes! π
Christian Hollingsworth says
First of all, that photo of Steve Jobs is incredible. Beautiful piece of artwork. Really puts what he’s created into perspective.
What I love about Steve Job is that he’s not just a CEO, but a true leader. A leader in all things technology. He’s given us a whole lot.
I find it pleasing that he decided to step down, because he needs to take a break. A rest. He needs to take care of himself. I wish him all the best – and hope he can recover.
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Christian, I was very excited when I found that amazing image. I had recently searched for images of Steve Jobs I could use on this blog but hadn’t found this one. It seemed like a perfect way to honor his work at Apple.
I agree with you. Perhaps rest is just what he needs to make positive progress with his help. I certainly hope so!
Thanks so much for your visit, brilliant comment and votes! π
Bryce Christiansen says
Hi Carolyn,
Glad Adrienne brought you up in her latest post or I might have missed finding your site as soon as I did.
I love this tribute. One of my guest articles over on Everyday Bright was The Steve Jobs Guide to Everyday Leadership
http://everydaybright.com/2011/02/the-steve-jobs-guide-to-everyday-leadership/
Perhaps I was too early to catch the buzz that is happening now, but I couldn’t pass an opportunity to share some great leadership lessons from the man.
Great job on the blog and I hope you win.
Best of luck,
Bryce
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Bryce, I’m so glad you found this blog too! This lead me to your blog and awesome article which I recommend everyone reads for knowledge and inspiration. Well done.
Yes, in addition to being a genius, Steve Jobs has been a great leader too. I hope he has many opportunities to lead in the future.
Thanks so much, Bryce, for your fantastic comments, kind words and shoutout at your blog! π
Jens P. Berget says
Hi Carolyn,
I have no doubt in my mind that Steve Jobs is a genius. I love every single Apple product I have ever tried, and I’m currently using and iPhone and three Macs (and I’m still dreaming about buying an iPad).
It took some time to realize how incredible he is, and I truly understood it the first time I saw him on stage (video) launching new products. I truly understood why this was such a big buzz, and that people all over the world were watching. He’s an amazing charisma, like very few I’ve seen on stage, especially when it comes to CEO’s π
On the other hand, I read an article in a Norwegian business magazine yesterday. The journalist said that Steve Jobs could never have been a CEO in Norway, he’s style is not something we would appreciate. It’s part of our culture, and he’s a very strong leader (some say that he’s a dictator).
Anyways. I have no idea how he is as a leader, other than what I’ve read and watched online, but the products and services from Apple is just brilliant. So, it sort of speaks for itself π
Jens
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Jens, you’re right, I think the more Apple products people have, the more they appreciate Steve Jobs. Or maybe I have that backwards. Either way, the more you use Apple products the more you appreciate the genius that is Steve Jobs.
His Keynote speeches have been amazing. I didn’t truly appreciate them until I watched Mark Zuckerberg’s presentation in July announcing video chats on Facebook. His presentation seemed a poor imitation of Jobs’ style and fell flat in my eyes.
Steve shares with you the magic of his products, which he really believes in himself.
I hope you are able to get an iPad soon. Perhaps in celebration of your novel being published?
Thanks so much for your visit and wonderful comment!
Gabriella says
I admire Steve Jobs a lot. He’s such a great person – or so it seems. But I always laugh at all the mentions about how he replys to emails. LOL. They are really funny. I think after such a long time and building up one of the biggest empires, he needs a break….:)
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Gabriella, Yes, you’re right, Steve Jobs is famous for replying to emails. Anyone can send him an email and you never know when he will reply.
But a break might just do him a world of good. He has been resisting it, but relaxation might be key to his recovery.
Thank you, Gabriella, for your visit, another brilliant comment and your awesome votes! π
Justin | Mazzastick says
Hi Carolyn,
My understanding is that Steve Jobs has been ill for quite some time.
He has done more than enough to contribute to technology based applications in our lifetime.
My wishes would be that his health is restored and that he can focus on what he really loves.
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Justin,Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I couldn’t agree with you more. His contributions have been legendary, and perhaps with some rest he will be rejuvenated so he can return to his passion.
Thank you, Justin, for your visit and terrific comment!
Martin von H. says
Although i am not the biggest apple fan, i can appreciate the contribution he has made to the world of technology. Personally, the only apple product i have is a Ipod touch (i generally prefer PC’s because of the vast amount of choiced i have.) I still use my Touch everyday for my jogging and hiking trips! great blog by the way, glad i found it! π
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Martin, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m glad you found the blog too!
I’m glad you’re finding so many uses for your iPod Touch every day. I had an iPod Touch before I graduated to an iPhone over two years ago and my daughters are still enjoying the device. They use it every day as well.
Thanks so much for your visit and kind words! π
Mark says
I was a bit shocked after hearing his announcement on tv. He really did a great job for Apple so it’s really an unexpected decision for me. However, I think his decision isn’t that new for most famous people like him who step out of the company after achieving great success. I wonder what will be the next venture for Jobs now.
Carolyn Nicander Mohr says
Hi Mark, you’re right, the news was shocking, even if not very unexpected. I hope he is well enough to have a new venture. I imagine the effects of his genius will continue to be ingrained in Apple products for years to come.
Thanks, Mark, for your visit and wonderful comment! π
Mark says
As his surname suggests, JOBS! LOL Definitely there are lots of jobs available for him because he’s such a genius! I am actually looking forward to new Apple products in the future under Jobs’ lead, but I guess it wouldn’t happen anymore.