“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,” said Mr Obama.

Microsoft boss Bill Gates said Jobs’ “profound impact” on the world of technology would “be felt for many generations to come”.

Mr Gates added: “For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honour. I will miss Steve immensely.”

And New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that “America lost a genius who will be remembered with Edison and Einstein, and whose ideas will shape the world for generations to come”. (vía BBC)