Honorable judges, ladies and gentlemen,
There are few people in this world who have changed the world multiple times. Steve Jobs is one of them. From the way we compute, watch movies, manage media, embrace technology and even punctuate our sentences, Steve Jobs and Apple have had an impact. Everyone will talk about the products, the iPod, Phone, Pad, Mac, ect as physical evidence that not only did Jobs and Apple invent consumer technology, they also reinvented it at least a few times. Jobs has had the ability to take technology, understand it and apply it to the human condition. He created a new genre or entertainment, gave us memorable characters and essentially created a new way to present stories of what it means to be human.
On March 13th, 2007 When Apple unveiled the iPhone, it set the whole mobile industry talking -- not just about the device but about the unusual agreement between Apple and mobile operator Cingular.
As for the iPhone, it's certainly a game changer. The Strategy Analytics firm says that the iPhone and iPod touch are driving the mobile gaming experience. The ReportLinker research group says that the iPhone has "blazed a trailer through the market". Research and Markets says that the iPhone is the major factor fueling the growth of touch screens. I could go on, but you get the idea.
That type of deep change can only come from great technology, delivered by great companies under great leadership that includes an entire team.
What will the future hold? Who knows. But one thing is sure that the things that Steve Jobs started will continue.
I can only imagine how difficult the decision was and what it represents. I do not know Mr. Jobs, nor do I pretend to, but my thoughts and prayers are with him at this time.
Thank you.