VOA常速英语:World Reacts to Announcement of Steve Jobs Death

As news of Steve Jobs' death spreads, many are sharing their feelings about the life and innovations of the Apple Computer co-founder. 

From Washington, D.C., to Cupertino, and from Hong Kong to the Blogosphere, news that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs passed away at age 56 came as a jolt, especially to Apple users like Mark Ciolli.

"I really couldn't believe that he passed away," he said. "I, sort of, thought that it was a marketing stunt, and sure enough it was confirmed..."

Tracy Mathieu-Huffman was equally shaken. Emotional and fresh from bed - her iPhone belting out music - she had to get to Apple store again. But this time it was to commemorate her long time idol.

"It's about how wonderful he is as an individual. How he can inspire and transform reality almost by a touch!" she said.

Changing things with a touch became the niche of Jobs. After successfully marketing the computer, which once occupied an entire room, Jobs set his sights on his vision of shrinking the computer to be pocket sized, and vocal.

It is just one day after the newest version of that device was announced that Apple confirmed Jobs' death. Blogger Forrest Kobayashi said the newest Apple product may stand as a tribute to Jobs.

"To be hit with this kind of news today, [is] just entirely devastating for the tech community, as well as just people around the world," said Kobayashi. "A lot of people were very critical of the iPhone 4S, because many were expecting the iPhone 5 to come out. I read a very touching and kind of surreal tweet tonight, that said the iPhone was named the iPhone 4S - for Steve. The 4-S really standing for Steve."

As the news broke, people flocked to Apple stores, like the one here in Washington, D.C. They've laid flowers, pictures, candles and personalized notes acknowledging what Steve Jobs meant to them, but also the change he brought to the world.

Another scene of emotional outpouring is the blogosphere, where many first learned of Jobs' death. Twitter is experiencing record posts, in a continual online tribute, which at its peak saw nearly 10,000 comments a second.

"It's just a tremendous mix of heartfelt messages, and no matter what form they're in, everyone is feeling a tremendous loss tonight," said Kobayashi.

The White House even released a statement from President Barack Obama on its blog, making a point especially noteworthy to one Apple user, Patrick Smith.

"The greatest testament to this person who just passed, is that most people found out about his passing on a device that he invented, or created, or helped design," said Smith.

"He inspired so many people to not only chase their dreams, but really just live life. And he's a role model for everyone," said Kobayashi.

A role-model, who in one lifetime, changed almost every aspect of technology's role in the world.