In the early hours of this morning Steve Jobs has died at the age of 56 after a long battle with cancer. His death was announced by Apple in a statement saying:

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being.

Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor.

Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.