Tomorrow, Apple will kick off theirWorldwide Developers Conferencewith its keynote address. CEO Tim Cook will take the stage along with other Apple Executives. There are a number of announcements expected in the two hour keynote. Analysts predict that Apple will introduce new iMacs and MacBook Pros. On the software side, there will likely be on-stage previews of the upcoming Mac OS X Mountain Lion, which was previewed online earlier this year, more importantly is iOS. Expect a preview of iOS 6 and a release of a developer preview. It should be an eventful two hours! I will post an update tomorrow evening with a link to the keynote video.
WWDC runs through June 15 and sold out within two hours of the release of tickets.
On Tuesday night, All Things Digital’s D10 Conference kicked off with a keynote interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook. Presenters Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher began by asking Cook about his new postion at Apple and how the death of his friend Steve Jobs has affected him and Apple. Cook became visibly emotional when talking about Jobs, and he recalled that was a genius and said that Apple will remain true to its roots and move forward with its product strategies.
After a few softball questions, Mossberg and Swisher (mostly Mossberg) began to hit on some of the tougher subjects. Cook (reluctantly) discussed patent wars, the controversy over manufacturing in China, and the future of AppleTV. Mossberg asked him if tablets should be categorized as PCs and his response was a resounding “no“. Cook did hint at upgrades to Siri as well as a possible partnership with Facebook, despite saying that Apple was going to “double down” on secrecy. All Things Digital as put together a highlight video that you can see HERE. I will post a link to the full video when it is available.
At times, it seemed that Mossberg and Swisher were bullying Cook with topics that he did not want to discuss, something that Jobs would not have allowed. Cook is very soft spoken, but he is a master at dodging questions. Nevertheless, the information that came out of the D10 keynote was very interesting for those in the tech world. Of course, all eyes will be on Apple June 11 when Tim Cook will take to his own stage at the 2012 Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco
UPDATE (June 11): The full video has been posed, you can view it HERE.
Today theAll Things Digital D10 Conferencekicks off in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The conference brings together the greatest minds in technology to discuss the latest trends and products. Always a crowd pleaser, All Things Digital has brought some of the biggest names in the industry including Steve Jobs and Bill Gates in a rare joint appearance in 2007. This year, hosts Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher return with another great lineup. Tonights keynote is sure to be the biggest event at D10. Apple’s Tim Cook will take the stage nine months after taking over as CEO. Apple fans are hoping for some inside information, but do not get your hopes up. Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference is in a few weeks, and all announcements are certainly being saved for that event.
Speakers for the three day event include:
Tony Bates | President, Skype Division, Microsoft Michael Bloomberg | Mayor, New York City Dr. Ed Catmull | President, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios Tim Cook | CEO, Apple Daniel Ek | Co-founder and CEO, Spotify Larry Ellison | Founder and CEO, Oracle John Hennessy | President, Stanford University Reid Hoffman | Chairman, LinkedIn Salman Khan | Founder & Executive Director, Khan Academy Jon Leibowitz | Chairman, Federal Trade Commission Mary Meeker | Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Nathan Myhrvold | Founder and CEO, Intellectual Ventures Sean Parker | Entrepreneur Sundar Pichai | SVP, Chrome & Apps, Google Mark Pincus | Founder and CEO, Zynga Aaron Sorkin | Screenwriter Jeff Weiner | CEO, LinkedIn Susan Wojcicki | SVP, Advertising, Google
Visit theAll Things Digital websitefor all the information and for videos following the events. I encourage anyone interested in technology to watch as many of these speakers as possible. They are the drivers of the current technology market. Interestingly, there will probably be a Steve Jobs theme to the conference as it is the first since his death in October 2011. A number of the speakers have a connect to Steve Jobs. Ed Catmull was hired by Steve to run Pixar. Larry Elison is a member of the Board and has been since Steve returned to Apple in 1997. Tim Cook is obvisoly Steve’s successor. Most interesting, however, will be Aaron Sorkin. It was announced that he has been hired as the adaptation of Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs into film for Sony.
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates at D5 in 2007 (this is Part 1)
Following the death of Steve Jobs, many have began to wonder who he really was. He was an extremely private person and the same his true for his wife, Laurene Powell. Powell met Steve in 1990 when he was giving a speech on the campus of Stanford University. She was working on her MBA, and he was a guest lecturer in one of her classes. They exchanged phone numbers and were married a year later. Steve and Laurene have three children together ranging in age from 14 to 20.
When the official biography of Steve Jobs is published next week, it is certain we will learn a great deal about him and his life. But we are not likely to learn a great deal about Powell. Although she is a very private person, she is a very active philanthropist as well. I was surprised to learn of her activism. She is the co-founder of an organization called College Track, which helps under privileged children get through college. Powell is also a member of the board for: Teach for America, New Schools Venture Fund, Stand for Children, New America Foundation, and Conservation International. In addition, she was selected by President Barack Obama to serve on the White House Council for Community Solutions.
It is clear that Powell is a very active person and I hope that she continues, and expands, her activism following the death of her husband. Her work is extremely important and has gone largely unnoticed. I think we will learn this about Steve Jobs as well, but Powell has an opportunity now to expand her philanthropy. Apple has not had the best reputation for charity work, but Tim Cook has already begun to change that by announcing that Apple will match all employee donations to any charity, up to $50,000 per year. Let’s help Powell continue to make difference by supporting the organizations. You can do so by clicking on their name above.
Following Steve’s passing early today, family, friends and members of the tech community are sharing their thoughts about Steve. I will collect them on this post:
Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.
In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.
We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.
———————
We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.
– Apple Board of Directors
“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.
We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply emailrememberingsteve@apple.com.
No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time.”
– Apple CEO Tim Cook
– Steve Wozniak
“I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.”
– Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates
Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. 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.
By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.
The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.
– President Barack Obama
“Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an “original,” with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time.”
– Disney President Bob Iger
Google’s Homepage
“Steve Jobs is the most successful CEO in the U.S. of the last 25 years. He uniquely combined an artists touch and an engineers vision to build an extraordinary company… one of the greatest American leaders in history.”
– Google Chairman Eric Schmidt
“Steve Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what a totally independent and creative mind can accomplish. Few people have made such a powerful and elegant imprint on our lives. Anne and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Steve’s wife, Laurene, and their entire family.”
– California Governor Edmund Brown
Today the world lost a visionary leader, the technology industry lost an iconic legend and I lost a friend and fellow founder. The legacy of Steve Jobs will be remembered for generations to come. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the Apple team.
– Michael Dell
Steve lived the California Dream every day of his life and he changed the world and inspired all of us.
– Arnold Schwarzenegger
It’s the ultimate sadness. First of all, it’s a young person who was revered, sometimes feared, but always revered. In a way, it’s kind of prophetic; everyone was hoping he could be on stage yesterday. He was a very special person, and he didn’t get to where he was by having people like him all the time. He got to where he was because he had a vision and a purpose. It’s easy to try and please everyone, but he kept to his principles.
– Carol Bartz
Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.
– Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg
I am very, very sad to hear the news about Steve. He was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance. He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it. His focus on the user experience above all else has always been an inspiration to me. He was very kind to reach out to me as I became CEO of Google and spend time offering his advice and knowledge even though he was not at all well. My thoughts and Google’s are with his family and the whole Apple family
– Google Cofounder Larry Page
Tonight, America lost a genius who will be remembered with Edison and Einstein, and whose ideas will shape the world for generations to come. Again and again over the last four decades, Steve Jobs saw the future and brought it to life long before most people could even see the horizon. And Steve’s passionate belief in the power of technology to transform the way we live brought us more than smart phones and iPads: it brought knowledge and power that is reshaping the face of civilization. In New York City’s government, everyone from street construction inspectors to NYPD detectives have harnessed Apple’s products to do their jobs more efficiently and intuitively. Tonight our City – a city that has always had such respect and admiration for creative genius – joins with people around the planet in remembering a great man and keeping Laurene and the rest of the Jobs family in our thoughts and prayers.
– NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg
He was one of the most remarkable business managers and innovators in american business history.
– Warren Buffett
Steve Jobs was a visionary and a wonderful friend of The New York Times. He pushed the boundaries of how all providers of news and information interact with our users. I am among the many who deeply regret his passing.
– New York Times Publisher Arthur Sulzberger, Jr.
We are saddened by the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was an iconic inventor, visionary, and entrepreneur, and we had the privilege to know him as partner and friend. All of us at AT&T offer our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife, family, and his Apple family.
– AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson
Steve Jobs was a visionary who changed the way we live, an innovator whose products brought joy to millions, a risktaker who wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, and an entrepreneur who led one of the most creative companies of our time.
His sage advice was respected by policymakers on both sides of the aisle. His courageous fight against cancer brought strength to many. I hope it is a comfort to those who loved him, especially his family, that so many grieve his loss and are praying for them at this sad time.
– House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi
Today, we lost one of the most influential thinkers, creators and entrepreneurs of all time. Steve Jobs was simply the greatest CEO of his generation. While I am deeply saddened by his passing, I’m reminded of the stunning impact he had in revolutionizing the way people consume media and entertainment. My heart goes out to his family and to everyone who had the opportunity to work beside him in bringing his many visions to life.
– News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch
“Steve Jobs was an iconic entrepreneur and businessman whose impact on technology was felt beyond Silicon Valley. He will be remembered for the innovation he brought to market and the inspiration he brought to the world.”
– Meg Whitman, CEO of HP
“It was an honor to have worked with Steve Jobs. He will forever remain an inspiration. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
– YouTube founders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen
From the earliest days of Google, whenever Larry and I sought inspiration for vision and leadership, we needed to look no farther than Cupertino. Steve, your passion for excellence is felt by anyone who has ever touched an Apple product (including the macbook I am writing this on right now). And I have witnessed it in person the few times we have met.
On behalf of all of us at Google and more broadly in technology, you will be missed very much. My condolences to family, friends, and colleagues at Apple.
– Google Cofounder Sergey Brin
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was truly a genius of our time, a man with a rare ability to fuse art and technology. In centuries from now, he will be remembered alongside Leonardo da Vinci. His achievements will continue to shine forever.
– Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son
Steve Jobs was an extraordinary visionary, our very dear friend and the guiding light of the Pixar family. He saw the potential of what Pixar could be before the rest of us, and beyond what anyone ever imagined. Steve took a chance on us and believed in our crazy dream of making computer animated films; the one thing he always said was to simply ‘make it great.’ He is why Pixar turned out the way we did and his strength, integrity and love of life has made us all better people. He will forever be a part of Pixar’s DNA. Our hearts go out to his wife Laurene and their children during this incredibly difficult time.
– John Lasseter, Pixar and Ed Catmull, Disney
The magic of Steve was that while others simply accepted the status quo, he saw the true potential in everything he touched and never compromised on that vision. He leaves behind an incredible family and a legacy that will continue to speak to people for years to come.
– George Lucas
“Steve Jobs transformed the way we work and play; a creative genius who will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family”
– British Prime Minister David Cameron
“As inspired as he was inspiring, Steve Jobs will remain one of the great figures of our time”
– French President Nicolas Sarkozy
“People like Steve Jobs change our world. My sincere condolences to his relatives and all those who appreciated his intelligence and talent.”
– Russian President Dmitry Medvedev
“As a competitor, he helped ensure all of us pushed even harder. I am confident his legacy will continue to energize the industry for many years to come.”
– Yang Yuanqing, the CEO of Lenovo
“Steve’s spirit will live on forever with those who, like me, had the honor to know and work with him. However, everyone has been touched by his genius and, because of this, he has left the world a better place. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
– Terry Gou, founder and chairman of Foxconn Technology Group
“His passing is a loss to innovators and visionaries everywhere, even here in Korea, and the culture he fostered will be a benchmark for decades to come.”
– Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics
“I want to express my deepest condolences at the passing of Steve Jobs, one of the founders of our industry and a true visionary. My heart goes out to his family, everyone at Apple and everyone who has been touched by his work.”
– Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
“Chairman Steve Jobs introduced numerous revolutionary changes to the information technology industry and was a great entrepreneur,” said. “His innovative spirit and remarkable accomplishments will forever be remembered by people around the world.”
– Samsung Executive G.S. Choi
Walt Massberg has written a nice article about Steve called “The Steve Jobs I Knew.”
In a surprising move today, Steve Jobs announced his resignation as Apple’s CEO. In an open letter (see below) Jobs asked to remain as the director of Apple’s Board of Directors. Apple confirmed in a press release (also below) that Jobs had resigned and Tim Cook has been named CEO. The Board also voted to make Jobs its director.
I cannot say I did not see this coming. Jobs has been on medical leave since January of this year and his authorized biography is to be published this November. I do not care to speculate why he had made this decision, but I join the technological community in wishing him well.
From Steve:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
From Apple:
Steve Jobs Resigns as CEO of Apple
Tim Cook Named CEO and Jobs Elected Chairman of the Board
CUPERTINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apple’s Board of Directors today announced that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and the Board has named Tim Cook, previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s new CEO. Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the Board, effective immediately.
“Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.” “Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple’s Board. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”
“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”
Jobs submitted his resignation to the Board today and strongly recommended that the Board implement its succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO.
As COO, Cook was previously responsible for all of the company’s worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end management of Apple’s supply chain, sales activities, and service and support in all markets and countries. He also headed Apple’s Macintosh division and played a key role in the continued development of strategic reseller and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility in response to an increasingly demanding marketplace.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
UPDATE: Tim Cook’s Letter to Apple
Team:
I am looking forward to the amazing opportunity of serving as CEO of the most innovative company in the world. Joining Apple was the best decision I’ve ever made and it’s been the privilege of a lifetime to work for Apple and Steve for over 13 years. I share Steve’s optimism for Apple’s bright future.
Steve has been an incredible leader and mentor to me, as well as to the entire executive team and our amazing employees. We are really looking forward to Steve’s ongoing guidance and inspiration as our Chairman.
I want you to be confident that Apple is not going to change. I cherish and celebrate Apple’s unique principles and values. Steve built a company and culture that is unlike any other in the world and we are going to stay true to that—it is in our DNA. We are going to continue to make the best products in the world that delight our customers and make our employees incredibly proud of what they do.
I love Apple and I am looking forward to diving into my new role. All of the incredible support from the Board, the executive team and many of you has been inspiring. I am confident our best years lie ahead of us and that together we will continue to make Apple the magical place that it is.
