Today's news that Steve Jobs would be handing over the reins of Apple was a sad moment for me. Supposedly it's only until June, but I think pretty much everyone knows that it's for good.
I know a lot of people don't like the man, but I do. He had a vision, which is rare these days. Sure he had his rough edges, but most people with a single-minded focus on something do–they have no patience for anything that's going to deter them from their goal. He was one of the rare people who could force massive change by the sheer force of his will and vision.
Most CEO's drive in a reactionary manner, Jobs led the industry around by the ear. He had an idea in his head about how things should work, forced Apple into that mold, and shook up multiple industries.
You just don't see that kind of character any more. The industry will certainly be much less interesting without him.
Sadly, I don't think we'll get to see the culmination of his vision, which I think included things like a much more fleshed-out and ubiquitous Mobile.Me service. It's too bad, because it will probably be a long time before such a charismatic leader with a dynamic vision emerges again.
Cheers Steve, well done
