We’ve seen countless Steve Jobs impersonators peddling a number of other products before, but this… well it certainly takes the cake for its total lack of class. Not because of the fact that they’re using Jobs’ “likeness” to peddle a different tablet, but it’s because it looks like they’re trying to cash in on his death for… comedy? In the ad, a Taiwanese Steve – complete with black turtleneck, blue jeans and glasses – is running a demo for the Action Pad, an Android-based tablet by relatively unknown Action Electronics. The wasn’t what threw us off though. It was the fact that they showed Jobs also wearing a halo and angel wings, ending with him saying “Thank God I finally get to play with other tablets.” Check out the video after the break.
(more…)
If there ever was a way to bring Apple fans – and tech-lovers in general – quickly back to earth after going through the ‘geek highs’ of a big iPhone event, it’s this: Steve Jobs has passed away today, shorty after retiring as CEO of Apple, and a day after the unveiling of the iPhone 4S. While we all knew that this day would come – the thought was jolted into everyone after his retirement announcement – we all still can’t help but be shocked and saddened by the news. Apple CEO Tim Cook has sent out a memo to Apple employees about the loss and a plan for a company celebration to honor Steve’s life. [available after the break]
You probably heard the news by now: Steve Jobs resigned as Apple CEO, and has been replaced by former COO Tim Cook. If you’ve been following how Apple has been operating, then you already know the guy. He’s already filled in for many of Jobs’ CEO duties during Steve’s medical leaves and has been instrumental in working out Apple’s supply and manufacturing chain in Asia, so rest assured that while he’s not Steve Jobs (somehow, it reminds us of Scottie Pippen taking over the Bulls in ‘93 when Michael Jordan left to play baseball), he comes highly recommended and knows the ropes. Anyway, he just sent his first letter as CEO to the troops, ensuring everyone that the company “will stay the same.” Full email after the break.
Steve Jobs has announced his resignation as the CEO as Apple, and has named COO Tim Cook to take his place as the head guy of the “world’s most valuable company.” He didn’t give a specific reason for stepping down, but he won’t be completely out of the picture. Apple has said that he will still have input, and will stay with the company as Chairman of the Board.
Steve Jobs sent this letter “to the Apple Board and the Apple Community”:
To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
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
Apple’s official press release after the break.
The photo’s a bit blurry, but it does give you the general idea: It’s big, it’s shiny, it looks like a space ship that just landed (or a cooler-looking Pentagon), and, if Steve Jobs pulls it off, it’s going to be Apple’s new campus. To be located just off the I-280 in Cupertino in a 98-acre patch that was formerly the HP campus of land, this is a render of Jobs’ vision, as shown to the Cupertino City Council: “The Mothership,” a huge, round, 4-storey building that will hold 12,000 employees.
