Obama: Jobs one of America's greatest innovators

WASHINGTON, Oct 5, 2011 (AFP) - US President Barack Obama mourned Apple visionary Steve Jobs Wednesday as one of America's "greatest innovators" and said it was fitting many people learned of his death on a device he invented.

"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," Obama said in a written statement.

"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," Obama said.

"By building one of the planet's most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity," Obama said of the father of the iconic Mac computer, the iPod and the iPad.

"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," the statement said.

"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."

Obama met Jobs, who was then on medical leave from Apple, at a dinner with tech titans in northern California in February and the two men were photographed sitting side-by-side.

As recently as Monday, the president revealed that he received his iPad directly from the Apple founder ahead of the release of the hot-selling tablet computer.

"I've got an iPad," Obama said in an interview with ABC News and Yahoo!.

"Steve Jobs actually gave it to me a little bit early," he said. "It was cool. I got it directly from him."

Obama had acknowledged owning an iPad previously and has been photographed with what appears to be an iPad 2, the model which went on sale in March.

Jobs died earlier Wednesday after a long fight against cancer. He was 56.