The iPhone 4S is a mediocre upgrade at best

The iPhone 4S is a mediocre upgrade at best, with noticeable changes being an 8-megapixel camera, video camera that shoots 1080p high-definition video and a talking personal assistant called Siri.

Clearly, I am not the only one feeling underwhelmed by the latest iPhone. Cook's dull presentation left many pleading for the return of Steve Jobs, who could always be counted on to bring excitement, energy and substance to the Apple events.

Apple disciples looked up to Jobs, worshipping him as their leader, icon and the ultimate innovator. Like many devotees, I felt the event just wasn't the same. I missed Jobs, who each year stayed as loyal to his followers as he did his clothing.

Since 1998, Jobs has taken the stage at Apple events sporting his Levi 501 jeans, New Balance sneakers and black St. Croix turtleneck, while delivering exhilarating messages and revolutionary ideas to the throngs of fans and supporters. He has remained a constant to Apple and their fans, and his commitment to creativity, imagination and Apple supporters is truly missed.

I was writing this piece when I heard that Steve Jobs died. I couldn't help but look down at the Apple computer I was typing on and think of all the ways that Jobs inspired and encouraged students, inventors and educators who recognized his passion and dedication to technology and innovation.

Jobs was a pioneer and creative genius at the forefront of change and technology. He demanded more from people, computers, software and technology, while maintaining an extraordinary vision, which few could fathom.

An idea, which started from his parents' garage, transformed into a billion dollar company and is currently the largest, publicly traded company in the world.

Jobs created a fan base of devoted followers who love the legends, ideas and beliefs that we can always do better, create better and invent technologies that "can make life easier," allowing us to "touch people we might not otherwise."

Although I may be frustrated with the release of the iPhone 4S and disappointed that technology did not keep up with my hunger for innovation, I can't help but wonder where the world and technology would be without Steve Jobs.

Jobs has created a global thirst for learning, knowledge, creativity and technology. As a result, we refuse to stay satisfied and demand newer, better and brighter designs. Jobs showed us what it's like to invent, learn and inspire, while changing the world one computer, smartphone and tablet at a time.

As we reflect upon the life of Steve Jobs, a 2005 commencement speech that Jobs gave at Stanford University suddenly has greater poignancy and meaning.

"No one wants to die," Jobs said. "Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you."