Apple stores bring down shutters to honour Steve Jobs

Apple closed its stores across the United States yesterday for several hours to commemorate co-founder Steve Jobs, who died two weeks ago.

Apple's retail stores were shuttered, with their signature tall glass windows covered with white sheets to keep the proceedings private from outside eyes.

In addition to the closings, the company published a "Remembering Steve" page on the internet, compiling more than one million email tributes it has received since Jobs died.

Inside the closed stores, employees were using the time to watch a broadcast of an event celebrating his life, held at an outdoor amphitheatre at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, according to a source familiar with the plans.

Pop star Norah Jones and British band Coldplay performed at the employee event in California, according to the source.

It followed a private memorial service for Jobs last Sunday at Stanford University that was attended by Silicon Valley luminaries, politicians and celebrities.