In the geeky culture surrounding computers and technology, Steve Wozniak is as close to a god as they come. And not the angry, wrathful kind that shoots litigation lightning bolts from high atop Mount Cupertino – a more gentle, understanding god, whose new testament of finding joy in tech agnosticism rings true for nerds everywhere. The point is that when Wozniak makes sweeping statements about the state of the mobile industry, as he did to The Daily Beast, the tech world sits up and takes notice, if only for the comfortable knowledge that Woz’s opinions are usually free of any real bias or allegiance.
Consider his thoughts on the eternal debate between Android and iOS. Asked which he uses more often, Wozniak replied, “My primary phone is the iPhone. I love the beauty of it. But I wish it did all the things my Android does, I really do.” He also said that the navigation (natch) and voice control on Android are superior to their iOS counterparts, with a surprisingly particular jab at Siri:
I have a lower success rate with Siri than I do with the voice built into the Android, and that bothers me. I’ll be saying, over and over again in my car, ‘Call the Lark Creek Steak House,’ and I can’t get it done. Then I pick up my Android, say the same thing, and it’s done.
While admitting that Android is harder to use than the iPhone, Woz reiterated the talking points of many a forum and comment thread: for those who know what they’re doing, Android does more. “If you’re willing to do the work to understand it a little bit, well I hate to say it, but there’s more available in some ways.” He went on to say that those who are “scared of complexity” should stick to iOS, presumably leaving Android to those who aren’t.
Woz isn’t just whistlin’ Dixie here. The Apple co-founder has been known to carry multiple phones at all times (among other things – watch out for those lasers!) to try out all options. He was one of the first non-Googlers to receive a Galaxy Nexus in the United States, apparently out of the kindness of unnamed fans at Mountain View. So the next time you’re caught in an epic flame war with those on the other side of the smartphone divide, just remind them of Woz’s words: it’s OK to use an iPhone. There’s nothing wrong with being scared of technology – though they might consider cutting out the middle man and reactivating their StarTac.
[via PocketGamer]
It’s a shame he (Wozniak) isn’t running Apple now. They need someone who is less interested in being a God, and more interested in being able to relate to the average person when it comes to this stuff. Apple makes beautifully (if not overpriced) products, but while the tech inside the phone is pretty – it’s also pretty useless unless you just want the very basics with almost no customization.
it’s okay. Steve did great leaps and bounds for the Apple company… but he also held it back. But Steve’s out of the way now. Apple will be better. I say that sincerely as an Android user.
I’m overjoyed that there are people around who are afraid of technology. Job security is a beautiful thing.
Google should use this in their next commercial. Steve jobs must be rolling in his grave.
Which Android phone does he have?
galaxy nexus
poop… POOOP i say!!!