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The Apple II, as described by Steve Wozniak
Ask the average geek to describe the Apple II and you'll probably hear something about its legacy or software. Ask Steve Wozniak circa 1977, on the other hand, and he'll write you a technical tome -- or at least he did for Byte magazine. Way back when the classic computer was fresh, a young Woz penned an extremely detailed "system description" for the rig, pouring over specifics on the II's graphical capabilities, memory, peripherals, programming language and more. Perhaps in (slightly late) honor of the machine's 35th anniversary, Information Week has seen fit to reprint the extensive examination for your reading pleasure -- assuming you're up to wading through the technical nitty gritty. No? Well, Woz does have a few nuggets of wisdom for the layman. "To me," he says, "a personal computer should be small, reliable, convenient to use and inexpensive." No arguments here, Steve. Read the man's words for yourself at the source link below.
Woz: Windows Phone is 'beautiful,' Android 'no contest,' still loves iPhone, ask again tomorrow
When Steve Wozniak talks mobile, people love to listen. Last time we checked in, he was lauding some of Android's finer points, and now he's raining praise on Windows Phone. In an interview with A New Domain, the Apple co-founder was all too happy to share his recent positive experiences with the Espoo / Redmond collaboration. In particular, Woz waxes about how intuitive the interface is, and how naturally apps lead you around. He goes on to say how there's nothing he's seen that isn't more beautiful (than iOS and Android) on the Windows system, before claiming Android is "no contest" when it comes to the interface. It's not all lemonade and roses, however, as he then admits he's no fan of the voice control functionality compared to the other two platforms. When pushed to admit what he uses as default, it's still the iPhone -- two of them in fact -- but Woz's ability to see the best in all mobile operating systems will be sure to further confirm his status as one of tech's most liked. Head down to the source to hear for yourself. [Thanks everyone who sent this in]
Where's Steve Wozniak? He's doing his regular waiting-in-line thing
Sure it's marketing, but it's also a nice little ritual. Speaking to an interviewer from What's Trending, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak acknowledged he doesn't have to wait in line for his new iPad, but said he'd "rather be genuine, like the real people". They're the ones you can see pretending to sleep / read in the background.
iPads bought, unboxed ahead of US launch; Woz waits patiently in LA (Updated)
The wave of happy new iPad owners is rolling towards US shores, as the 8 am local on-sale time has already hit the other side of the world; heavy traffic and brisk sales were reported in Sydney, Hong Kong and elsewhere. For those of us waiting in line overnight outside Apple Stores to pick up a new iPad (picture above is from Burlington, Ontario and the one below is from Park City mall in Lancaster), we should take a moment to acknowledge our wacky, wealthy patron saint: Woz. Yes, once again Apple's co-founder and resident free spirit has chosen to wait in line to buy a product that he could certainly have delivered to him by a fleet of hovercraft or a butler on a Segway. That, in part, is why we love him. Business Insider pointed out the interview below, where Woz talks with our buddy Shira Lazar in Los Angeles. Woz knows that he doesn't have to wait in line from Thursday noon to Friday morning, but he says his "ritual" is important to him. He also said he's finally going to move up to a higher-capacity iPad so he has more room for movies. Inveterate line-waiter Rob Shoesmith opted to have his iPad delivered directly, and shares his unboxing video. NYC retailer Tekserve has a video rundown of iPad accessories, too. If you've got pictures to share, hit us up on Twitter or on our Facebook fan page! Park City line: And here's Knoxville, TN as of 7:30 AM ET.
Steve Wozniak loves iOS, except when he doesn't
We've heard this one before, only to have it debunked. Steve Wozniak sits down with foreign press, talks tech and has his words misconstrued; hair pulling and epic fanboy wars ensue. While we were able to deflate that troll bait rather quickly, this time it appears the Woz is guilty of an OS crush. According to The Daily Beast, the Apple co-founder (and connoisseur of Segways) goes on record as preferring many aspects of Android's fussier-but-deeper UI to iOS' one size fits all, simplified approach. Citing improvements in voice command software (sorry Siri, but he's looking at you), navigation and consistent performance, this other Steve seems to believe his company has a lot to learn from Google's dessert-themed mobile platform. Does word of Woz's wandering thumbs spell doom for Apple's all but gilded OS? We don't think so. As Kathy Griffin's former, fake boyfriend put it best, the iPhone 4S is for "users scared of computers." Which is to say, everyone and your mother.
Woz says Apple could not emerge in Singapore
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak got a little political lately, saying in an interview with the BBC that a society like Singapore, with its relatively strict approach to aberrant behavior, would never be able to host a company like Apple, with its early days of long-haired weirdos working on groundbreaking technology in their garages. "Look at structured societies like Singapore where bad behavior is not tolerated [and] you are extremely punished," Woz is quoted as saying. "Where are the creative people? Where are the great artists? Where are the great musicians? Where are the great writers?" I'm not quite sure if it's as simple as all of that -- I'd suggest that great, creative people can flourish in whatever environment they happen to be brought up in. But Woz at least makes a good point in saying that if creativity is to really shine, it's got to be in a place where new ideas (even the crazy ones) are welcomed with open arms. Singapore is also reportedly trying to build up its tech scene, and Woz is no stranger to the city-state: He was there earlier this year to give a series of talks organized by the government itself. Interesting that he takes this position, then -- it's hard to believe the government would loosen up all of those restrictions just to support their tech industry, but then again, if Woz says so, it must be true. [via WSJ]
Woz praises the iPhone 4S on TCTV
Steve Wozniak is first in line for the iPhone 4S at the Apple store in Los Gatos, California and TechCrunch caught up with the Apple co-founder to conduct a quick interview. TechCrunch asked him the one question everyone wants to know - why does he wait in line when he could get one shipped to his house? Not surprisingly, Woz says he joins everyone in an overnight wait because he enjoys both the experience of the wait and the excitement surrounding a new piece of technology. He also talks about Siri, a new feature he considers to be the future of technology. He explains how he is tired of tapping on everything and looks forward to seeing how Apple has advanced this technology. Head over to TechCrunch for the full interview.
Steve Wozniak on Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs was the man most often associated with Apple, but another Steve played a big part in the formation of the company, and Mr. Wozniak has some kind words about his friend and former business partner. Well said, Woz.
Woz on Steve: "He deserves some 'Steve time'"
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak spoke with Byte magazine after Steve Jobs -- Woz's former partner -- publicly resigned. Right at the beginning of the interview, Woz describes the sacrifices Jobs has had to make with this own time and attention during his term at Apple: "...I mean, just your time, everybody wants you day and night, that's what I mean by sacrifices. It takes so much out of anyone to be under just constant pressure and demands like that. Steve needs now to just have some 'Steve time.' He deserves it." Further, Woz feels Apple's culture, success and fan base will remain intact as Jobs departs. In particular, Woz says, that's due to the team that remains at Apple. "[Steve Jobs] was surrounded by great, great people at Apple ... and those people are still there. I don't think the core Apple culture will change because of (Jobs') leaving, not for a long time." It's always good to hear from Woz, especially amid such surprising news. [Via Cult of Mac]
Steve Wozniak calls us all dogs, in a nice way
You can stop worrying about the robot apocalypse now. Steve Wozniak has weighed in on the matter, and it turns out we've pretty much lost. The Apple co-founder / dancing star discussed the subject with an Australian business crowd, mapping out a future in which artificial intelligence equals our own, and mankind's own input is meaningless. In other words, "We're going to become the pets, the dogs of the house." Woz added that his take on the whole war thing was, in part, a joke -- it's the part that wasn't that we're worried about. Though if our own dogs' existences are any indication, things could be a lot worse. [Thanks, Shaun]
Woz interested in returning to Apple in an active role
While in Brighton, England attending a computer server conference, Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, told a reporter he would be open to returning to Apple in a active role if Apple or Steve Jobs requested it. Currently, Wozniak is chief scientist of storage start-up Fusion-io, but he remains on Apple's payroll in an advisory role. Apple has come a long way since the Apple I and Apple II, which Woz helped build alongside Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne. When asked what he thought of Apple today, Wozniak said Apple was "Unbelievable. The products, one after another, quality and hits." However, Wozniak added that he thinks "Apple could be more open and not lose sales. I'm sure they're making the right decisions for the right reasons for Apple." Tim Cook is currently the acting CEO of Apple, overseeing its day-to-day operations while Steve Jobs is on his third medical leave. There has been much speculation as to who would replace Steve Jobs should he step down from the CEO position, but it's unknown if those on Apple's board would consider Steve Wozniak a likely successor.
Eighth Circuit declares RAZR a computer under federal law
There's little doubt that today's smartphones are pocketable computers -- they're equally or more powerful than the desktop PCs of yesteryear -- but what about dumbphones? Well, in US v. Kramer, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals just held that a Motorola Motorazr V3 fits the federal statutory definition for a computer -- and quoted Woz in the opinion: "Everything has a computer in it nowadays." Seems a bit silly to call a RAZR a computer, but courts can only interpret existing laws, not make new ones -- and US law says a computer is "an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high speed data processing device performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions." Because this was the first time a federal appeals court had ruled on the issue, the Eighth Circuit set a precedent that other courts are likely to follow. And yes, the court is aware such a definition may include microwaves and coffee makers, and informed Congress that it should change the law if it doesn't like it. Regardless of whether you agree, this interpretation added some jail time for a guy who pled guilty to trying to engage in sexual activity with a minor, so the mild absurdity of it all is fine by us. Somewhere Chris Hansen is smiling.
Why the camera isn't the culprit for the white iPhone 4's delay (update: Woz responds)
Unless you've been away from the Internet over the last few days, you would've no doubt heard about Woz's special appearance at the Engadget Show on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, a few websites ran with some quotes that they pulled from our interview -- specifically, the highlight was Woz "confirming" that the white iPhone 4 was indeed delayed due to camera issues. Well, I don't think this is the case at all. In fact, I'm sure there are plenty of other good reasons for why Apple's been delaying the much anticipated flavor of its flagship smartphone, but the camera just isn't one of them. Head right past the break and all will be explained. Update: Our man Woz has just responded in the comments: I said plenty to make it clear that I know nothing of Apple's reasons for rejecting anything ever. I told how when I got my white iPhone 4 assembled I tested the flash photos and they did indeed have problems. I spoke of testing flash photos versus non-flash ones and comparing flash photos between my white and black iPhones. I don't recall saying that it was a 'reason' Apple rejected the parts although I had read that. For the last part, we were referring to 0:55 in the interview video after the break, but now that Woz has spoken, it could've been a joke at the time that got misinterpreted by some websites. They tend to do that with Woz. Read on!
The Engadget Show featuring Steve Wozniak's white iPhone
You may remember when Steve Wozniak flashed his (fake) white iPhone on CNN back in December, but Engadget now has something even better -- a 6-minute video of Woz discussing his white iPhone and talking about how he bought the parts from a teenager who Apple later shut down. The video is an edited segment from the January 31, 2011 edition of The Engadget Show and is a must-see for Apple fanatics awaiting the arrival of the mystical white iPhone 4 this spring. Click Read More to check out the video.
The Engadget Show: Steve Wozniak's white iPhone (video)
You may have heard a thing or two about Steve Wozniak's white iPhone from the Engadget Show this past Sunday, and while you should really go and watch the entire amazing interview, we've broken out the iPhone conversation. Enjoy!
The Engadget Show returns on January 30th with Steve Wozniak!
That's right, Engadgeteers -- the Engadget Show is back for 2011 in the biggest way possible with Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak! Join us for a night you'll never forget at 6:00PM on Sunday, January 30th at the Rose Auditorium at Cooper Union's New Academic Building. Woz will be sitting down with us for the kind of frank, eye-opening, and downright thrilling one-on-one conversation only the Engadget Show can provide. We have lots of surprises in store for you, so you definitely don't want to miss it! We'll also have music from the inimitable Zen Albatross and the usual crazy giveaways. Trust us when we say that this episode is going to be epic. REMINDER: The Show will be taking place in a lovely new venue, the Rose Auditorium in Cooper Union's New Academic Building (ie. not the TimesCenter), located in Manhattan at 41 Cooper Square. Seating is extremely limited, so get there early! Tickets are -- as always -- free to anyone who would like to attend, but seating is limited, and tickets will be first come, first served... so get there early! Here's the updated info on our new ticketing policy that you need to know: There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free The event is all ages Ticketing will begin at the Cooper Union New Academic Building at 2:00PM on Sunday, January 30th, doors will open for seating at 5:15PM, and the show begins at 6:00PM We now have assigned seating, so the first people to get their tickets will get priority seating. This also means that once you get a ticket, your seat is guaranteed -- you won't have to get back in line to get a good seat. You cannot collect tickets for friends or family -- anyone who would like to come must be present to get a ticket Seating capacity is limited (only about 200 seats in the theatre), and once we're full, we're full The venue is located at 41 Cooper Square New York, NY 10003 (map after the break) The show length is around an hour If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget [dot] com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget [dot] com. Subscribe to the Show: [iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V). [Zune] Subscribe to the Show directly in the Zune Marketplace (M4V). [RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.
Woz speaks up on net neutrality (video)
Steve Wozniak stepped up the plate earlier this week and spoke out on net neutrality. In both a written statement and a quick interview while at the recent FCC hearing on net neutrality, Woz singled out the telecommunication companies for their deceptive practices and monopolistic behaviors. Woz relates his own negative experience with local telecommunication companies in his attempt to bring internet to his house. He called on the FCC to do the right thing and enact net neutrality rules that are in the best interest of the people of this country. After the FCC issued its ruling, Woz praised the FCC for enacting some net neutrality rules to help keep the internet open, but criticized the government agency for not applying these standards to wireless broadband. Wireless broadband is the internet of the future and, sometimes, the only internet connection for those who live in outlying areas. This emerging network should be subject to the same rules and regulations as its wired counterpart. We embedded his 10-minute interview after the break and you can read his full written statement here. Thanks go to Josh Stearns for sending this in!
Found Footage: iPad portrait of Woz
David Newman is an accomplished painter who's been using Apple computers since 1984. The above video shows him painting a portrait of none other than Steve Wozniak, which the Apple founder has started using as his Facebook profile picture. Newman sat with Woz for 3 hours creating the portrait entirely on an iPad, and Wozniak reportedly thinks this is the best portrait of him ever created. The movie shares Newman's process as he created the portrait. You can see that the very first brush strokes were actually the artist spelling out "Woz" over and over. After that, Newman sketched in huge patches of color and shape. As the process continued, he layered additional touches of color, refined the shapes and added details. We especially like the box of Dots candy to Wozniak's left -- nice touch. Newman's got a great eye for detail, and a project like this really shows off the creative possibilities of Apple's magical and revolutionary device. [Via Razorianfly]
Woz gets quizzed on Wait Wait
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is something special. He has an uncanny wit and carefree personality that makes everyone smile. His latest foray into the public spotlight found him as a guest on the NPR program Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! In the show, host Peter Sagal quizzes celebrities, asking them to figure out which statement is real and which one is made up. Woz's topic of apples, the real fruit kind, was aptly chosen. While the three-question quiz on apples was enjoyable, the brief interview before the questionnaire is where Woz really shines. Host Sagal asks Woz about his early history with Steve Jobs and his thoughts on the computer and smartphone revolution. Woz reveals some gems, like the fact that he carries three iPhones - one Black model, one White model, and a third used for tethering and other testing purposes. Woz flashed this white iPhone on CNN last week and now admits with candor that his white model is one of those case hacks obtained illegally (at least from Apple's perspective) from China. The 10-minute audio clip is embedded after the break (apologies for Flash) and is worth a listen to help chase away those Monday blues. Enjoy!
Woz flashes fake white iPhone 4 on CNN
You've got to hand it to Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Although he hasn't really done anything for the company since 1987, he is becoming quite the TV star. He's been a competitor on Dancing with the Stars, did a cameo on Big Bang Theory, and was recently seen on CNN flashing a white iPhone 4. A white iPhone 4? You mean one of those oft-delayed mythical beasts that may actually appear in the spring of 2011? Well, it turns out that Woz is having the last laugh. The white iPhone 4 is actually a fake. Woz purchased a set of white front and back plates from the young entrepreneur that Apple later shut down, and modded his iPhone 4 with the plates. We think that Woz just wanted to have a white iPhone 4 before "that other Steve" got one.
