Steve Wozniak: Android will be the dominant smartphone platform
By Thomas Ricker posted Nov 18th 2010 6:04AM

Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak, has never been one to mince words. Today's no different as demonstrated in an interview with the Dutch-language De Telegraaf newspaper in The Netherlands. The first revelation is an admission that Apple had collaborated with a well-known Japanese consumer electronics company in 2004 to develop a phone that was ahead of its time. Woz is quoted as saying that while Apple was content with the quality, it "wanted something that could amaze the world." Obviously, the phone was shelved followed by Apple's announcement of the iPhone in January 2007.

Woz then moved on to the topic of Android saying that Android smartphones, not the iPhone, would become dominant, noting that the Google OS is likely to win the race similarly to the way that Windows ultimately dominated the PC world. Woz stressed that the iPhone, "Has very few weak points. There aren't any real complaints and problems. In terms of quality, the iPhone is leading." However, he then conceded that, "Android phones have more features," and offer more choice for more people. Eventually, he thinks that Android quality, consistency, and user satisfaction will match iOS.

Steve closed the interview with a jab at Nokia calling it, "the brand from a previous generation" suggesting that the boys from Finland should introduce a new brand for a young consumer. Hmm, so we guess he'll be in line for the launch of the MeeGo-based N9 then?

Update: We've contacted Steve (an Engadget commenter) for clarification. He says he was misquoted by De Telegraaf.

Apple will keep the iOs devices completley closed, in house and enjoy the high margins and cash flow that will result. Google will end up being the "windows" of the mobile world. Both will be successful, just different philosphies and approaches to the market.

Sites say that the original article misquoted him

It did. He still loves Apple, don't panic.

I'm not bothered either way, the iPhone has a great market... I'm just not the person it's aimed at and have an Android phone as a result

Quite. I'd be the same, if I could be arsed with touch screens and crappy battery life.

Indeed.

Buttons ftw!

How long will it last though? It's getting harder to find decent, convential phones, that aren't a £20 Nokia.

though you want apps by the sound of it...

Nah, what I want is several day battery life, proper buttons, the odd bit of web and the ability to use the thing as a modem. Good luck with that though innit.

Prof's reply pretty much sums up my feelings. I have no need for a touchscreen. Just some alphanumeric keys, a green and red key and a power button thanks.