Woz: I hate the Apple-Samsung patent fight
Apple's co-founder doesn't think Apple had a case. He's excited about the iPhone 5, though. Specifically, about its camera.
When something occurs on the Apple horizon, there are those who turn to their brightly colored wristband and ask it: "WWWD?"
Yes: what would Woz do?
Woz always prefers to speak his mind, rather than someone else's. So it was riveting to hear his reactions to Apple's glorious patent victory, as well as the launch of the iPhone 4SS.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Woz was quite clear about his feelings on the California jury that decided Apple needed to be given money for the pain caused by Samsung.
"I hate it," he said. "I don't think the decision of California will hold. And I don't agree with it -- very small things, I don't really call that innovative."
Woz knows something about innovation. Some might find it refreshing that he sees neither justice nor joy in the decision.
See CNET's full coverage of Apple's iPhone 5 event
However, he did not merely rest by expressing his displeasure. He offered a solution, which I know some might find, um, oddly European.
"I wish everybody would just agree to exchange all the patents and everybody can build the best forms they want to use everybody's technologies," he said.
But won't that put some remarkably intelligent minds in the patent industry out of work? How will they be able to afford their yachts, mansions, meals, and mistresses? How will they be able to afford Mustique this year?
Still, Woz did have some more positive things to say about Apple -- specifically about the iPhone 5.
He said he's "always excited" when a new iPhone comes out. It makes him get on his Segway and wander to his local Apple Store. Yes, that excited.
His excitement, though tempered by the fact that he hasn't yet feasted eyes and fingers on the new device, is focused on the camera.
"A better quality on the pictures will mean a lot, because when I show people pictures on my iPhone 4 and my Galaxy S3, they always say the Galaxy S3 -- or even the Motorola Razr -- pictures look better," he revealed.
It can't be easy for a company's co-founder to admit that someone else's gadgets have better qualities.
Still, Woz carries more gadgets around with him than some might think a sane person should.
Once the iPhone 5 emerges into human hands, I am sure that we will hear a highly personal, honest, and fascinating review of its merits.
Remember, this is the man who mused with some excitement that Microsoft might have re-incarnated Steve Jobs.