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Wozniak: Tim Cook should not be fired, and Apple is still ‘cool’

Published Mar 17th, 2014 2:28PM EDT
Wozniak on Tim Cook and Apple

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Apple

co-founder Steve Wozniak, known for his candor when speaking about various Apple and non-Apple matters, talked with reporters and analysts at CeBIT 2014 last week, Times of India reports.  Among other things, he said that he doesn’t think Tim Cook has to be fired, responding to one analyst who said the CEO should be punished for Apple’s stock dropping by 25% since October 2012.

“I don’t agree. Cook has [not] been at the helm of Apple for a long enough time,” Wozniak said.  “We haven’t seen what new categories of products are being developed secretly. Who knows what’s going on in the company.. But we have had stiff competition in the smartphones arena. Unfortunately, a lot of other companies came up with great products. But look at who is number one as far as sales, profits and company valuation are concerned. Tim Cook is a hard worker and he is very good at execution. I don’t know him too closely. But, I’m willing to wait for a longer time.”

When asked whether Steve Jobs’ death was fatal for the “magic at Apple,” Wozniak said that he “would never say that.” “If Jobs had lived, would Apple be better or worse than what it is now, I think, nobody can look back and say if the company had made different decisions, it would have great. But what you got to say is how we can be constructive on the path that will get the best for Apple,” he added.

Wozniak also said that there’s too much pressure on Apple to come out with new products, and that many people still don’t know how to use a smartphone and are afraid to acknowledge it. For those people, things should not change as often the former Apple exec said, adding that “iPhone is the best place for the masses.”

Overall, Wozniak said that Apple is still a cool company. “In the past, Apple has been a leader in setting the new tone and direction for the world. Apple has this reputation where everyone is looking up to it for the future. Apple has been a star,” he added.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.