Wozniak on $1B Apple-Samsung Verdict: 'I Hate It'

There are few tech industry experts more outspoken than Steve Wozniak, co-founder (along with the late Steve Jobs) of Cupertino, California's iconic and pioneering Apple Inc. (formerly Apple Computers, Inc.).

Wozniak's back in the spotlight again, this time for attacking the jury decision requiring Samsung pay Apple $1 billion for infringing on smartphone patents.

Woz on Patent Decision: "I Hate It"

In a recent interview with Bloomberg news, Wozniak (popularly known by many as simply "Woz") let it be known that he doesn't agree with the California jury's decision to award Apple more than $1 billion.

"I hate it," Wozniak 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." (Source: cnet.com)

Apparently, Woz feels that carefully protecting patents ultimately won't benefit the consumer very much.

In fact, he believes the best idea would involve major tech companies like Samsung and Apple sharing their technologies with one another.

"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," Woz added.

Wozniak didn't address whether or not such a move would negatively affect the speed at which mobile technologies evolve.

Woz "Excited" About iPhone 5

Woz did, however, take a moment to express that he's "excited" about the iPhone 5, which was unveiled to mixed reviews last week. According to Wozniak, it's about time Apple improved the camera that's built into the iPhone.

"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 said. (Source: cnet.com)

The iPhone 5 is already available for pre-order, though with supplies low and orders high it's unlikely every Apple fanboy or fangirl will get their hands on the device when it begins shipping September 21. (Source: eweek.com)