Date of birth | Nationality | Residence | Education | Occupation |
---|---|---|---|---|
August 11, 1950 | American | Los Gatos, California | University of Colorado Boulder, De Anza College | Computer engineer, programmer, inventor |
Steve Wozniak, also known as "Woz," is an American computer engineer, programmer, and inventor. He is best known for co-founding Apple Inc. with Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne in 1976. Wozniak played a crucial role in the development of the Apple I and Apple II computers, which revolutionized the personal computer industry.
Wozniak's passion for electronics began at a young age. He was fascinated by the workings of televisions and radios and would often take them apart to see how they worked. In high school, he designed his first computer, the "Cream Soda Computer," which was made from surplus parts.
After graduating from high school, Wozniak attended the University of Colorado Boulder but dropped out after one year. He then enrolled at De Anza College, where he met Steve Jobs. The two became friends and began working on computer projects together.
Wozniak was born on August 11, 1950, in San Jose, California. His father was an engineer at Lockheed Martin, and his mother was a housewife. Wozniak has two younger brothers.
In 1976, Wozniak married his first wife, Alice Robertson. The couple had three children together before divorcing in 1980. In 2008, Wozniak married his current wife, Janet Hill.
Wozniak is known for his philanthropic work and has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations. He is also an avid collector of comic books and has a large collection of vintage and rare comics.
Wozniak's career in technology began in the early 1970s when he started working for Hewlett-Packard (HP). While at HP, he designed and built the first computer that would later become the Apple I.
In 1976, Wozniak co-founded Apple Inc. with Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne. Wozniak was responsible for designing the hardware and software for the Apple I and Apple II computers. The Apple II was a huge success and helped to establish Apple as a major player in the personal computer industry.
Wozniak left Apple in 1985 but remained involved in the technology industry. He founded several companies, including CL 9, which developed the first programmable universal remote control, and Wheels of Zeus, which developed wireless GPS technology.
Wozniak is also a well-known speaker and has given numerous talks on technology and innovation. He is a member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame and has received numerous awards for his contributions to the technology industry.
Wozniak is known for his close friendship with Steve Jobs. The two met while attending De Anza College and worked together at Apple for many years. Despite their close relationship, Wozniak and Jobs had their share of disagreements and conflicts over the years.
Wozniak is also friends with several other celebrities, including comedian and actor Kevin Pollak and musician and actor will.i.am. He has made several appearances on Pollak's podcast and has worked with will.i.am on several technology projects.
Wozniak has been criticized for his involvement with the controversial technology company Theranos. Wozniak was a board member and advisor to the company, which was later found to have engaged in fraudulent practices. Wozniak has since distanced himself from the company and has spoken out against its practices.
Wozniak is a big fan of the TV show "Dancing with the Stars" and appeared as a contestant on the show in 2009. He was paired with professional dancer Karina Smirnoff and was eliminated in the fourth week of the competition.
Wozniak is a strong advocate for education and has donated millions of dollars to schools and universities. He is also a supporter of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advocates for digital rights and privacy.