Apple co-Founder Steve Wozniak gave an exclusive interview with the Telegraph, stating some views about the past, present and future of Apple. Steve Wozniak or Woz to some wonders how long the iPod can stay on top spot, laments the limitations of the iPhone 3G, agrees with the downgrade on Apple shares and believes that Web 2.0 revolution has been over-financed and could lead to mini-crash in technology stocks. But the prediction that will probably make the most impact is his view on the pending end of Apples most popular product, the iPod

“The iPod has sort of lived a long life at number one,” he says. “Things like, that if you look back to transistor radios and Walkmans, they kind of die out after a while.

“It’s kind of like everyone has got one or two or three. You get to a point when they are on display everywhere, they get real cheap and they are not selling as much.”

We have to agree that all products have their shelf life, and will eventually die out, although something like this is true it is still surprising to hear it from the products company co-founder.

Steve Wozniak also speaks out against Apple’s iPhone

“Consumers aren’t getting all they want when companies are very proprietary and lock their products down,” he says when comparing the iPhone’s closed operating system to the new Google phone’s open source system which allows anyone to modify and adapt the way the phone works. “I would like to write some more powerful apps than what you’re allowed,” he laments.

He also had some words for the Apple fanboys out there who never question Apple’s decision and defend its failures no matter what, and buys their products with almost religious devotion.

While many companies would give their all for such strong customer loyalty, both Mr Wozniak and Mr Jobs “don’t like the fact that it’s a bit of a religion”.

“I would like to have the users influence the next generation,” he says. “With a religion you’re not allowed to challenge anything. I want our customers to challenge us.”

Hearing such words, some wouldn’t think that Steve Wozniak used to be such a chronically shy teenager he could barely summon the courage to speak to other kids.[via Telegraph]