Apple co-founder says Amazon Echo is ‘next big’ thing

The Amazon Echo has users split over its usefulness, but it’s got at least one steadfast fan.

Steve Wozniak has come out as a proponent of Amazon’s cylindrical, voice-activated assistant – the Amazon Echo.

The Apple co-founder revealed his love for the product in an interview with CNBC, discussing his high hopes for the Echo’s future.

“I’m excited right now about the Amazon Echo, oddly enough,” Wozniak told the site. “I think it’s the next big platform for the near future if I’m right.”

He continued: “It’s just become such a wonderful part of our life, not having to lift anything up and speak to things, and just speak to it anywhere across a room,” he said. “That is such a luxury and freedom.”

^{Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak}

According to Wozniak, his love for both Amazon Echo and Siri – Apple’s digital assistant – stem from his distaste for ever-changing apps.

The legendary technologist said he much prefers speaking to technology as a result.

“I fell in love with speaking because I hate to memorise…because you know how apps change, they change it this year and things you memorise don’t work the same,” said Wozniak.

“You can just say, ‘Get me an Uber,’ and it does…you can say, ‘Get me some paper towels,’ and if it knows your last order on Amazon, it orders it right there,” Wozniak explained.

The Apple co-founder also revealed that he ordered his second Amazon Echo by telling his first Echo to make the purchase.

Related: What is Amazon Echo?

Amazon launched the echo at the end of 2014 as a limited release, with a wider rollout taking place last summer.

It’s a wireless speaker and voice command device that takes shape as a 9.25-inch cylinder.

The Echo responds to the name ‘Alexa’, and can perform a variety of tasks, including playing music, setting alarms, and providing information. It can also control other compatible smart devices.

What do you think of the Amazon Echo? Let us know in the comments.