The first computer I ever used was entirely designed by this man. Think about that for a moment. This guy actually designed an entire computer (two in fact!) from top to bottom. And he did it in the most ingenious, elegant way imaginable.
Now, almost three decades later, it's an honor to announce that Steve Wozniak is going to co-host the opening party for the coolest tech event in New York this year: Gizmodo Gallery.
We can't be happier.
Woz has always been a hero for all of us here in Gizmodo. He certainly is a personal hero for me.
He embodies everything we like in tech people: a happy person who enjoys life, who can laugh at himself, make practical jokes and even dance. And of course, this guy and his best buddy changed the world. He's the electronics genius who created the Apple II and many other incredible devices.
The man who started it all
The Apple II wasn't any computer, but the computer that changed my life and the life of millions. It started the personal computer industry as we know it. It was the first powerful machine that could be used by anyone and its success made IBM move from the mainframe to the IBM PC.
In fact, it was the computer that made Apple Computer a success. Without this man and Steve Jobs, you wouldn't be using your Mac, your iPhone or your iPad. Or your Windows PC and your Android phone, for that matter. The ripples of his genius and Steve Jobs' vision permeate every aspect of our society today.
Woz is also a regular Gizmodo reader and commenter. In fact, he even became a Gizmodo writer for a day.
So I fired an email to invite him to our gallery. It was last minute. I told him that it was going to be full of amazing toys, from the giant Santa Claw and the pancake magic maker to Marty McFly's Nike shoes and the world's largest multitouch display. I also told him that I would understand if he couldn't make it because it was such a late notice.
But to our surprise and joy, he said yes. Not only he said yes, but he changed his plans and he flew from India to New York to be here to co-host the party next Tuesday.
Amazing.
We are so grateful and honored to have him co-host the party. Thank you so much, Steve!
Do you want to come to Gizmodo Gallery? Here's the information you need:
Gizmodo Gallery 2011 @ White Box
329 Broome Street. New York, NY, 10002
Monday, December 5th
Press Day, Press Only
Inquiries to media@gizmodo.com
Tuesday, December 6th
12noon – 5pm
All Day Special Event: World's Largest Multi-Touch LCD
Party: Opening Party Invite Only 7pm - 10pm
Wednesday, December 7th
12noon – 8pm
Special Events (secret!)
Party: Gizmodo Reader Meetup and Nerf Party 9pm - 11pm
Thursday December 8th
12noon – 8pm
Special Event at 6pm: Home Theater How-To and Demo Session
Party: Kotaku Reader Meedup with 3D Gaming
Friday, December 9th
12noon – 8pm
All Day Special Event: MarkerBot Demos
Special Event at 6pm: Artist Talk - Micah Ganske's MakerBot Experience
Saturday December 10th
11am - 8pm
All Day Special Event: Free Pictures with Lego Santa Yoda
Sunday December 11th
11am - 6pm
All Day Special Event: Free Pictures with Lego Santa Yoda
Read more about the Gizmodo Gallery here and follow @gizgallery on Twitter. Special thanks to Land Rover - without them, there would be no Gizmodo Gallery.