Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates told Reddit users today that Bing is a "better product" than Google and that Windows 8 is a "huge advance."
A Redditor asked the ridiculously wealthy philanthropist during a Reddit Q&A event, dubbed an an "ask me anything" session, "Do you guys really use Bing? I mean seriously..."
Gates referencedBing's campaign to prove that it produces results faster than Google search: "Seriously Bing is the better product at this point. Try the challenge. I am biased but the work to make Bing better has been amazing."
Gates also stuck to his guns when asked if Windows 8 has failed. He responded that Windows 8 is "a huge advance for Windows which people will see even more as the great applications and hardware come out."
When a Redditor posted, "Windows 7 or Windows 8? Be honest Bill," Gates simply responded, "Higher is better."
In addition to keeping up his Microsoft loyalties, Gates discussed his personal life, philanthropy, and other ideas on tech during the session, which lasted more than an hour. Gates also talked about his greatest product regret: WinFS, a database technology that never made it to market.
Although Gates is known for his contributions to technology, he let the Reddit community know early on that his full-time focus now is on the foundation he and his wife, Melinda Gates, started.
"Melinda and I believe that everyone deserves the chance for a healthy and productive life -- and so with the help of our amazing partners, we are working to find innovative ways to help people in need all over the world," he wrote in his introduction post under the handle thisisbillgates.
Gates won over Redditors quickly, answering questions swiftly and even responding to follow-up questions. Of course, he was using a Surface Pro, which he wrote "is very nice" and "will come down in price over time and be pervasive."
He wouldn't say if he's ever owned a Mac, but he did say that he has tried all of Apple's products "from time to time," and commented on his relationship with late Apple CEO Steve Jobs:
He and I respected each other. Our biggest joint project was the Mac where Microsoft had more people on the project than Apple did as we wrote a lot of applications. I saw Steve regularly over the years including spending an afternoon with him a few months before he tragically passed away...
When asked about the next big thing in tech, Gates talked about technology that helps you interact with computers:
Robots, pervasive screens, speech interaction will all change the way we look at "computers." Once seeing, hearing, and reading (including handwriting) work very well, you will interact in new ways...
Gates also shared his thoughts on the eradication of polio, leaving his kids a $10 million trust fund instead of $100 million, and waiting for Spinal Tap to go back on tour. He added a dose of humor all along the way.
Before his session started, Gates posted an animation on YouTube answering three of the more popular questions he expected, including whether he would rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck.
Then, to bid the Redditors farewell, Gates linked to this meme:
As a technology enthusiast with a deep understanding of the industry, I can provide insights into the statements made by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates during the Reddit Q&A session. Bill Gates, a key figure in the tech world, demonstrated his firsthand expertise and knowledge on various topics, ranging from Microsoft products to his philanthropic endeavors.
Firstly, Gates expressed his confidence in Bing, Microsoft's search engine, stating that it is a "better product" than Google. He pointed to Bing's campaign, challenging users to test its speed against Google's search results. This showcases Gates' awareness of the ongoing developments and improvements in Microsoft's search technology.
Moreover, Gates defended Windows 8, describing it as a "huge advance" for the Windows operating system. He anticipates that its value will become even more apparent as new applications and hardware are introduced. This indicates Gates' in-depth knowledge of the Windows platform and his belief in its evolving capabilities.
Gates also engaged in discussions about his personal life, philanthropy, and technology trends. Notably, he emphasized his dedication to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, highlighting his commitment to global health and well-being.
In terms of Microsoft loyalty, Gates playfully responded to questions about Windows 7 versus Windows 8, suggesting that "higher is better." This showcases his familiarity with Microsoft's product lineup and his ability to inject humor into the conversation.
Furthermore, Gates reminisced about his collaboration with the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs, underscoring their mutual respect and acknowledging their joint efforts on projects like the Mac. This attests to Gates' historical involvement in the tech industry and his insights into key partnerships and rivalries.
Discussing the future of technology, Gates touched upon advancements like robots, pervasive screens, and speech interaction, indicating his forward-looking perspective and understanding of emerging trends.
To sum up, Bill Gates, in this Reddit Q&A session, demonstrated his extensive knowledge of Microsoft products, technology trends, and the broader tech landscape. His ability to engage with the Reddit community, answer questions promptly, and share anecdotes from his career contributes to his credibility as a tech expert.
