Newsmaker: Bill Gates' to-do list

NEW YORK--It's still a year before Bill Gates shifts from a full-time Microsoft worker to a part-timer. Which is good, because there's plenty he still wants to achieve.

In the second half of a two-part interview with CNET News.com, Microsoft's chairman talks about what's on his to-do list, including having a say in the next versions of Office and Windows and helping shape the company's strategy in search and online commerce.

"No shortage of important work," Gates said, speaking in Manhattan, where he took part in Monday's Vista launch festivities before heading back to Europe for more Vista events as well as a Government Leaders Forum in Scotland.

In part one of the interview, Gates gave his pitch for Windows Vista, the latest version of Microsoft's dominant operating system. In part two, Gates addresses some of the areas where Microsoft is trying to come from behind, including Xbox and Windows Live.

Q: One of the things Microsoft is introducing for the first time is if you want, you can go online and download either Office or Vista and buy it directly from Microsoft. Is that the future?
Gates: If you look at the beta period, where we had over 5 million users, those were online downloads, so obviously people are very willing to have that as a way to upgrade. It certainly beats standing in line. I don't know what the mix will look like over these next several years. We're going to give people the choice. Maybe next time it will be the main way they decide to upgrade.

News.com Poll

Vista: Now or never
How soon do you plan to move to Microsoft's latest OS?

I'm standing in line right now to buy it.
Whenever I buy my next PC.
Windows XP is going to last me a good, long time.
I'm sticking with the Mac--or moving there soon.

View results

One of things Microsoft said on the earnings call last week is that you are not going to ship quite as many Xboxes, at least in the near term, as you had forecast. What's behind that?
Gates: The Xbox had a great Christmas, but we actually provided enough inventory to go even beyond that. People in the first half will be working off that somewhat. We're always quite conservative in terms of how we do forecasts. We feel our competitive position with Xbox 360 could not be better. We got out a year ahead of our competitor, got the volume up there so that software people see it as the platform they really want to build on. Even with the conservatism, I've never felt better about Xbox 360 and where it is.

I'm sure you guys assumed the Windows Live effort would be a challenge. It seems to have been a bigger challenge than you expected. Is it time to rethink the strategy there? Is it just a matter of time?
Gates: Windows Live is fairly new for us. Ray Ozzie came and took charge of that. With Vista shipping now, we'll get a higher percentage of R&D on that Live-type capability. Over the next year you're going to see some neat things coming out. No one has done the platform on the Internet the way we think it needs to be done. We've got a lot of breakthroughs that we're going to be rolling out.

You just got back from Davos, the big conference of business executives and political types. Were there some things you came away with?
Gates: That's a conference that hits on every topic imaginable, from global health to global warming to various political things. The biggest change agent in the world has been the Internet. Now it's a question of getting that out, not just in the rich countries, but for all of the different countries. How can we make that happen?

More Newsmakers

[ducttapeBigSexy]

Shouldn't Linux be on that Poll?

Vista: Now or never - where's Linux on that poll?

[severian64]

No

Lets be realistic here. The world runs on Windows. Existing Windows XP/2k/98 users will get an Apple or Vista PC not Linux on PC.

[Fil0403]

Shouldn't "I *AM* running Vista" be on that Poll?

Vista: Now or never - months after the OS was released to businesses (I've been running Vista Business in my laptop at home for 2 weeks now thanks to MSDNAA) and 2 days after it was launched to the general public, where's that option on that poll, when is this ridiculous and yet amusing anti-Microsoft/pro-Apple campaign gonna stop?

[Fil0403]

Shouldn't "I *AM* running Vista" be on that Poll?

Vista: Now or never - months after the OS was released to businesses (I've been running Vista Business in my laptop at home for 2 weeks now thanks to MSDNAA) and 2 days after it was launched to the general public, where's that option on that poll, when is this ridiculous and yet amusing anti-Microsoft/pro-Apple campaign gonna stop?

[bradyme]

As a system builder, I got to think Linux this year

With the growing increase of the "throw away" PC market being driven by Dell and HP, In order for me as a small system builder, I have to look into building things similar, using the itx form factor specs, with a Ubuntu Linux environment. The OS is cheaper, and this year, Microsoft didn't give the small IT and Computer store enough free incentives to push Vista. I will still sell Vista, but likely only for the game enthuests, and the pc hobbiest (which at this time, only buys components.)<br /><br />I see what's happening here, MS sees limiting the equipments functions based on license of the OEM. (only 2 times can a user brand their Vista License.) <br /><br />So if more computers are more released with limitations put apon them, they will make it like the MAC culture: Once your done with it, upgrade by throwing away the old ones, and buy a new one with Vista, making another sale. I can see this. Many of my computers over the years have been mainly sold to the average computer user. The one who doesn't care about upgrading later, they will buy a new one if they want something new. <br /><br />With Ubuntu this year, I plan on subverting that price gap in price with larger companies. Drawing computer enthuiests and Game heads to buy my systems, instead of buying limited equiptment which is promoted now by Dell. I have been able to compete with the XPS lines every time, but that doesn't make many sales at my store, I going to get with that affordable market by pushing Ubuntu systems and giving customers broader choices who can upgrade and save cost. The Generic Vendors will encourage this, because they rely on small business and computer hobbiest to keep them operational. They use the same chip sets from VIA, phoenix, ETC... They will fight back by promoting this, while still making Windows cert Hardware for a little while. Because unless they make main boards for Gateway, Dell, or HP.. they would likely be pushed out this year.

[jabbotts]

awsome

It's fantastic to hear from a shop owner who's embracing a Linux distrobution. More shops should at least offer the option of an alternative to the two freight train OS.<br /><br />It'd be interesting to read about how it goes if you can get an article on newsforge.com

[Xentar]

i wonder

wonder what your customers will say when you sell them GNU/Linux OS after they first run into problems and/or bring an application from their firends which will not run under Linux. <br /><br />Really, developer and hw manufacturer support is what makes Windows the best OS for majority of users. Linux is fine on servers and in limited scope in companies with well defined user roles (and with knowledgeable GNU/Linux personnel). At home it would be good only for browsing. Multimedia are problem still. Not only there is still poor suppor frmo hw manufacturers but many codecs and software players are only available for paying customers and are not included in Linux distributions as default(Novel SUSE anyone?)<br /><br />Funny thing - it may actualy work out one day. As i write this i have a freespire instalation CD in my bag to put it on friends desktop PC - he has notebook with original Windows XP so the other old PC will be used only for browsing and multimedia. Freespire offers support for that including Windows Media Audio/Video formats.

[slim-1]

I made the same decision as well.

I also just started doing Mac support as well and will be pushing BSD on the server end.<br /><br />I also choose Ubuntu.

[Seaspray0]

Good for you

I hope your business plans do well. I applaud the idea of giving the consumer "broader choices." Competition helps drive better products and you are on that front line.

[Philips]

Day of week in tray clocks?

Hi there!<br /><br />Vista is here bla-bla-bla/etc. But what interests me most - is it possible to set Vista to display week day along with time in tray clocks? Or all users would have to - again - resort to 2nd party solutions/patches we are all so used to in a decade Windows exists?<br /><br />Why we customers need a thousands little applications for what M$ needs about 1 man/day to accomplish?<br /><br />Does M$ intend to start actually listening to what its Windows/Office users actually need? Or it would be going on pushing "big politics" on shoulder of its multi-million user base? - while completely disregarding all the small issues which waste our time every day.<br /><br />To me M$' politics in regards of Windows &#38; Office products really reminds saying "death by thousand cuts."

[d21mike]

Show Week Day in the Task Tray

To get Week Day in the Task Tray in both Windows XP and Vista, enlarge the bottom bar to double. You will see the following format.<br /><br />8:07 AM<br />Wednesday<br />1/31/2007

[Commander_Spock]

To be added to "Bill Gates' to-do list"!

"I'm sure you guys assumed the Windows Live effort would be a challenge. It seems to have been a bigger challenge than you expected. Is it time to rethink the strategy there? Is it just a matter of time?<br />Gates: Windows Live is fairly new for us. Ray Ozzie came and took charge of that. With Vista shipping now, we'll get a higher percentage of R&#38; D on that Live-type capability. Over the next year you're going to see some neat things coming out. No one has done the platform on the Internet the way we think it needs to be done. We've got a lot of breakthroughs that we're going to be rolling out..."; sit down with the international analysts, banker et cetera, et cetera... from around the world who will advise on "Live-type capability"/(capabilities) they need and not what Microsoft thinks they need! This is also what is needed to be added to "Bill Gates' to-do list"!

[d21mike]

No, But how about "Already Upgraded and Loving it"

I upgraded 4 machines and loving it. 3 office Desktops and 1 laptop. Also, just ordered a new machine with Vista installed. Also, working with a small business who has ordered 7 new machines with Vista Business. I have used many flavors of Linux and it just not compare to Windows. Just my 2 cents.

[jabbotts]

if Vista works for you and your clients

Then great, if your a value added reseller, 7 new machines has to be a nice invoice to print off. You can't argue that Vista isn't pretty and we'll see how the rest of it shakes out over the next six months.<br /><br />Was the jab at Linux neccissary though? There's no comparison in the article or in a comment your responding two yet 90% "Vista is great" with the 10% "oh, and better than Linux" qualifier. That just seems like your looking for a flame rather than providing any facts or comparison valid to the discussion.

[Commander_Spock]

"Also, working with a small business...

who has ordered 7 new machines with Vista Business. I have used many flavors of Linux and it just not compare to Windows..."; but, tell us this - you go into the Bodega and order a sandwich and not tell the food handler what you want on the inside of the sandwich; whether or not you wish to have that new "ribbon" style prepared turkey... What applications will these "7 new machines with Vista Business" be running; also, what is your take on Office 2007!

[Koo Breez]

Bunch of degenerates

All you Msft haters are a bunch of degenerates. Stop hating on Msft and start coding a cool UI for Linux. That's how you'll beat Msft. Apple seems to do fine protecting their empire. That's because they focus on making cool products instead of mindless MsHate rhetoric like Scott McNeely. Look where it got him.<br /><br />Get a life people.

[Philips]

Agreed.

&gt; Lets be realistic here.<br /><br />True. The only people who would listen to what Gates has to say are: (1) M$ fanboys who try evangelize his and (2) jealous businessmen who want to earn same fortune Gate have earned.<br /><br />None of them are target audience of Linux: system made by people for people - to get job done.

[donnie0526]

rubbish...

Philips is far from "realistic". Get a clue, grow up, move on...

[donnie0526]

rubbish...

Philips is far from "realistic".

[donnie0526]

Realistic?

Philips is far from "realistic".

[donnie0526]

Realistic?

Philips is far from "realistic".

[rattyuk]

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid!

"Have you picked a couple things yet that you plan on working <br />on when you do step away from full-time work?<br />Gates: It's too soon to really decide what those things will be. I'd <br />be surprised if some things related to search or tablet PCs aren't <br />in there. It's up to Steve to think, in that new role, how can I be <br />most effective."<br /><br />Listen - doesn't it scare anyone that what is being said here is <br />that the future of computing (according to MS) is going to be <br />decided by Steve Ballmer. I would be very afraid.

[Koo Breez]

The Sales Guy...

LOL Yeah, let the "sales guy" define the long term technical product strategy. That ALWAYS works. John Akers @ IBM, John Schulley @ Apple, Carly Fiorina @ HP... Need I say more?

[Commander_Spock]

Why...

... "Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid!"; when IBM, GOOGLE as well as others will always be there in the "future of computing" (being the internet) and not according to how it is going to be perceived by "MS"!

[Fil0403]

Be Ignorant, Be Very Ignorant!

Doesn't scare me at all and I'm in the computer science area so I know what's at stake (something I don't know if you can say), I'd be much more afraid if it was going to be decided by Steve Jobs, believe me (bye-bye games, compatibility and serious policy of patching vulnerabilities). If you are afraid you're just gonna have to live with it, because it's true (not according to Microsoft, according to this: <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://marketshare.hitslink.com/report.aspx?qprid=2" target="_newWindow">http://marketshare.hitslink.com/report.aspx?qprid=2</a>).

[jerrysproinger]

Who cares? Let that stupid loudmouth run Microsoft into the ground

It's not like we don't have better options anyway.

[jerrysproinger]

Just the usual load of self-serving BS...

"But when you watch the news you can avoid the things you don't care about and see more of the things you do care about."<br /><br />Oh sure, that's possible. But in practice it's not going to happen. If you can get straight to the content you're interested in, the content provider won't be able to cram as much advertising down your throat as he wants to. That's why news programs now deliberately don't tell you when the segment you're interested in will be on.<br /><br />"The ads can be very targeted to you, so they won't be as bothersome."<br /><br />Suuuuuure they will. I'm an 80-year-old woman named Jerry Sproinger, and my interests include arthritis medicine and falsifying information on my user profile. I doubt I'll be seeing a lot of Ducati ads.<br /><br />"The content that is not very popular, like your kids' sports game or some lecture, will just be right there in your guide. The use of the Internet means it doesn't matter how many people are watching it. We can bring it down to you."<br /><br />Big deal. We have local programming now that nobody watches. Hand out copies of your camcorder cassettes to the six people who will watch it and save yourself the time and effort of capturing, editing and uploading it.<br /><br />"We get rid of these limitations, the time limitations and the number of channel limitations that the old broadcast approach forced us all into."<br /><br />Oh yeah, like there aren't enough channels to broadcast the wealth of quality programming now. The real problem is that as the audience base gets more and more diluted, the production funding is going to disappear. Then nobody will produce anything worth watching. Oh wait, that's already happened.<br /><br />"Once upon a time a typeset document was a clear sign that a big company was behind it and had put some real money into it. Today, anyone with a copy of Office and a laser printer is making documents that look as good as a big company."<br /><br />That's partially true (although it was the Macintosh that started the desktop publishing revolution). But you can't produce typeset-quality work with Word. You need Quark or FrameMaker. And even if you have the layout tools, you still need to be able to write and edit the content, develop the graphics, and lay the document out in an effective and appealing manner. Most people are still not capable of doing that well.<br /><br />"There is still a gap there in terms of movie editing. But now with this high-definition movie editor that's in Windows Vista, that barrier has really been changed."<br /><br />Oh yeah, that's going to make a difference. After all, producing video has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the writing, acting, lighting, camera work, makeup, etc. Give an amateur video producer access to the entire resources of Universal Pictures and he's still going to produce crap. Hell, even Universal pictures can't produce anything worth watching these days.

[City_Of_LA]

Yawn...same old typical replies

Bill Gates this, Microsoft that. It's not even old anymore, nor pathetic. Someone should find a new world for the little jealous and pathetic nothings.<br /><br />PS. Enjoy your copies of Vista :-).

[benjiernmd]

If I were Bill Gates...

..I would buy Amiga and start my business in hardware department. <br />We all know that Microsoft is basically a software company. If I <br />wanted to KILL APPLE (and alt OS), all I had to do would be to start <br />being a software and hardware company, like Amiga. Then all the <br />Macs and PC's running Linux/alt OS in the world would fall on their <br />knees and bow to me. Hah hah hah hah (evil laughter).

[slim-1]

Bill Gates actual to-do list

Screw Customers- Done<br /><br />Screw Business Partners- Done<br /><br />Screw PC Vendors- Done<br /><br />Screw Hardware Vendors- Done<br /><br />Screw 3rd Party Software Vendors- Done<br /><br />Lie about OpenSource Software (emphasis on Linux)- Done<br /><br />Lie about Mac system- Done<br /><br />Spend 5 years designing eye candy for XP and renaming it Vista- Done<br /><br />Yup all Done. Time to retire.

[solmajeur]

Ha ha ha ha -- touché

I'll add a couple--<br /><br />Start a charitable foundation to try to atone for all the sleazy things I've done.<br /><br />Turn Microsoft over to someone who's really going to me look like a genius by comparison.

[yamio]

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[yamio]

2way("Priority ")Email System(invented)

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[noldrin]

standing in line to buy software..

As a Linux user, I forgot that people actually go to a store to buy an operating system. It now sounds rather antiquated to me.

[Fil0403]

Writing in a command line shell...

As a Windows user, I forgot too that people actually need to write in a command line shell to work with an operating system. It now sound rather antiquated to me.

[Xenu7-214951314497503184010868]

Number One: Buy a Mac

Oh, wait, they already have tons of Macs. How else do they manage to copy everything that Apple does, and repackage it as their own? Microsoft is really just one big copy machine without any innovative ideas or vision of their own.

[Seaspray0]

What a bunch of Bull

"Microsoft is really just one big copy machine without any innovative ideas or vision of their own."<br /><br />Bull. What was the first plug and play OS? Windows 95. Who's Office suit is most copied by everyone else for functionality? Microsoft. Who's idea was it to use a mouse in a graphical user interface? Wasn't apple, it was xerox. Who's operating system has a graphical user interface? All of them... apple, linux, microsoft, even atari and commodore had GUI interfaces in their OS's. Apple did not invent it, macboy. Tell me this? When is the mac OS going to support using whatever hardware I want to put into a computer? There's plenty of inovation to go all around; apple doesn't hold a monopoly on it.

[Xenu7-214951314497503184010868]

Number Two: Retire

When you are the richest man on the planet, why, oh why are you wasting your time with this stupid computer company? Think of the things you could be doing instead? Fly the space shuttle! Clean up the ocean! Take over a small country and create a model civilization for others to emulate! Devote your life to spiritual development and benefiting sentient beings! Etc. I guess money doesn't cure nerdism.