Bill Gates Claims "iPad-Type Device Users are Frustrated," Windows 8 to the Rescue
Bill Gates as long since removed himself from the day-to-day workings of Microsoft, but that’s not to say he won’t pinch hit for the software giant from time to time. In an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” this week (in which he sat alongside Berkshire Hathaway chairman and CEO Warren Buffett), Gates took a swipe at Apple’s market-dominating iPad.
“Microsoft is trying to gain share in what has been dominated by the iPad-type device,” said Gates. “But a lot of those users are frustrated. They can’t type, they can’t create documents, they don’t have [Microsoft] Office there, so we’re providing them with the benefits they’ve seen that have made that a big category, but without giving up what they expect in a PC.”
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 with Windows 8
“Microsoft is trying to gain share in what has been dominated by the iPad-type device,” said Gates. “But a lot of those users are frustrated. They can’t type, they can’t create documents, they don’t have [Microsoft] Office there, so we’re providing them with the benefits they’ve seen that have made that a big category, but without giving up what they expect in a PC.”
The Apple iPad mini
That take on Windows 8 tablets vs. the iPad hardly comes a surprise, given its source, but it’s interesting to hear Gates dig at the iPad for lacking Office, as Microsoft has resisting making an Office app available for the iPad.
