It is well known that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates uses an Android smartphone. After he didn’t want to reveal what it was for a long time, he has now revealed the model on Reddit.
In an interview with New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin published in 2021 on the Clubhouse audio chat platform, Bill Gates already revealed a few things about his personal taste in smartphones. Now he revealed in a Reddit post which cell phone he is now using exactly. Surprisingly, it’s not a Microsoft one.
Bill Gates doesn’t use a Microsoft smartphone
As part of the Reddit format “Ask me anything” Gates has shared exciting information in the past. A recent post now states that he is using an “Android Galaxy ZFold 3”. What is meant, of course, is a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, for whatever reason he does not name the manufacturer. The Microsoft founder was particularly impressed by the foldable display. However, he does not write why he does not rely on his own company’s folding cell phone – the Microsoft Surface Duo 2. It is certainly not due to the high price of around 1800 or 1600 euros (RRP).
Mainly Android – but also a bit iPhone
In the past, Bill Gates has made no secret of the fact that he privately uses an Android smartphone in everyday life. As an explanation he said:
“Some of the Android manufacturers install Microsoft software out of the box, which makes it easy for me. They are more flexible in the way the software is integrated with the operating system, so I’ve gotten used to that.”
At the time, he did not want to reveal which Android smartphone Bill Gates is actually using. However, according to his statements, there was a lot of speculation, including a Galaxy smartphone from Samsung, since the Microsoft apps mentioned are preinstalled there. Microsoft’s own Surface Duo with Android was of course even more popular – it also comes with the apps.
Of course, as the third richest person in the world, Gates also has an iPhone up his sleeve that he keeps playing around with. After all, he has to stay up to date when Apple reintroduces new technologies and functions. Many of his acquaintances also have iPhones.
Also interesting: 6 things Bill Gates predicted back in 1999
Microsoft’s own smartphone operating system was a flop
Some will still remember Windows Mobile and later Windows Phone. The smartphone operating system was never really able to establish itself and at its best achieved a market share of just 3.6 percent. The OS struggled with software bugs and a lack of support from app developers. In 2015, Microsoft finally stamped out Windows Mobile.
On a Conference of the investment company Village Global Bill Gates called the failure of smartphones with Windows Mobile the “biggest mistake” he ever made. Accordingly, the market only had room for another mobile operating system in addition to iOS – and Google grabbed it with Android.
Microsoft itself relies on Android
Since the discontinuation of Windows Mobile, Microsoft’s mobile division has focused on developing apps for iOS and Android. The software giant not only offers its Office suite as apps, but also offers its browser, translator and SwiftKey keyboard. In addition, Android smartphones can be integrated with the Windows operating system with the “Your Phone Companion” app.
With the Microsoft Duo, the company also released its first smartphone with Android in 2020. What is special about the device are the two screens and the folding mechanism, with which it can be transformed from a smartphone into a tablet with a single movement of the hand. The duo has received a lot of positive reviews for the new approach and excellent folding mechanism. However, the outdated hardware and problems with the software, as well as the high price of more than 1500 euros make it unsuitable for the mass market. But if you want a Microsoft smartphone, you can’t get past the duo.