istartedsomething

Gates knows this Google thing inside-out.

Gates’ speech was just two days before Google hosts its first CES keynote, in a sign of the internet giant’s rising influence. Rumors are swirling among analysts that Google may unveil a Google-based PC, or some kind of Google-based software that would compete directly with or at least indicate the increasing irrelevance of Windows desktop software, Microsoft’s bread and butter.

In a memo to his top executives in November, Gates acknowledged that Microsoft should act quickly in offering web-based services to best formidable competitors.

But in a phone interview preceding his address, Gates downplayed a Google threat.

“I hear they’re coming out with a robot that will cook hamburgers, too. Let’s spread that rumour - there’s nothing they can’t do,” Gates said in jest.

On a more serious note, Gates added: “Whatever they announce, they announce. They’re in their honeymoon period, and anything they announce gets hype … They will obviously branch out beyond internet search, but I think the expectations won’t live up to reality.”

Quote from this The Age article titled “Gates showcases digital future”.