Bill Gates has come forward to acknowledge what he considers his greatest mistake while running Microsoft – not acting quickly enough to enter the mobile market. This led to Google developing Android, which eventually became the most popular operating system.
In a recent interview, Gates stated that the mismanagement caused by him and an array of antitrust-related issues prevented Microsoft from seizing the opportunity to dominate the phone market like it did with PCs.
This failure allowed Google to acquire Android in 2005, resulting in the launch of its first device in 2008. Apple had a significant lead over Google for over a year, having launched its first iPhone in 2007.
However, Android co-founder Rich Miner shares a different account, stating that he helped create Android to prevent Microsoft from controlling the mobile phone market as it did with PCs.
Miner also revealed his involvement in helping Orange launch the first Windows Mobile phone in 2002 and his concerns about Microsoft dominating the mobile market like PCs.
The conversation highlights the missed opportunity for Microsoft to enter the mobile market, resulting in a $400 billion loss. Gates believes that if he had acted quickly enough, Microsoft would be at the top of the market today.
Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/android-cofounder-bill-gates-responsible-for-the-greatest-mistake-of-all-time