The Microsoft co-founder also occasionally uses an iPhone, but appreciates the Google operating system more.
In an in-depth interview on Clubhouse, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates chatted about numerous topics, from the coronavirus pandemic to climate change and Steve Jobs. The topic of Android and iPhones was also raised. And Bill Gates came out as an Android fan.
“I use an Android phone. Since I want to keep an eye on everything, I often play around with iPhones. But the smartphone that I carry around with me every day is an Android phone,” said Gates.
Why prefer Android?
The Microsoft co-founder was then asked if there were ideological reasons. Gates evaded the question, saying that the pre-installed Microsoft apps are one reason why he prefers Android to iPhones. Gates also praised Android's more open ecosystem. This allows more flexibility, which he appreciates.
Back in 2017, Bill Gates announced that he had now switched to Android. At the time, he didn't want to answer whether he switched from an iPhone or a Windows phone to the Google operating system.
Bill Gates' biggest mistake
Gates apparently still worries that Microsoft has failed with its mobile operating system, as he revealed in 2019. “The biggest mistake of all time, whatever mismanagement I've done, is that Microsoft isn't what Android is now … that Android (alongside Apple) is the standard smartphone platform,” Gates says, as in that Video can be seen.
With his years of experience and his dominant position in desktop operating systems, it should have been a natural thing for Microsoft to win the smartphone market, said the Microsoft founder.
Interview for iOS users only
The interview took place on Clubhouse. Ironically, the hyped social media app is only available for iOS. Android users cannot currently use Clubhouse.
Clubhouse co-founder Paul Davidson put in a top priority at the moment to make Clubhouse accessible to Android users.
