In a recent interview, Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, discussed his new memoir titled “Source Code: My Beginnings.” Along with insights about his book, he addressed several pertinent subjects, such as the conspiracy theories surrounding his involvement with COVID vaccines, the challenges faced by Intel, and the current antitrust issues concerning Google.
Having dedicated substantial resources through his foundation to combat diseases like polio and malaria, Gates expressed disbelief at the conspiracy theories that surfaced during the pandemic. These theories allege his connection to harmful agendas related to the COVID vaccine. Although perplexed by the rumors, Gates remains relatively unconcerned, even if individuals like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a notable vaccine skeptic, are appointed to significant health roles in the government.
“Things don’t always go in a straight line,” Gates remarked. He commented on the seemingly paradoxical situation where, despite significant achievements in reducing child mortality primarily through vaccination, public trust in vaccines appears to have declined. “For someone with a logical perspective like mine, it is confounding to see these conspiracy theories. I hope that they diminish over time. I genuinely don’t think we are heading towards a crisis regarding vaccination in the U.S., especially since infectious diseases have been largely controlled here. However, in places like Africa, the situation is dire, as children there face immediate threats from diseases like measles.”
Reflecting on the evolution of technology, Gates acknowledged that his career trajectory might have been quite different if it weren’t for Intel’s significant advancements in microchip technology during the 1970s. These developments ignited the need for software, leading to the birth of Microsoft, initially named Micro-Soft, a blend of “microprocessor” and “software” before the hyphen was omitted. Gates expressed a soft spot for Intel, which has struggled to adapt since the transition from PCs to smartphones, a fate that Microsoft also experienced. However, while Microsoft has managed to recover, Intel continues to face challenges that have resulted in the search for new leadership.
“I am surprised by Intel’s current situation,” Gates mentioned. He reminisced about co-founder Gordon Moore’s legacy of keeping Intel at the forefront of innovation, contrasting it with the company’s current struggles in chip design and fabrication, both of which are capital-intensive processes. He noted that Intel has fallen behind in the AI chip sector and in adopting standards favored by competitors like Nvidia and Qualcomm. Gates had hoped for the success of former CEO Pat Gelsinger’s initiatives to revitalize the company but expressed skepticism about Intel’s chances of recovery.
During his final years at Microsoft, Gates found himself embroiled in a major antitrust case initiated by the U.S. Justice Department, which sought to break the company up due to monopolistic practices. Although Microsoft remained intact, the case was a significant distraction that allowed Google, then an emerging startup, to establish a dominant search engine and broaden into other sectors, including developing the Android operating system for smartphones. Now, decades later, Google faces its own antitrust scrutiny as the Justice Department has branded it an illegal monopoly.
Gates understands the implications of Google’s situation like few others in the industry. “Google’s success is remarkable; they excelled in the search domain,” he reflected. He mentioned that had Microsoft not been sidetracked, it might have been the one to lead in mobile operating systems. Gates acknowledged that Google’s efforts to recruit talented individuals and diversify its offerings, including YouTube and cloud services, have set it apart from earlier single-product competitors. While he does not envy Google’s current antitrust challenges, he understands the scrutiny that comes with achieving success in America. “Microsoft learned valuable lessons from our experiences, which have helped us avoid significant issues since then,” he concluded.
