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Bill Gates believes Microsoft losing to Android is his ‘greatest mistake’

He regrets that Microsoft didn’t beat Google

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It’s no secret that Microsoft is enjoying the dominance of Windows on PCs, but its mobile counterpart didn’t do well while it was still alive. Windows Phone or Windows 10 Mobile failed to compete with Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android in the mobile scene. Unsurprisingly, Microsoft’s founder Bill Gates saw this as a missed opportunity.

During a talk with venture capital company Village Global, Bill Gates admitted that he regrets that Microsoft lost to Google in making a “standard non-Apple phone platform.”

The whole interview is available for viewing on YouTube and it’s more than an hour long. A lot of topics were discussed with useful insights about startups, investments, major world issues from Bill Gates himself.

One of the interesting answers from Gates was the revelation of his “greatest mistake ever,” which was Microsoft failing to take the opportunity Android had before.

In his own words, “In the software world, particularly for platforms, these are winner-take-all markets. So the greatest mistake ever is whatever mismanagement I engaged in that caused Microsoft not to be what Android is. That is, Android is the standard non-Apple phone platform. That was a natural thing for Microsoft to win. It really is winner take all. If you’re there with half as many apps or 90 percent as many apps, you’re on your way to complete doom. There’s room for exactly one non-Apple operating system and what’s that worth? US$ 400 billion that would be transferred from company G to company M.

Gates’ owning the mistake is somewhat surprising because it was assumed that it was Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, who didn’t saw the touchscreen revolution coming. Ballmer even laughed at the iPhone and called it unappealing to business customers because it lacks a keyboard. Hence, the company stuck with phones with keyboards.

We all know it was a big mistake for Microsoft as a company to ignore the iPhone. Google, on the other hand, took the golden chance and now they are on top of the mobile operating system chain.

Microsoft eventually came up with Windows Phone and launched it in 2010. It was pretty good, although it lacks the apps people are already enjoying on an iPhone or any Android device.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft’s Project xCloud game streaming service is coming in October

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Apple is working on AirPods with built-in cameras

References to the wearable were spotted inside a new macOS beta.

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The launch of operating system betas is a cause of celebration for those digging into what’s next for a brand. No other company does that better than Apple. Today, Apple released a new release candidate for macOS Tahoe 26.7. As expected, the release has a treasure trove of references to unreleased devices, including a new type of AirPods with built-in cameras.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. The references include a slew of unreleased iPads, Macs, and HomePods. Since these devices are already expected to come out, they’re hardly worth nothing. This includes the iPhone 18 series. If anything, the references confirm the iPhone Ultra, the rumored entry into the foldable market, but that’s it.

Now, the more interesting inclusion is a pair of AirPods with cameras. Despite the controversies surrounding cameras on smart glasses, Apple is reportedly building audio-based wearables with cameras themselves.

In a short demo video (also obtained from the macOS beta via MacRumors), the AirPods can apparently “save” things that it sees, including a book you might want to search for later. In that way, the built-in camera acts more like a voice assistant, rather than a recording device.

Though the references don’t confirm a launch date, it’s likely that the camera-based AirPods will come out sometime soon. After all, why would a blatant reference be inside a publicly available beta?

SEE ALSO: The iPhone 18 might sell out for an unexpected reason

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Samsung might be working on an even wider foldable

The success of the Galaxy Z Fold8 is pushing Samsung to its next steps.

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The passport-sized Galaxy Z Fold8 might be one of the best ideas for a foldable ever. Hardly anyone thinks that Samsung’s latest foldable type was a misstep for the brand. Other companies are even rumored to bring out their own passport-sized foldable soon. Now, Samsung is reportedly going further in the same direction by working on an even wider foldable.

Compared to traditional book-style foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold8 has a more squarish shape when folded. Naturally, the phone’s unfolded state is more rectangular, allowing for more screen real estate for full-screen content. It feels much more immersive to watch movies and shows on the foldable.

Now, according to ETNews, Samsung is working on an even wider foldable, potentially for next year. Though sparse on more technical details, the report hints that the next iteration will focus on better video playback, which does indicate a better aspect ratio.

Though foldables have been under the spotlight for a while now, this year might be the moment that the segment reaches its maturity. A lot of brands today have worthy alternatives for foldables. Some are also working on passport-style ones. Apple, the last holdout among the big names of the industry, is rumored to launch its first foldable later this year. There is no better time to try a foldable than this year.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Review

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realme 16T to come with 8,000mAh battery, 7-year battery health guarantee

Power and endurance designed to last for years

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The upcoming realme 16T will have an 8,000mAh Titan Battery and a 7-Year Battery Health Guarantee for power and endurance designed to last for years.

The brand credits this to its Titan AI Deep Power and Extended Use Care, which work to slow down battery wear over time.

Moreover, the device is also backed by a 6-year Guaranteed Smooth Performance with AI Boost to help keep thing running steadily even after years of daily use.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The realme 16T’s battery supports 45W SUPERVOOC Charge, along with Bypass Charge and Reverse Charge.

These features come handy for keeping the phone cool while plugged in, and for topping up other devices when needed.

Furthermore, the device comes with All-Around Water & Drop Protection, carrying an IP69 Pro rating and Military-Grade Shock Resistance. This way, it can withstand daily bumps, spills, and dust exposure.

Alongside long-term durability, realme is offering added value to early buyers.

Customers who blind pre-order the realme 16T from August 17 to 27 and claim their reserved unit on the First Selling Day on September 4 can enjoy freebies and discounts worth PhP 8,097.

The exclusive offer includes a free TechLife Bluetooth Speaker 3, free Laifen SE Lite Hair Dryer, a Privilege Card with six-mnth extended warranty and six-month screen damage protection. To top it all off, there will be a PhP 2,000 off discount.

More details about the realme 16T like its price, full specs, and launch date will be revealed soon.

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