Are iPad users truly frustrated that the Apple tablet can’t do everything a Windows PC can do? Bill Gates thinks thinks a lot of them are, and he’s betting that Microsoft will be able to capitalize on the situation over time.
“With Windows 8, Microsoft is trying to gain share in what has been dominated by the iPad-type device. But a lot those users are frustrated. They can’t type. They can’t create documents,” said Gates during an interview on CNBC this morning. “So we’re providing them something with the benefits they’ve seen that has made that a big category but without giving up what they expect in a PC.”
He added, “If you have Surface or Surface Pro, you’ve got that portability of the tablet but the richness of terms of the keyboard, Microsoft Office of the PC.”
So far, at least, the actual trends in the market don’t reflect Gates’ perspective on the situation. Sales of the iPad continue to climb, while Surface and other Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets are getting a small amount of traction.
Microsoft is hoping to boost the market for Windows tablets with smaller form factors and the release of the “Windows Blue” update later this year.
