Bill Gates Loses Bet, Plans To Leave Microsoft in July

January 7th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

Bill Gates Loses Bet, Plans To Leave Microsoft in JulyA lot of CES attendees today got to see a comical look at Bill Gates’ last day at Microsoft (Nasdaq MSFT). He is planning to step down in July and pursue philanthropy. Good for him, the guy deserves a break from the 9-to-5 job. The big question is why did he really decide to step down?

Some people think it is due to the overall terrible response of Microsoft Vista. Some think it is the lackluster performance of Windows Live. Other think it is due to MSN trailing Google and Yahoo in search.

I have heard some gossip that he simply lost a bet.

That’s right, much like the over hyped bet between Kanye West and 50 Cent, Bill Gates had a Zune vs. iPod bet going with Steve Jobs that dates back to November of 2006. Bill had bet Steve that the Zune could take on over 25% of the mp3 marketplace within 1 year. Mr. Gates was so positive that the Zune Wi-fi music sharing technology and large sized screen would be so great, he even allowed Microsoft to release an ugly brown colored Zune.

Well, as we all know, the Zune has hardly made more than a dent in the mp3 player marketplace. And as such, Bill kept his side of the bargain and has decided to step down. Of course, as a consolation prize, I hear Steve will be sending him his very own engraved iPhone that reads: “How do you like them Apples? Much Love, Steve J.”

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There Are 11 Responses So Far. »

  1. Comment by Rich on 7 January 2008:

    OHHH Man, too funny!!

  2. Comment by Ron on 7 January 2008:

    Lol, good one. Gates does deserve a break now and doing philanthropy will benefit the world more than if he stayed with Microsoft, so its a win-win situation.

  3. Comment by Gorgeous on 7 January 2008:

    LOL!! I love it!

    However, I don’t see Billy as much of a gambler. Then again, that would explain Vista…

  4. Comment by john on 8 January 2008:

    is there any truth to this? i think bill gates has more than he was expecting and needed in his entire lifetime? so i think a rest is what he needs to enjoy life.

  5. Comment by Mega_boss on 8 January 2008:

    LOL, so funny
    I wonder, if the bet was real, how much would that be, huh? Anyway, very fun joke hehe

  6. Comment by Jill on 8 January 2008:

    I think he took advantage of the terrible vista response to leave Microsoft, he was already planning that but took the chance, in my opinion.

  7. Comment by Bob1987 on 8 January 2008:

    No matter what people say, Bill Gates has a huge influence on the tech world, and he leaving Microsoft will have a big impact, in my opinion.

  8. Comment by demon on 8 January 2008:

    I appreciate tha Bill kept his bet. Ha ha. Ya all the products and services mentioned above is totaly showing a flash back for Bill. And the performance in every field like VISTA hipe or Zune vs iPod he fails in both instamces.

  9. Comment by Devil on 8 January 2008:

    So Bill actually lost something lol, I think it’s okay to lose a little bet after having 50 billion dollars, isn’t it? lol

  10. Comment by killian on 9 January 2008:

    great post, I guess now was the right time for him to leave Microsoft, cuz Vista was not accepted, he’ll be doing good stuff now :)

  11. Comment by Ron on 9 January 2008:

    I don’t think it is because of Vista not working out though because when has something not working out ever taken him down before? Look at xbox, windows 2000, windows 98 etc. I think he just wants to move on and truly help people and I respect that.

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