Rich Miner, co-founder of Android, accuses Bill Gates of the “worst mistake of all time,” the inability of Microsoft to control the mobile operating system. Miner explains that the “lost opportunity of $400 billion” is solely attributed to this error on Gates’ part.
During an interview, Bill Gates himself acknowledged his role in Microsoft’s failure to create an alternative to Android, calling it a missed chance that could have naturally positioned Microsoft as a leader in the mobile landscape. Gates reflected that internal mismanagement and antitrust distractions were significant factors that allowed Google to acquire Android in 2005, later launching the OS in 2008. Meanwhile, Apple had already set the stage with its first iPhone debut in 2007.
Miner, however, provided a more direct critique, emphasizing his motivation behind creating Android. “I helped create Android to prevent Microsoft from controlling the phone the way they did the PC,” Miner explained. He further remarked, “Sorry, Bill, you’re more responsible for losing the $400B than you realize.” Miner’s statements highlight his concerns about Microsoft potentially stifling innovation in the mobile sector.
Though Microsoft lost its chance in mobile, the company is still going great guns and finds itself among the top three most valuable companies in the world, along with Apple and NVIDIA. Due to strategic investments in generative AI and the technology’s integration into its products, Microsoft reached a $3 trillion market valuation last year. Its offerings, such as Azure cloud services, Windows, and Office software, are central to its success.
Despite these achievements, Microsoft has recently encountered difficulties. The company announced two rounds of layoffs early in 2025, impacting less than 1% of its workforce, including employees in security, sales, and gaming divisions. At the same time, Microsoft enforced a hiring freeze within its consulting division and initiated cost-cutting measures such as travel expense restrictions and reduced marketing budgets.
As such, Microsoft is committed to its AI initiatives even as internal pressures over profitability and resource allocation continue to grow. An internal memo leaked to the press revealed that employees who have significantly contributed to AI projects are to be given retention bonuses, showing how the company is keen on AI as a growth area.
Although Microsoft’s mobile misstep remains a historic blunder, the company’s focus on AI innovation signals a determination to shape the future.
