Bill Gates: Hardware to Be Nearly Free in 10 Years

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Hardware costs will fall sharply within a decade to the point where widespread computing with speech and handwriting won't be limited by expensive technology, Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates said on Monday. "Ten years out, in terms of actual hardware costs you can almost think of hardware as being free -- I'm not saying it will be absolutely free -- but in terms of the power of the servers, the power of the network will not be a limiting factor," Gates said, referring to networked computers and advances in the speed of the Internet.

Microsoft has often been at odds with the computer hardware industry over the last 20 years, given the dominant position it holds through the lock on PCs it has through its Windows operating system. The world's largest software maker is betting that advances in hardware and computing will make it possible for computers to interact with people via speech and that computers which can recognize handwriting will become as ubiquitous as Microsoft's Windows operating system, which runs on more than 90 percent of the world's personal computers.

News source: Reuters

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Donkey Kong

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Super Mario Bros.

Excitebike

Ice Climber

Xevious

Bomberman

(4 replies) #1 Matt500 on 29 Mar 2004 - 23:55

Yay cheap hardware, we will all have a computer in every room... but bill we can only install windows on one PC then we have to buy another copy and in 10 years it will be so expensive to pay for all those lawsuits that I doubt I will have enough money to pay for the monthly subscription needed for some new windows services non of us can live without (because its built in)

only joking

#1.1 LordHatrus on 30 Mar 2004 - 00:30

You only THINK you're joking....

#1.2 Matt500 on 30 Mar 2004 - 00:32

very true

#1.3 quanta on 30 Mar 2004 - 15:16

Odd that he believes hardware will be commoditized, but software will not. He doesn't think too much about open source, I guess.

Did you know that already today, you could build a no-frills PC for less money than buying licenses for WinXP and Office?

#1.4 Fally on 30 Mar 2004 - 16:25

In the current model, we buy the hardware and it comes with the OS. I wonder when that will change to buying an OS that comes with free hardware... never... Gates is the richest idiot on the planet.

(1 reply) #2 aristotle-dude on 29 Mar 2004 - 23:58

In expensive hardware? What good is it if you have to subscribe and pay a yearly fee to use the MS software. No thanks. I rent movies and an appartment. I don't rent software or music.

#2.1 chilliadus on 30 Mar 2004 - 10:33

Uhh, maybe you could start to learn linux now and hopefully in 10 years time you might be able to use it?

(7 replies) #3 PanicButton on 30 Mar 2004 - 00:03

I'll never rent software, thank god for Linux.

#3.1 LordHatrus on 30 Mar 2004 - 00:31

But you see, this won't happen; If it did, people WOULD all migrate to linux, and Billie G would be like "Oh teh badz0r... my moneyz0rs!!!! I need customers to give me bajillions!!!'

#3.2 PanicButton on 30 Mar 2004 - 02:17

In english please

#3.3 PseudoRandomDragon on 30 Mar 2004 - 02:58

Only thing stoping most people from Linux is game support. Simple as that. If Linux supported more games than Windows, almost everyone would duel boot Linux.

#3.4 tomaras on 30 Mar 2004 - 04:43

You can't be serious! MOST PEOPLE? Do you really believe that most people even think about games when they buy a PC or choose an OS? You have dated yourself with your comment, and they date is very recent. Believe it or not, MOST people play Solitaire about once a year on thier computer and use the rest of the time to work and surf.

#3.5 ~*McoreD*~ on 30 Mar 2004 - 04:46

I reckon if installing software was muh easier in Linux, more linux-newbies like me would have continued using linux.

#3.6 Logie on 30 Mar 2004 - 05:58

Now if Linux was easier to install loads more people would use it. I picked up Redhat 6.2 Deluxe which hasn't run yet... On 3 different computers..

#3.7 tapo on 30 Mar 2004 - 06:40

I'm going to reply to two comments on this magic post:

QUOTE

Installing software is very easy, a .RPM file is basically an installer for windows, except without the installer, so it saves space. Other package management tools like APT even download the software for you. The problem with Linux, at least in my experience, is drivers.

Remember that Linux has a major release cycle of 6 months. Redhat 6.2 is old, really, really old. I havn't even used it. Newer versions of Redhat, and Fedora (The continuation of the end-user redhat distro) have nice, graphical installers and pretty good automatic hardware detection. Most distros are like Redhat's, pretty easy. Some other, very simplified distros are coming out too. Desktop/LX has you answer about 5 questions, then play a game of solitare during the install process.

The more advanced ones are very hard to install. These include Debian (Which I use), Slackware, and Gentoo. You need to know a lot about your hardware with those, as they have text-based installers with no hardware detection.

(5 replies) #4 saweetnesstrev on 30 Mar 2004 - 00:36

lol i never buy windows thank for p2p LMAO

#4.1 Shining Arcanine on 30 Mar 2004 - 00:54

You shouldn't be advertising that you illegally download commercial software from P2P networks.

#4.2 Mav Phoenix on 30 Mar 2004 - 03:47

What a douche.

#4.3 tapo on 30 Mar 2004 - 06:42

I'm not exactly a "fan" of Microsoft, but don't steal software. <cheesy ad voice> And help McGruff take a bite out of crime. </ad voice>

#4.4 GamblerFEXonlin on 31 Mar 2004 - 00:28

Actually, as Windows is a monopoly and Microsoft have broken the law and found guilty, I don't care. I buy programs and games, especially games that support Linux and Mac.

Internet Explorer is a good browser, but Microsoft could never given it out free without their Windows cash cow. It's like Intel cutting prices by 90% and suing AMD for all their worth. AMD CPU's were pretty bad in the old days but now we get 64bit because of them!

How innavotive would ATI be without NVIDIA? Superiour Rotated Grid Antialiasing anyone?

#4.5 tapo on 31 Mar 2004 - 03:51

You're trying to make a point that it's "ok" to steal their software because they are a convicted monopolist, and, even using the best of my judgement, I don't completely disagree with what you said.

But isn't it better to simply not use Windows at all?

One is a loss for Microsoft, which is illegal.

The other is a win for their competition.

#5 Gary_Player on 30 Mar 2004 - 01:08

Yea freaking right...I'll believe it when intel hands me and everyone else on the block a new Pentium VI

(1 reply) #6 Matt500 on 30 Mar 2004 - 01:16

I bet intel are thinking "thanks alot bill, why dont we go release a statment saying in 10 years all software will be free"

#6.1 MikeCoz on 30 Mar 2004 - 02:41

lol true

(1 reply) #7 warr on 30 Mar 2004 - 01:32

Gates just implies that Windows will never be free.

#7.1 Octol on 30 Mar 2004 - 05:30

Microsoft is planning to spend $6.8 billion on research and development in its current business year to June.

The above is kind of hard to do if you're "selling" free software. And of course the same applies to free hardware.

#8 spacemenace on 30 Mar 2004 - 02:21

referring to networked computers and advances in the speed of the Internet.

Still pursuing the dream of 'net-side operating systems and applications. You buy the hardware [or get it nearly free] and subscribe to Microsoft Software Services. When you log in, your Microsoft OS is downloaded, along with whatever apps you've paid to use that month [all at low, low monthly rates, you bet!].

(1 reply) #9 y_notm on 30 Mar 2004 - 03:06

Ahh I remember when subscription based OS was the rumor about how Blackcomb would work... then Longhorn.... before that people thought the same when .NET was first announced, I'd be surprised if Subscription based operating systems ever happened

#9.1 spacemenace on 30 Mar 2004 - 03:44

y_notm said, quite rightly: I'd be surprised if Subscription based operating systems ever happened

BUT:
[QUOTE]
eWeek, March 24, 2004:
SAN FRANCISCO—Microsoft chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates on Wednesday conveyed his vision for the future of computing..."Web services play in [to this vision] and we're serious about this and that's why we have a lot of our best people" involved in the Web services standardization space, Gates said...Visual Studio 2005, codenamed Whidbey, "is a very major release for us," Gates said. "Web services are a key theme here," he said. "For the first time we're making it easy to develop Web services."
[/QUOTE]

Last edited by 51375 on 30 Mar 2004 - 03:55

(2 replies) #10 thornz0 on 30 Mar 2004 - 03:47

this is comming from the same guy who said we would need more than how much memory again

#10.1 tomaras on 30 Mar 2004 - 04:45

Of course we all know that Bill Gates never said the 640k statement. That's a big fat fallacy and you will be unable to find one substantiated reference to him having said it.

#10.2 spacemenace on 30 Mar 2004 - 05:11

This is true. It was the critics of 16-bit software, reluctant to make the expensive technological changes from 8-bit who said that.

#11 hardgiant on 30 Mar 2004 - 04:50

Hardware = $1

Software = $1000

Bill gates bank account = priceless

(2 replies) #12 tomaras on 30 Mar 2004 - 04:52

I think the majority of the posters on this board are all biased and cynical. Bill Gates gives a speech at an information technology seminar and talks about visions of the future and instead of just trying to appreciate his speculation you all jump in with your anti-MS venom. Why not ponder the future a little and give your obsessive hatred a rest for a change. Use threads like this as a forum to discuss present and future technology instead of as a wall for graffiti.

Last edited by 27304 on 30 Mar 2004 - 06:24

#12.1 spacemenace on 30 Mar 2004 - 05:37

Cynical, maybe. Biased, probably. But "nuts"? That's hurtful and uncalled-for. Read CrimsonBlur's post below, for a lesson in how to win friends and influence people.

#12.2 tomaras on 30 Mar 2004 - 06:25

Ok, I may be nuts but I changed it for you.

(2 replies) #13 CrimsonBlur on 30 Mar 2004 - 05:10

This type of service will most definately be on OPTION, not a requirement, to operate your PC. There is no way they can require every PC user to use only online subscription-based applications within 10 years, or even 20, it's impossible. Even the most recent applications using online activation (Adobe CS, etc.), must have an option to activate over the phone, because many people still don't have Internet access, or are too paranoid to make any kind of transaction over the Internet. These statements are an example of how SOME technologies will work together to lower hardware costs for large corporations or even some smaller firms. This technology would have virtually no advantage for the average consumer, unless you want to use a very expensive software program for only a short period of time, which could be cool. Other applications of this could be things like companies giving out subscriptions to their employees for the software programs they use at work so they can do some things at home, or to further educate themselves in their spare time. No one, including the company, would have to buy another full version of the program just to put it on a computer, you'd just get a subscription to use the software online; I still do not think that this would be available within 10 years, at least not over the Internet, for a number of reasons. I do believe this technology would drive hardware prices to the floor, like Gates says, for the people specifically using this method of computing. Because you are subscribing to the software, companies could make deals with manufacturers of computer systems and make the hardware virtually free, like cell phones, as long as you fulfill the contract to subscribe to their services.

#13.1 spacemenace on 30 Mar 2004 - 05:49

Great post, CrimsonBlur - but in my view, your first and last sentences are self-cancelling. Given enough incentive, it will likely become a given that the 'average' user will be urged to opt for the most prevalent subscription service along with their free home PC.
The company that controls this reality will have to have deep pockets and a broad pre-existing consumer base in order to prevail - whatever that company's name is and whoever owns it.
Choice may take another kick in the goolies when it happens, is all that worries me.

#13.2 derekge on 30 Mar 2004 - 08:27

Yes, right on and very insightful. When an ignorant consumer goes to buy a PC, he gets the package deal with a Windows BlahBlah subscription for X years. He thinks he's in the money and doesn't have to worry about anything - even a PC tech would be fully remote and the most commone MS knowledge based problems would be 'looked for' by an MS 'system crawler'. When it found you had a certain flaw, it could automaticlally correct it or ask you for permision depending on your preferences. The only thing that would need human care and maintenance would be the hardware. Most Windows systems would be automatic and policed! With subscription based masses of users, the only IT peeps making money would have to be under some part of the MS umbrella. Why hire a freelance tech when your subscription fee includes 24/7 troubleshooting.

#14 session™ on 30 Mar 2004 - 05:39

b/s

#15 tapo on 30 Mar 2004 - 06:50

I changed my mind about the direction of this post, disregard.

#16 Dessimat0r on 30 Mar 2004 - 09:55

This is stupid. Obviously, Bill Gates has no understanding about the economy.

#17 nonsence on 30 Mar 2004 - 11:14

yeah...anytime soon now i'll have my very own 5 Tera Byte hard drive raid array going in my basement.....

#18 computerchan on 30 Mar 2004 - 11:39

I guess the profit from software will cover the cost on hardware.
I hope you know what I want to say.

#19 SaLiVa on 30 Mar 2004 - 12:39

Its almost free for him. This is coming from the mouth of a guy with $30+ Billion dollars. With that money - You'd have more difficulty finding out what to do with it than getting to that difficult to reach itch with your hands. You'd have difficulty speaking in terms of an average consumer too... His sense of the average consumer is gone too... Thats why Windows isnt working so well for us

How about us in the second or third world?!?!

(2 replies) #20 Randall_Lind on 30 Mar 2004 - 14:20

free hardware with $300+ software apps. Why is it that Hardware prices drop but MS software prices never seem to?

#20.1 nonsence on 30 Mar 2004 - 15:14

i know what you mean. but it's hard to understand.....
adobe photoshop is one app costing about $900 retail (canadian). windows xp pro is an whole operating system with addon apps for about $300. then linux is free to download for the desktop or custom servers.
to sum it up, it's a business model. plain and simple. you get quality, service and lots of other things either way you go. it just goes down to the choice you wanna make on what you want and need most of all.

#20.2 werejag on 30 Mar 2004 - 15:27

its not hard to understand.

Microsoft wants a set price so they can fund the failed take over of many other industries, such as console gaming, multimedia, INTERNET isp, and other tech that Microsoft has opposition to in the market place

(11 replies) #21 werejag on 30 Mar 2004 - 15:21

billy gates view of the future of the computer industry is rather cloudy since most of the industry doesnt see microsaoft as a major player in 10 years

werejag: software to Be Nearly Free in 10 seconds

werejag said on Monday. "Ten seconds out, in terms of actual software costs you can almost think of software as being free -- I'm not saying it will be absolutely free -- but in terms of the power of the servers, the power of the network will not be a limiting factor," werejag said, referring to networked computers and advances in the speed of the Internet.

----werejag leaves for p2p

off to p2p werejag goes

#21.1 gawdflesh on 30 Mar 2004 - 15:29

Link?

I'm almost afraid to ask, since 90% of the time you don't make sense to begin with, and your responses usually make even less sense, with each reply. Whatever, I'm bored and I need a good laugh...give me some more of your "wisdom"...

#21.2 werejag on 30 Mar 2004 - 17:59

refence: eweek may 19th 2003/ page 43/ free spectrum:aaron goldberg

microsoft hits downslop

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1109023,00.asp

true this is just one printed opinion but with all i see of people finding alternaties to windows. it sure looks like the rest of the industry see as this article does

Last edited by 10354 on 30 Mar 2004 - 18:05

#21.3 gawdflesh on 30 Mar 2004 - 18:03

is rather cloudy since most of the industry doesnt see microsaoft as a major player in 10 years

So, one guy writing an editorial is a testimonial of the entire computing industry.

Man, I wish I lived in as simple of a world as you do.

#21.4 werejag on 30 Mar 2004 - 18:08

this is a main stream publication, and you simply ignore it. while the industry is pumping billions into linux and other oses.

so i provide some proof and you wont even counter it you just ridicule me since you have nothing to back it it

#21.5 gawdflesh on 30 Mar 2004 - 18:32

You silly man...I'm ignoring nothing. What you linked was an editorial with one guys OPINION. He quoted no sources, he had no hard facts to back up his ideas. It was his OPINION. There was nothing to counter. He just said "hey, I think in 10 years Microsoft will be what IBM is today.".

Also, can I have a specific link to your source for the "billions" being pumped into linux? I'd like to know what companies can toss around "billions" into open-source software. Not that I don't think it would be a good thing, since I like linux as much as anyone else, I just find it amusing to get you scrambling to back up your statements. I can see perhaps IBM funneling money towards linux research, but what other companies are?

#21.6 werejag on 30 Mar 2004 - 19:08

man are you blind or what?

with all the news of big companies pouring billions into linux and you want sources? check ibms website, sun's website,

http://money.cnn.com/2004/03/24/technology/hp_linux.reut/

http://money.cnn.com/services/tickerheadlines/prn/latu070.P1.03092004020550.21405.htm

http://searchenterpriselinux.techtarget.com/qna/0,289202,sid39_gci946177,00.html

#21.7 gawdflesh on 31 Mar 2004 - 00:00

man are you stupid or what?

Where, in any of those links you posted, does it say, at all, that any of those companies are pumping BILLIONS into Linux??

Is something wrong with you, because I'm not seeing why such simple concepts are beyond your capacity.

Show. Me. Where. You. Got. "Billions". From.

If you want, I can fax you a crayon sketch...

#21.8 werejag on 31 Mar 2004 - 02:36

each of those companies are either suporting linux now or putting money into linux out right which mean billions for linux no matter which way you cut it.

what more you want you twit. maybe i will have to fax you a crayon sketch since that seems to be the only thing you can understand. what color crayons do you use in your ears?

#21.9 gawdflesh on 31 Mar 2004 - 04:45

You have serious problems. You make up facts and figures, spout off about things you blatantly know nothing about, call everyone else sheep and various other names, then get all flustered when someone calls you on it.

You don't make any sense, whatsoever.

You said companies are pumping billions into linux. I asked you where you got "billions" from. You gave me a bunch of meaningless links to sites with articles on companies backing linux. Nowhere in any of those links mention a billion dollar amount. Clearly, you are making up your figures. Then, you get all whiny and try to spin out of it. Way to make yourself look clueless, but that's nothing new. If you're going to be a zealot, at least try a little bit harder. You're really lowering the curve for all the others...

#21.10 werejag on 31 Mar 2004 - 16:10

since you only understand crayon fax sheets and i have no crayons. you wont understand

since i can not show you in black and white, exactly the words " pumping billions into linux. you wont listen. ive provided info. ive provided opions from main stream mag. and all you provided is the crayons

#21.11 gawdflesh on 31 Mar 2004 - 20:10

You've provided stupid untrue "facts" and made up figures, the same as you always do. You can't back up what you say, and now you're flustered because of it. Get used to this, until you start backing up your statements, you're going to get ripped apart. I'd be more than happy just to see the word "billions" in reference to Linux support, but you can't even provide that. You're just a silly little troll that doesn't know when to shut up.

#22 werejag on 30 Mar 2004 - 17:59

#23 aristotle-dude on 30 Mar 2004 - 21:44

Free hardware? Is he on crack? Does he think those chip foundries and assembly plants are free? Is the labour free? If it's so cheap, why don't they just give away Xboxes?

#24 tiwaris on 30 Mar 2004 - 22:18

He perhaps wants to create an illusion. IMO what he means is that "software" will be the major component in a computing environment as compared to the hardware it runs on. Virtually all the money that will go into setting up a system will be spent on software (a much larger percentage as compared to what it is today). This is precisely what m$ wants.

#25 zivan56 on 31 Mar 2004 - 00:22

Great, now I can combine that witth free software

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