While Bill Gates talked about the second ten years of the Internet being completely different than the first ten to South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, he didn't offer up any specifics as to what he had in mind.
He did say that at the July shareholders' meeting for Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT), he will "really go through and explain why the work by Microsoft research makes us feel that in that online area where we're going to do some breakthrough work."
Concerning Steve Ballmer's role in the attempted acquisition of Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO) and other Internet initiatives, Gates said Ballmer is the one who is making, or will continue to make, the major decisions in these areas.
South Korean Deals
As far as software goes, Gates did announce that Microsoft has agreements in place to provide in-car software to South Korean automakers Kia Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Inc. The software will be used to manage telephone using voice commands, as well a personal music players.
Pursuing China
Microsoft will continue to increase its operations in China said Gates, saying they'll invest $280 million to construct a research and development center in the country, and will increase the research by twice it is at this time; to about 3,000.
The focus of Gates and Microsoft on software being placed in automobiles is a good one. That could lead to a lot of revenue and profits for the company if it expands globally.
Gates is on a trip throughout Asia, making deals and continue his evangelizing for Microsoft.
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Microsoft's Bill Gates talks tech, Web in South Korea
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates talks technology, Internet with South Korea's president
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