Bill Gates uses Android. That's Bill Gates, the co-founder and former CEO of Microsoft who is still listed as a Technology Advisor to the company. And he uses an Android phone. That's surely the strongest sign yet that Microsoft is dead in the water in terms of its mobile strategy.

Since Satya Nadella took over as CEO in 2014, Microsoft has done great things. The company culture is changing, Windows 10 is one of the best versions of Windows ever, and things are looking up. Except when it comes to smartphones, a market in which Microsoft has completely failed to shine.

Bill Gates Is an Android Fanboy

With that in mind it shouldn't come as too great a shock to learn that Bill Gates, who is, in many people's eyes, Mr. Microsoft, has switched to Android. Presumably from Windows Phone or Windows 10 Mobile. He admitted as much in an interview on Fox News, telling host Chris Wallace, "The phone that I have, recently I actually did switch to an Android phone with a lot of Microsoft software".

It's a short but sweet admission that Microsoft has failed with regards to smartphones. The company has fallen short every time it has tried to compete with Android and iOS. Windows Phone showed promise but ultimately failed. And Windows 10 Mobile isn't exactly setting the world alight.

Gates didn't identify which Android handset he uses. So it could be just about any you care to mention. However, his declaration that is has a lot of Microsoft software on it could indicate he's talking about the Microsoft Edition Samsung Galaxy S8, which the company sells in its retail stores.

What's clear is that Gates actively chose Android over iOS. Because as much as Gates admired his frenemy Steve Jobs, he isn't a fan of Apple. So much so that he's alleged to have banned Apple products including iPhones and iPads from his home in the past, much to the chagrin of his kids.

Bill Gates Turns to the Dark Side

If even Bill Gates has decided Microsoft can't hack it when it comes to smartphones I'm not sure what hope there is for the company in this area. Windows 10 Mobile endured a terrible launch, and things haven't improved since. It may be time to do the same as Bill and buy an Android instead.

What operating system is your phone running on? Are you one of the few people still persevering with a Windows smartphone? Or have you switched to Android or iOS? How can Microsoft get back in the mobile game from this lowly position? The comments are open below.

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