Business magnate and co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates recently took part in a Reddit Q&A. Gates claimed in one response that the metaverse isn’t “revolutionary.”
Bill Gates has certainly left a mark on the world of technology through his work with Microsoft. A role that has seen him become one of the richest men in the world — for a long time he was at the top of that list.
Going into 2023, Gates found out that he is to become a grandfather, and in light of this he spent time reflecting on what is important for the year ahead. This then prompted an ‘ask me anything’ Reddit post from the philanthropist.
Not a fan of crypto
Users took to Reddit to ask various questions ranging from the cost of living concerns, climate change, and veganism, all the way to the metaverse. One user recalled that Gates once stated “people are vastly overestimating what the internet will be like in 5 years, and vastly underestimating what it will be like in 10 years.” The user then asked if Gates could see a large technology shift that is currently at the same stage.
Gates answered by claiming that “AI is the big one.” Gates then went on to express that “I don’t think Web3 was that big or that metaverse stuff alone was revolutionary but AI is quite revolutionary.” Back in 2021, Gates predicted that the majority of virtual meetings would shift from 2D platforms to the metaverse. The businessman hasn’t shied away from sharing opinions on the likes of crypto and NFTs in the past.
Last year Gates commented that crypto and NFTs are “100% based on greater fool theory.” This theory is based on the premise that an individual could make money buying overvalued assets then sell them to someone (the greater fool) who is willing to pay a much higher price. It comes as no surprise then that Gates also made it clear he was not involved in crypto. He didn’t express any love for NFTs either, joking that Bored Apes NFTs would “improve the world immensely.”
Bill Gates backs AI
While Bill Gates may not be a Web3 fan, he did mention AI multiple times throughout the Reddit post. One user asked his opinion on non-generative AI and how it could impact the world. Gates commented that he was “quite impressed with the rate of improvement in these AIs.” He went on to say that they could have a huge impact.
Gates was also specially asked about OpenAI’s ChatGPT. He responded saying that the technology “gives a glimpse of what is to come.” Gates remarked that he is “impressed with this whole approach and the rate of innovation.” The company behind ChatGPT could be looking at a valuation of $29 billion, which is likely pushed by these new AI advances.
When asked what he was excited about most in the year ahead, Gates stated that first is being a grandfather. Regarding the world and business, he commented on “helping to shape AI advances in a positive way.”
Paige Cook is a writer with a multi-media background. She has experience covering video games and technology and also has freelance experience in video editing, graphic design, and photography. Paige is a massive fan of the movie industry and loves a good TV show, if she is not watching something interesting then she's probably playing video games or buried in a good book. Her latest addiction is virtual photography and currently spends far too much time taking pretty pictures in games rather than actually finishing them.
