ie8 fix
madison

Hardware 2.0

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Home / News & Blogs / Hardware 2.0

Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'

By | October 19, 2011, 6:00am PDT

Summary: ‘A Windows Phone gets things done.’

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says that people need to be ‘computer scientists‘ to be able to use Android smartphones.

Speaking at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco, Ballmer had this to say when comparing Windows Phone handsets to Android handsets:

You don’t need to be a computer scientist to use a Windows phone and you do to use and Android phone…It is hard for me to be excited about the Android phones.

He goes on to tear into the iPhone:

Both [the iPhone and a Windows Phone handset] are going to feel very good in your hand and both going to look very beautiful physically … but when you grab a Windows phone and use it … your information is front and centre … and you don’t have to scroll through seas of icons and blah blah blah. A Windows Phone gets things done.

Android users, fire away!

Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily e-mail newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.

More from “Hardware 2.0”

Topics

Steve Ballmer, Computer, Productivity, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is an internationally published technology author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology.

Disclosure

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

All opinions expressed on Hardware 2.0 are those of Adrian Kingsley-Hughes. Every effort is made to ensure that the information posted is accurate. If you have any comments, queries or corrections, please contact Adrian via the email link here. Any possible conflicts of interest will be posted below. [Updated: February 23, 2010] - Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has no business relationships, affiliations, investments, or other actual/potential conflicts of interest relating to the content posted so far on this blog.

Biography

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is an internationally published technology author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology -- whether that be by learning to program, building a PC from a pile of parts, or helping them get the most from their new MP3 player or digital camera.

Adrian has authored/co-authored technical books on a variety of topics, ranging from programming to building and maintaining PCs. His most recent books include "Build the Ultimate Custom PC", "Beginning Programming" and "The PC Doctor's Fix It Yourself Guide". He has also written training manuals that have been used by a number of Fortune 500 companies.

Adrian also runs a popular blog under the name The PC Doctor, where he covers a range of computer-related topics -- from security to repairing and upgrading.

64
Comments
Add Your Opinion

Join the conversation!

Just In

Learn English first
cmos555 23rd Feb
It says "need to be", not that you "are". Try learning English first and put that on your resume. Clearly you own an Android.
View in thread
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
mod_tod Updated - 19th Oct
Guess he had to get his shot in before the unveiling of the prettier, more intuitive Android 4.0. Besides, this guy has been wrong about so much I don't even know why his opinion matters. What did he say about the iPhone when it came out?
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Return_of_the_jedi Updated - 19th Oct
@mod_tod

"What did he say about the iPhone when it came out?"

What did he said about Wp7 when it came out?

Hint: Wrong on both accounts.
0 Votes
+ -
Ballmer quote
HollywoodDog 19th Oct
@Return_of_the_jedi ... "There's no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance. It's a $500 subsidized item. They may make a lot of money. But if you actually take a look at the 1.3 billion phones that get sold, I'd prefer to have our software in 60% or 70% or 80% of them, than I would to have 2% or 3%, which is what Apple might get."

- Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer on the iPhone, April 2007


And some more:

"Google is an advertising company. Apple is a hardware company. They're one-trick ponies." [USA Today]

"my 85-year-old uncle probably will never own an iPod, and I hope we'll get him to own a Zune" [USA Today]

"I'm going to f---ing bury that guy, I have done it before, and I will do it again. I'm going to f---ing kill Google." [Sydney Morning Herald]
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
The Linux Geek 19th Oct
@mod_tod
what can you expect from a guy with IQ below 50?
0 Votes
+ -
Do us all a favor and give an example:)
James Quinn 19th Oct
@The Linux Geek ... Sorry dude but based on past comments from you I could not resist. Talk about a classic set up and you did it to yourself!

Pagan jim
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
SoYouSaid 19th Oct
@mod_tod .....did he/Balmer get that line from Loverock Davidson? ......It sure sounds like something Lovie would spew dosen't it?
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Return_of_the_jedi Updated - 19th Oct
One word. Clueless.


That explains why Ballmer doesn't use one.

PS. I know some folks who own/use android phones.
Believe me as I tell you, they are no scientists.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Rabid Howler Monkey Updated - 20th Oct
@Return_of_the_jedi wrote:
"I know some folks who own/use android phones. Believe me as I tell you, they are no scientists.

And, neither are you. They are the ones that install malware-laden apps from Google's Android Market onto their devices. Or don't realize that their devices are vulnerable because they have not yet received a firmware update from the device mfr or carrier.

Funny how Microsoft and Google have traded places in the mobile device world.
0 Votes
+ -
Whatever
Tim Patterson 19th Oct
What do you expect Ballmer to say?
WP7 is flailing in the market.

Steve must have missed the fact that Android activations are blowing away the competition. There must be alot of computer scientists out there.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
benched42 19th Oct
@Tim Patterson

"What do you expect Ballmer to say?
WP7 is flailing in the market."

I'd at least expect a somewhat realistic statement about the current market and then a rosy future trend for WP7. What we got was Ballmer being typical Ballmer. This guy needs to NEVER say anything in public.
0 Votes
+ -
That was realistic. I do nothing but "make right" Android phones
William Farrell 19th Oct
@benched42
here at work.

The people using them don't have a clue, and every week another Android phone developes an issue.

And that is the truth. Period.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Lghost 19th Oct
Agree with ballmer, android UI is quite complicate and hard to use for early adopter.
However, considering android can do almost anything, i'll stick to android.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Return_of_the_jedi Updated - 19th Oct
@Lghost

"Agree with ballmer"

That makes two of you. Hence the number of WP7 sales.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
dsf3g 19th Oct
@Return_of_the_jedi

Except the guy you replied to owns and Android pohone and expressed his desire to keep it.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Lghost 19th Oct
@Return_of_the_jedi What are you trying to prove?
0 Votes
+ -
My 63 year old Mom's
tgschmidt 19th Oct
Very firrst smart phone was a Droid2. She has very basic computer skills, like launch a web browser and check her Gmail, very basic. She has had no problem with Android. Has had that pho9ne for a year now. Not quite sure why everyone thinks Android is so complicated. Most people just turn their smart phone on & use it. Most don't root it & unlock it & reprogram it. Maybe if that is what you do, Android is complicated. If you just use it, it just works & is simple. My Droid2Global works great and I have never had any problems or issues using it. What is so complicated about Android?
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
LoverockDavidson_-24231404894599612871915491754222 19th Oct
Android users, fire away!
So ZDNet promotes flamewars now?

Anyway, Steve Ballmer is right. People love seeing information on the main screen which is why WP7 has an advantage over its competitors right now. I won't be long before the others take this same idea and run with it but for now WP7 gives you the data you are looking for without having to do anything. You can see that android doesn't fall far from the linux tree when it comes to operating the phone. Its pretty much like linux, a lot more configuring than necessary.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Aerowind 19th Oct
@LoverockDavidson_ Er, widgets?
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
dsf3g 19th Oct
@Aerowind

Exactly what went through my mind.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Lghost 19th Oct
@Aerowind Another reason i stay with android.
But, my aunt and my elder sister find it quite hard to operate android. And i test with WP7, iphone and android, wp7 UI indeed are the most simple and straight. It should be easily for every early smartphone adopters.

But i need to stress that i only talking about the UI simplicity, usability and freedom of customize were not include on my consideration. I only agree what Ballmer's point (although it seems too extreme) about android UI.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
kirovs@... 19th Oct
Wow, so many computer scientists out there! Never knew most people are one!
0 Votes
+ -
Time to update resume
kinger2713 19th Oct
I'm sooooo excited that the CEO of Microsoft identified me as a computer scientist! I didn't even take any classes...crazy! Now if only i can get him to write me a reference about my amazing computer science skills (a.k.a. owning an android phone) then I can stick this great bit of information right into my resume! This is awesome!
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
vl1969 20th Oct
@kinger2713

right on brother shocked

can I get a peas of that as well ?!
0 Votes
+ -
Learn English first
cmos555 23rd Feb
It says "need to be", not that you "are". Try learning English first and put that on your resume. Clearly you own an Android.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Aerowind 19th Oct
My father uses his Android phone every day for work and he gets by just fine on his own, despite the fact he has trouble checking email on his computer. In fact, he usually gets more frustrated at the iPad 2 than at his Samsung Infuse 4G.
0 Votes
+ -
Love that Balmer used what I call a classic
James Quinn Updated - 19th Oct
Apple/Macintosh argument:). Reminds me of the good ole days of PC vs Mac:). And the counters sound like the classic counters of the past. "Oh yeah my grandmother uses Windows!". Again Classic! Then again we have some Android people also saying classic Windows lines like "Android verssion Y is just as easy as iOS" or this gem "Andriod you can do so much more". All things I've heard time and again back in PC vs Mac days. Good times...

Funny thing is it's still valid. Windows was never as elegant and consistent an user experience than the Mac OS and Android is not as easy to use as Windows. While I will not argue that one can do more on Android the big question for me is just specifically what is this more? And would I take advantage of this more? In other words does this more actually have any value to me

Pagan jim
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
30otnix 19th Oct
@James Quinn
The same could be asked of the iPhone from an Android user. But in any case it's all about personal tastes and use cases. For me the "more" of Android is as follows:

1. Full Home Screen customization so that I can place what info, apps and widgets I want, where I want.
2. Never having to plug my phone into another computer to sync. *
3. Being allowed to install any application I want.

* iOS 5 seems to solve (kinda) solve this one.
0 Votes
+ -
YeahI guess for me personally I'm not all
James Quinn 19th Oct
@30otnix ... That much of a customizer. I mean I do a little of it to get the Apps I want quicker so I move icons around a bit and I select my back ground screens and such, but that's all I found I need/want with customization and Apple gives me that. As for number 3. See that's a tricky one for me as well. Being in computer repair/support for decades now I've seen plenty of problems related to installing Apps that are not approved to run by say and Apple and there for I actually LIKE that from Apple. Besides there are so many Apps to choose from in iOS that I don't find myself missing anything or any options as it stand there is too much. That is the one thing I hope never changes about Apple. Cause if it does Apple will effectively cease to be Apple and well become just another OEM if you were to ask me.

Pagan jim
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Badgered 19th Oct
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says that people need to be ???computer scientists??? to be able to use Android smartphones.

It's odd that at a company that large... He's still allowed to voice an opinion in public.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
NeoZon@... 19th Oct
There only shot now is to get the feature phone users with cheap nokia phones. There will be little movement this year with WP7 phones. By 2015, they will probably own 50% of the market. I'm gone to wait. I own Android incredible and am looking to upgrade my phone this January. I think iPhone 4s with siri is pretty cool. They needed a phone this cycle to make a statement. I don't think they have one.
0 Votes
+ -
My Smartphone Challenge
bmgoodman 19th Oct
Somebody, *please* show me a smartphone today that will easily sync contacts, calendars, notes, and tasks from Outlook (not Exchange-connected) to the phone *without* making me (a) use the cloud if it don't want to, (b) purchase addition software, (c) export to csv to import into the phone (which is NOT sync!)
0 Votes
+ -
FUD much? Didn't they answer that earlier?
William Farrell 19th Oct
@bmgoodman
WP7 and iOS can do exactly what you asked.

Why keep asking if you have the answer already?
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
tonymcs@... 19th Oct
@bmgoodman

Yawn.

My WP7 phone does all that fine. Probably better to relax your weird restrictions if you really want a phone.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
kingcobra23 19th Oct
To avoid complexity, Microsoft went with a dumbed-down user interface. Which places them at a distant 2nd in that category to Apple.
0 Votes
+ -
Thing I NEVER understood what is dumb about easy?
James Quinn 19th Oct
@kingcobra23 ... If you stop and think about it, easy is often considered the better and smarter choice. Just saying....

Pagan jim
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Badgered 19th Oct
@James Quinn

Was just having a conversation about this yesterday. It seems we're putting horns on our forklifts that automatically sound when you start driving the forklift. Not because it's safer and keeps the drivers hands on the wheel... but because our drivers can't figure out when they're supposed to press the horn.

It's a sad thing that we need to put systems in place to replace common sense.

Sometimes I feel the same way about dumbing down UIs. Then I realize who we're doing it for, and know that it's inevitable.
0 Votes
+ -
Ah but can we agree that there is a
James Quinn 19th Oct
@Badgered... difference between easy and stupid. One is a tactic the other is a condition that no amount of easy can fix.

Pagan jim
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
tonymcs@... Updated - 19th Oct
@kingcobra23

So an endless grid of static icons representing siloed apps is the way to go. Yes that's complex, but for no reason - MS did the work and came up with a better interface and integrated all the smart ideas into the OS, rather than lots of third party apps.

I think about complexity everytine I take a picture - without having to turn on my phone and choose an app - you just press the hardware picture button and you are there. I think about it when I just press Local Scout rather than doing a series of searches or the integrated voice recognition or the text/barcode scanner or the music recogniser or ...

Complexity simply means no-one took the time to research and design the interface - MS did.

But keep swiping away - now was it this icon or that icon or maybe this one?

0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
home.matt.ellis@... 19th Oct
I have used Windows CE and Windows Mobile devices (HP, Palm) in the past. The OS was good. I didn't really have any problems with it. Since Android 1.6, I've been using an Android platform phone. I definitely like it better. But Windows Mobile is still fine and useful though. My issue is Ballmer. He continues to stay stupid stuff in the public and they are clearly loosing market share in the mobile space. I think its time to oust Ballmer and get someone in there who will move MS into the future on the platforms that they are good at (desktops, servers, software). They definitely need some new leadership.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
benched42 19th Oct
Typical from Ballmer: "Open mouth, insert foot, wiggle toes for hours".
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
benched42 Updated - 19th Oct
My wife is nowhere near a "computer scientist". I've had to show her how to do even the simplest of tasks in Windows 7 (and Windows XP before that). And yet she loves her Droid and I've never had to show her how to do anything on it.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Cylon Centurion 19th Oct
Say what you want, but Android is a mess. -_-
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Michael Alan Goff 19th Oct
@Cylon Centurion

How is Android a mess?

[Please list something that meaningfully affects the end user]
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
tonymcs@... 19th Oct
@Michael Alan Goff

Umteen different versions
Inability to load new versions on to old phones
Incompatible apps
Terrible development tools

Should I go on?
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Michael Alan Goff Updated - 20th Oct
- There are different versions of Windows, WP7, and iOS
- I can't load iOS5 on a first gen iPhone. Within a year, I'll likely not be able to load Windows 8 on the first Windows Phone 7 Phones.
- ICS is ending that.
- That's your opinion.

edit: I also said something that negatively affects the -end user-. A random person walking up, buying an Android phone, will not know or care about any of this.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
Badgered 19th Oct
@Cylon Centurion

I'm no computer scientist, but I haven't had any issues.
0 Votes
+ -
You need pseudo computer scientists to write Windows code
iRMX 19th Oct
Yes, you need a certificate from MS to write .NET, even if you have a bachelor's or master's in computers or software. All that does not count.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
tonymcs@... 19th Oct
@iRMX

Where do I get my certificate?

Been using .Net for years.

I want my certificate!!!!!!!
0 Votes
+ -
I wonder
ego.sum.stig@... 19th Oct
Would Microsoft do better with Ed Bott at the helm? Ballmer seems to be done like a week old dinner.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ballmer: Android users need to be 'computer scientists'
DannyO_0x98 19th Oct
Well. Now I am an iPhone user going back to 2007. I had been hearing various proponents saying that custom ROMs and cyanogen are the way to maximize the Android experience, but I figure that if the manufacturer doesn't deliver an acceptable experience, I'm not going to spend time learning inside baseball to fix the device after having given them and carriers a lot of money for the privilege. Talk about defective by design.

But, Ballmer is always wrong about the competitors' products. Always.

So now I'm going to have to factor in that it isn't as hard as it looks when watching how the Android phones progress.

Join the conversation!

Formatting +
BB Codes - Note: HTML is not supported in forums
  • [b] Bold [/b]
  • [i] Italic [/i]
  • [u] Underline [/u]
  • [s] Strikethrough [/s]
  • [q] "Quote" [/q]
  • [ol][*] 1. Ordered List [/ol]
  • [ul][*] · Unordered List [/ul]
  • [pre] Preformat [/pre]
  • [quote] "Blockquote" [/quote]
ie8 fix
Click Here
ie8 fix

The best of ZDNet, delivered

ZDNet Newsletters

Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox

Facebook Activity

Blog Roll

Blog Archive

White Papers, Webcasts, & Resources
ie8 fix
ie8 fix