X

Ballmer: Android is 'for computer scientists'

Microsoft's Steve Ballmer has ripped into Android, saying you have to be a computer scientist to use it. Ouch.

Joe Svetlik Reporter
Joe has been writing about consumer tech for nearly seven years now, but his liking for all things shiny goes back to the Gameboy he received aged eight (and that he still plays on at family gatherings, much to the annoyance of his parents). His pride and joy is an Infocus projector, whose 80-inch picture elevates movie nights to a whole new level.
Joe Svetlik
2 min read

We knew Microsoft's CEO wasn't exactly the shy and retiring type, but now he's ripped Android a new one ahead of next week's Nokia World, reports BGR.

Speaking at the Web 2.0 conference, Ballmer said, "You don't need to be a computer scientist to use a Windows Phone, but I think you do to use an Android phone." Fighting words. He also went on to confirm Nokia would unveil "a bunch" of new Windows Phones at Nokia World next week.

Ballmer put the boot in to Android once more by saying, "It is very hard to be excited, for me, about the Android phones." But then being CEO of the competition, he would say that.

Microsoft's Windows Phone mobile operating system has a slick tile-based user interface, but Ballmer himself admitted it is still very small. It'd be tough to accuse him of not being straight-talking, that's for sure.

The company is hoping its tie-in with Nokia will give its mobile OS a much-needed boost. The first Nokia-Windows handset to be unveiled is expected to be the 800, which was codenamed Searay. Some official press shots of it leaked earlier, showing it looking very similar indeed to the N9 that never made it over here.

The Nokia Sabre is also expected on Windows Phone, if leaked details from a competition are to be believed. Though that could be a codename, as Searay is for the Nokia 800. The Samsung Yukon and Wembley should also be announced, though there's next to no information about them yet.

Nokia World kicks off next Wednesday in London, we'll be bringing you all the news as it happens, Windows Phone-based and otherwise.

Is Ballmer right about Android? Let us know on our Facebook page.