
In a recent podcast, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared some surprising insights about the tech industry. He revealed that Google actually makes more money from Windows than Microsoft does. This is because many people use Google’s search engine and services on Windows computers, creating significant revenue for Google. Nadella pointed out that, despite Windows having a big reach, Google has managed to dominate in certain areas.
Nadella discussed how Google’s Chrome browser became more popular than Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Edge, even though Microsoft had already defeated Netscape in the past. He mentioned that Microsoft is now working hard to reclaim some of that market share with its new browser, Edge, and its AI tool, Co-Pilot. He also emphasized that Windows is an open system, which means it allows different tools and apps—like Google’s AI, called Gemini, or OpenAI’s ChatGPT—to work equally well on Windows.
He also shared an interesting story about trying to strike a deal with Apple for its search engine. Nadella said that for the last ten years, he had been working hard to get Apple to use Microsoft’s search engine, but Apple chose to partner with OpenAI instead.
He was happy with that outcome, though, because Microsoft has strong ties with OpenAI, both as a business partner and an investor. Nadella believes that the search market is becoming more competitive with the rise of AI tools, like ChatGPT, which are now challenging traditional search engines.
He acknowledged that Google still has a big advantage when it comes to search, especially because it is the default search engine on most Apple and Android devices. Nadella pointed out that this makes it hard for other companies to compete, as people are used to searching on Google every day.
He also said that AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming more advanced, with the ability to remember past interactions, which changes the way people use them compared to traditional search engines.
Despite Google’s dominance, Nadella remains optimistic about Microsoft’s chances. He believes that Microsoft now has a chance to regain some of the market share it lost over the years. He described this situation as “the best news for Microsoft shareholders” because it gives them an opportunity to fight back and win more market share in the browser and AI spaces.
Nadella also touched on a bigger issue, discussing his testimony last year in an antitrust trial against Google. He warned that if Google keeps its strong grip on the search market, it could be a “nightmare” for the future of the internet.
Nadella explained how Google’s deals with device makers, including Apple, help it maintain its position as the default search engine, making it difficult for competitors to change people’s search habits.