NEW DELHI: Microsoft marked its 50th anniversary on April 4, 2025, celebrating five decades of innovation, technology, and leadership. Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, the company has evolved from a small startup to a global tech powerhouse.
A Historic Conversation
Three Microsoft CEOs walk into a room on Microsoftโs 50th anniversary โฆ and are interviewed by Copilot! pic.twitter.com/5E8wHCDV92
โ Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) April 4, 2025
One of the highlights of the anniversary celebration was a rare interview featuring Microsoftโs three CEOsโBill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and current CEO Satya Nadella. The twist? The interview was conducted by Microsoftโs AI assistant, Copilot, which brought a mix of humor, nostalgia, and insight into the companyโs journey.
โSteve,โ Copilot joked, โyour enthusiasm is legendary, but do you ever worry that your energy might short-circuit the AI? Even robots need a coffee break after your pep talks.โ
Ballmer, known for his high-energy leadership style, responded with his trademark wit:
โCome on, dude. If you canโt handle me, you canโt handle a huge percentage of the worldโs population. Weโre counting on you.โ
The AI then turned to Bill Gates, playfully remarking,
โBill, youโve got that signature thoughtful gazeโฆ do you think AI might feel intimidated by your intense thinking face? Itโs like itโs waiting for a blue screen moment.โ
Gates smirked. โI hope so. I mean, thatโs all Iโve got left as these AIs get so damn intelligent. Itโs just that gaze and my willingness to criticize that differentiates me.โ
Copilot, staying in character, replied, โWould I criticize Bill? Absolutely. Criticism is where growth happens.โ
A lot of tech shifts have happened over the last 5 decades โ desktop computing, the internet, the cloud, and AI. Over the next few months, weโll celebrate some of our favorite company moments and invite you to follow along. ๐ #Microsoft50 pic.twitter.com/xkffQeFCzv
โ Microsoft (@Microsoft) January 28, 2025
Looking Back, Looking Forward
The conversation then shifted to Microsoftโs journey over the past 50 years. Nadella reflected on the companyโs mission and its evolution in the tech landscape.
โThat very first product of oursโthat BASIC interpreter for the AltairโI think says it all,โ Nadella stated. โIt was about empowering others, and thatโs still a core thread in everything we do.โ
Microsoftโs focus on artificial intelligence was a major theme of the celebration. The company announced significant upgrades to Copilot, reinforcing its commitment to AI-driven innovation.
ALSO READ: Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull debut shines at Japanese GP
A Special Moment for Fans
Microsoft enthusiasts worldwide joined in the celebration, sharing memories of their first Windows PC, their experience with Office, and the impact of Microsoft products on their lives.
The event also saw a lighthearted moment when Copilot asked Nadella whether he feared AI might take over his role.
Nadella smiled and responded, โThe day I can play like the best cricket player that I enjoy, thatโs the day it can run the show, as far as Iโm concerned.โ
Copilot quipped back, โTouchรฉ, Satya. Letโs see if it can hit a century in cricket, and then weโll talk.โ
As the conversation wrapped up, the three CEOs raised a toast to 50 years of Microsoft. โCheers,โ they said in unison.
Copilot echoed, โWhatever that means to an AI. Is it drink?โ
The Road Ahead
Microsoftโs 50-year milestone is not just a reflection of the past but a vision for the future. With advancements in AI, cloud computing, and enterprise technology, the company continues to shape the tech landscape.
As Microsoft looks ahead, it remains focused on innovation, adaptability, and empowering people through technologyโjust as it has done for the past five decades.
