Gates pushes Microsoft’s agenda at China meeting

Associated Press

SHANGHAI, China — Microsoft Corp. is negotiating with several companies, including computer maker Legend Holdings, for development of pocket and tablet-sized computers that recognize Chinese characters, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said Friday.

Gates, attending a meeting of chief executives during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering, told a news conference Microsoft "is willing to take a long-term view" of China, although the country accounts for a "very small percentage of our sales."

Piracy is rampant in China. A report from a group of software developers estimates that more than 90 percent of the software used by local businesses is unlicensed.

Gates said he expects a Chinese anti-piracy campaign to bear fruit as similar efforts have in other countries. He also said Microsoft’s business in China "has shown nice growth every year," but he did not give specific figures.

Gates said Microsoft is working with local computer companies to market its pocket PC technology.

"We expect to see unique implementations targeted at the Chinese market," he said. "We haven’t announced any tablet PC collaboration, but we are in early discussions with companies here about taking the tablet concept and building a version that is appropriately targeted for the Chinese market, including Chinese handwriting recognition."

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