Starting July 2008, Bill Gates will no longer have to deal with all the day-to-day Microsoft issues that he has on his plate now. According to an official press release sent out today by Microsoft, Gates "will be focusing more on his global health and education work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation." Gates' transition will take two years to "ensure that there is a smooth and orderly transfer" of his daily responsibilities. After the transition, Gates will still serve as Microsoft's chairman and as advisor on what the announcement refers to as "key development projects."
Gates is quoted in announcement as saying, "This was a hard decision for me ... As I prepare for this change, I firmly believe the road ahead for Microsoft is as bright as ever." We don't really expect Gates' departure to affect the gaming world much as his involvement on Microsoft's gaming end isn't as hands-on as it is with other departments. Craig Mundie, Microsoft's current chief technical officer, will immediately become the new chief research and strategy officer.