Apple co-founder 'every bit as intense' as Gates

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates talks briefly about Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in a new Nightline interview on ABC, reports note. Gates comments, for instance, that it was strange for someone as "vibrant" as Jobs to die so relatively young. "It makes you feel like, 'Wow, we're getting old.' Yet you look back and think about the great opportunities we had," he says.

Gates adds that Jobs was "every bit as intense" as himself, and that the two "always enjoyed talking," in spite of their corporate rivalries. "He would throw some things out, some stimulating things, we'd talk about the other companies that had come along. We'd talk about our families and how lucky we had been in terms of the women we had married. It was great, great relaxed conversation."

The former Microsoft head is also asked about Apple's digital textbook initiative, but avoids commenting directly, except to say he feels technology can help improve the American educational system. "The idea of having personalized learning is now enabled by a lot of innovation on the Internet," he remarks. "Having good classes, having the teacher be able to look at where their students stand -- we're going to have technology on our side. It's early days."

By Electronista Staff