Bill Gates: Windows devices will share one OS

Microsoft chairman announces that eventually one OS will be used to power phones, desktops and tablets

Microsoft co-founder and chairman Bill Gates has announced that the firm intends to merge the Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 operating systems into one.

In a video published by Microsoft, Gates said that there is already significant cross-over in the functionality and code behind both systems.

"We're sharing a lot between Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. We're sharing the user interface, and some of the development tools. Over time we'll do more and more of that - it's evolving into being a single platform. That makes it easier for the user to move back and forth [between devices]."

As the firm prepares for the launch of its Windows 8 operating system, Windows Phone 8 platform, and the Surface tablet device, Gates explained the importance of these releases to Microsoft.

"Windows 8 is an absolutely critical product. It takes Windows into the world of touch, and low-powered devices, gives the best of a tablet and PC experience," said Gates.

"It's a big step, and is key to where personal computing is going. People want to consume their mail, reading, and video anywhere. They want it to be awfully simple, and touch allows that. You want to incorporate touch without giving up the mouse keyboard, which is so natural, so we've blended it together."

He also described Surface as an "even better" tablet, no doubt in contrast to Apple's iPad device, which is among its chief rivals.

"Surface embodies the idea that you can get an even better tablet that also has what you expect in a PC. You can attach a keyboard, and it gives access to the software you want like Office."

Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and Microsoft Surface are all set to launch on 26 October.