Bill Gates: Internet use will continue to grow

The world Bill Gates envisions 10 years from now will be different from the one we know today, the Microsoft founder told a crowded University of Waterloo audience in Ontario on Saturday.

Gates described the last 10 years as the first digital decade. Now we're entering an era in which, he said, new technology will blend touch and speech, turning tabletops into computers.

Gates said that the use of the Internet will only continue to expand, and that television would be offered through the Internet.

Gates also spoke about how the Internet can benefit poor countries.

Eddie Cheung, a first-year math student at the Canadian university, said he was inspired by Gates' speech - in particular, his philanthropic ventures.

"He was very inspiring. He risked a lot," Cheung said.

"It was interesting and enlightening," said Brendan Forsyth, a first-year computer science student. "It was not just a talk about recruitment."

The anticipation of hearing the world's richest man speak was electric before he strode to the podium. The theater was abuzz with people as early as two hours before the 9:30 a.m. speech. About 100 people attended.

University staff distributed free T-shirts of the Gates tour with the slogan "Program Like a Rock Star."

Microsoft also issued a news release Saturday, saying Canadian university and college students would have free access to the company's developer and designer software.

"We want to do everything we can to equip a new generation of technology leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to harness the magic of software to improve lives, solve problems and catalyze economic growth," Gates was quoted as saying in the news release.

The announcement affirmed one Gates made this week as he launched his U.S. and Canadian college tour.

Gates last visited the university in October 2005.