In an interview with CBS This Morning, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has admitted that the software giant didn't nail the mobile market when it had the opportunity. "There's a lot of things like cellphones where we didn't get out in the lead early," says Gates. "We didn't miss cellphones, but the way that we went about it didn't allow us to get the leadership." Gates says this strategy was "clearly a mistake."

Describing himself and Ballmer as "self-critical", he praises the work on Windows 8, Surface, and Bing. However, Gates admits the recent products aren't enough. "He [Ballmer] and I are not satisfied that in terms of breakthrough things that we're doing everything possible," says Gates. The honest and frank interview is a rare glimpse into Gates' role at Microsoft after he stepped down as CEO to focus on his philanthropy.

With the recent departure of Windows chief Steven Sinofsky, and an apparent focus on merging the Windows and Windows Phone efforts, it's clear that there's an effort at the top of Microsoft to ensure divisions work on a common goal to surface the innovation that the company requires. Gates doesn't hint at any future plans in the interview, but his frustrations show that he's still very much involved in the company he helped start all the way back in 1975.