Ex-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer claims that his relationship with Bill Gates broke down due to his decision to push the company's hardware business.

He also said that Microsoft should have moved into the mobile device market earlier. Ballmer said he had enjoyed a "brotherly relationship" with Microsoft founder Gates.

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Speaking with Bloomberg, Ballmer stated that he and Gates had opposing views about Microsoft entering the hardware business. He added that most of the board agreed with Gates. Ballmer said that had the same challenge when it came to the management of the company's mobile phone division. Microsoft made a foray into the segment with the introduction of the Surface tablet.

Ballmer said that the company should have made the move earlier. While Microsoft saw eventual success with its Surface tablets, its mobile business is all but dead.

Steve Ballmer also talked about his relationship with Bill Gates. He said that in the earlier years, they worked together, treating Microsoft as "their baby." He referred to himself as a "junior partner" while Gates assumed the position of a "senior partner." However, Ballmer said that he performed the best after Gates quit his full-time position with the company.  He also added that over the years, he and Gates have drifted apart.

Ballmer left his CEO position with Microsoft in 2014. After a few months, he also departed from the company's board. He currently owns the LA Clippers and carries out philanthropic activities. Ballmer expressed satisfaction with his work. He noted that he started Microsoft with $2.5 million in revenue and left the company after it hit $22 billion in profits.