He called it a “wallet PC” and described its functionality as such:

“[It] will display messages and schedules and let you read or send electronic mail and faxes, monitor weather and stock reports, and play both simple and sophisticated games. At a meeting, you might take notes, check your appointments, browse information if you’re bored, or choose from among thousands of easy-to-call-up photos of your kids.”

And he even predicted Siri!

“A voice from its built-in speaker will let you know that a freeway exit is coming up or that the next intersection has frequent accidents … You might ask, ‘Where’s the closest Chinese restaurant that’s still open?’ and the answer will be transmitted to your wallet by wireless network.”

Read more about Gates’ ideas for the iPhone here—and get more cool cultural finds from @brainpicker on Twitter.

Photo credit: m_bahareth/Wikimedia Commons