This is about making attention-grabbing claims that get them press (as it's done here). These predictions don't have to come true because no one is ever going to hold him to it. It doesn't impact their stock price if that date comes and goes without happening. But it does get people to pay attention (as everyone in this thread is) and talk about Microsoft and AI, which is the entire intention. If he said it'd be in 10-15 years, no one will pay attention. That's too far away to care. But by saying it's really soon, he's gotten the media and our attention, putting Microsoft right there in the conversation.