I thought they were resurrecting Microsoft Bob, the operating system for kids.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Bob

Naming a new product which is a "partner that helps you by making it easier" "Bob" seems like a... lack of historical awareness?

Hey now, sure, Microsoft Bob didn't get us ordinary users a "partner that helps you by making it easier", but it DID help MS Bob product owner Melinda French get a "partner that helps you by getting 10+ billion dollars" in the end, amiright?

<joking>

Maybe IBM is signalling it is likewise hoping for 10 billion dollars while also realizing the (AI) partner might not end up being that helpful either??

<further joking>

After what we've learned about Billy gates in the last year im not certain that's such a good deal.

MS Bob was for adults… although there were kid dedicated areas, like the den, and I seem to remember packard bell navigator being a kid-friendly reskin.

It was for adults, but the design was quite childish.

for… kids? :/

Children were, and are, permitted to use the computer.

My first thought as well!!