Microsoft's Bill Gates Shares Insights on Technology in Exclusive Interview with CEA's CE Vision Magazine; Issue Debuts as Gates is Named 'Innovator of the Year' at CEA's Second Annual Digital Patriots Dinner

Business Wire, March 24, 2006

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates shares his perspectives on technology and the industry's future in the March/April edition of CE Vision magazine, the flagship publication of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)). After granting the exclusive interview with CE Vision, Gates was on hand to accept the Innovator of the Year Award at CEA's Second Annual Digital Patriots Dinner held in Washington, D.C. on March 15. The award was given in recognition of Gates' success in revolutionizing the way personal computers and Microsoft software now fit in to everyday life.

In his exclusive interview with CE Vision, Gates shares his views on the digital lifestyle. "Everywhere you look," he notes, "people are relying on technology to help them get things done, stay in touch and be entertained. The next five years will be about taking all these experiences to a new level, by developing innovative technology that fits simply and comfortably into your life and helps you connect with others and follow your pursuits and passions."

Gates also discusses how Microsoft differs from Google and the challenges the United States faces in facilitating growth in both technology and innovation. He concludes the interview by commenting on his philanthropy and where he sees the industry headed over the next 20 years.

Other highlights from the March/April edition of CE Vision include: "Dueling Formats," a comparison of Blue-ray vs. HD-DVD; "Consumers as Creators," a discussion on consumers creating content for themselves and "Why do people buy?," a look at the five reasons why people don't buy and how to overcome them.

CE Vision is a bi-monthly magazine that provides information on digital technology trends, policy initiatives and business news in the consumer electronics industry. For more information on CE Vision or to order the March/April edition please visit: http://www.ce.org/Press/Vision/1520.asp

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

UPCOMING CEA EVENTS

--  EHX Spring 2006
    March 28-April 1, 2006, Orlando, FL

--  CONNECTIONS (TM) - The Digital Home Conference & Showcase
    May 2-4, 2006, Santa Clara, CA

--  2006 PARA Conference
    May 3-7, 2006, Hilton Head, SC

--  The 10th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit
    June 21-24, 2006, Southampton, Bermuda

--  2006 SINOCES
    July 7-10, 2006, Qingdao, China

--  2006 CEA Summer Technology and Standards Forum
    July 24-28, 2006, Coronado, CA

--  CEA Industry Forum
    October 16-18, 2006 San Francisco, CA

--  EHX Fall 2006
    November 14-17, 2006, Long Beach, CA

--  2007 International CES
    January 8-11, 2007, Las Vegas, NV