Gates Keynote, CES Unveiled and Product Debuts Launch the 2008 International CES

Business Wire, Jan 7, 2008

Gates' Pre-Show Keynote Address and Major Product and Partnership Announcements Create Buzz on Eve of 2008 CES

ARLINGTON, Va. -- A final pre-show keynote by Microsoft's Bill Gates, as well as innovative product launches and partnership announcements created a buzz among attendees on the eve of the 2008 International CES[R]. Produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA[R]), the 2008 International CES, the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology, opened today in Las Vegas and runs through January 10.

"The pre-CES events generated excitement among attendees and individuals around the world for the innovations and new technologies that will launch this week from the International CES show floor," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "With 2,700 companies spanning 1.85 million net square feet of exhibit space, the largest in CES history, the 2008 International CES is an amazing, global event for consumer technology. Attendees at this year's show will experience digital entertainment combined with new content and services, along with the latest technology products to create the ultimate consumer experience."

On Saturday evening, the fourth annual CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES, kicked off the pre-CES media events at the Sands Expo and Convention Center/The Venetian. Featuring 70 exhibitors, CES Unveiled showcased the latest technologies and innovations in robotics, home theater, digital imaging, sustainable technologies and more.

The media excitement continued on Sunday, CES' Press Day, with 12 exhibitor press conferences taking place at the Sands/Venetian. CES exhibitors, including LG, Pioneer, Philips, Sharp, Monster Cable and Toshiba, made major company announcements and launched new products during their press events.

Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft Corporation, delivered his eleventh and final keynote address Sunday evening. Gates, who will retire from his full time position as chairman of Microsoft in July, will shift his focus to charitable work on behalf of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates marked the occasion with a humorous sketch featuring friends including former Vice President Al Gore, rapper/producer Jay Z and U2 front man Bono.

In his presentation, Gates described the "next digital decade," distinguished by an expanding HD experience. He predicted that displays will be everywhere, including walls and desks. In addition, all devices will be service-connected, which will relieve users from having to bridge between content and devices. Gates noted that next digital decade also will see the power of the natural user interface take hold, with "touch" technology and speech recognition appearing in more products.

Gates also announced a major partnership with NBC, in which MSN will be the exclusive online provider of live, on demand footage from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Over 3,000 hours of footage will be available at www.NBCOlympics.com.

Gates introduced on stage Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices Division. Bach reported on the tremendous momentum of Xbox Live, which has surpassed 10 million members. Bach also announced a partnership with MGM, in which the entertainment company will provide a library of films for Xbox Live.

Building from the growing success of Microsoft's partnership with Ford for Sync, the in-car entertainment and communication system, Bach announced the expansion of Sync to Ford's Lincoln and Mercury brands.

For the latest news and developments from the 2008 International CES, please visit www.CESweb.org, the source for all CES information.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $148 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA's industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

-- 2008 International CES
January 7-10, 2008, Las Vegas, NV

-- Digital Music Forum East
February 26-27, 2008, New York, NY

-- EHX Spring 2008
March 11-15, 2008, Orlando, FL

-- 2008 PARA Conference
March 12-14, 2008, Orlando, FL

-- Digital Patriots Dinner
April 2, 2008, Washington, DC

-- CEA Washington Forum
April 2-4, 2008, Washington, DC

-- International CES/Hometech
May 25-27, 2008, Dubai, UAE

-- SINOCES 2008
July 10-13, 2008, Qingdao, China