Microsft keynote at CES 2012
Written by Alan Monday, 9 January 2012 11:20
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer just left the stage at CES 2012. It started with a tribute to Bill Gates, probably as it should have beings this is the last Microsoft keynote address. It also featured Ryan Seacrest to introduce the show. With Seacrest co-hosting with Ballmer it was a different type CES show. The pair started off talking about Windows Phone, which is probably the biggest, or second biggest, behind Xbox, Microsoft product of 2011.
We already knew from earlier in the day that the new Windows Phones were coming from Nokia and HTC, both to the AT&T service. They talked about the latest in Windows Phone messaging with services like Facebook and Windows Messenger and how everything will be combined in Windows Phone, with voice messaging, even when the person you are contacting is offline.
There are new apps for services like Open Table, and Ballmer announced that the Nokia 710 and 800 will be available for AT&T very soon. Ballmer also showed off the HTC Titan 2, with it’s 16 MP camera, which was unveiled earlier today.
Next they moved on to their core software – Windows itself, and the PC. Tammi Reller took over to show off the next generation operating system – Windows 8. Microsoft began by showing off the new Windows 8 unlock screen which can work with pictures. They also showed off the live apps and charms that we have been hearing about and seeing leaks of for sometime. She also touted the X86 and ARM capability. The big thing was the first showing of the Windows Store, which we also knew was coming but had only seen a small leak of. The new Windows App Store will be available globally and in every language that Windows is available for. The biggest news was the confirmation that the windows 8 Beta would be coming in late February. They even hinted at an announcement coming tomorrow from Dell of new a UltraBook.
Next Microsoft came to Xbox. This is where we get to Kinect and their new interface for Xbox with of it’s all new voice control and Bing integration. They announced that Comcast Xfinity will be coming, along with Fox. they also hinted at new services coming soon. Sesame Street TV was debuted with interactive features for kids of all ages. Microsoft also featured the new Kinect for Windows PC, for this as well.
Ballmer, when asked what’s next, was emphatic about Windows 8. it’s built into every bit of the new Microsoft apps from Windows Phone to the Xbox and “Windows , Windows, Windows”
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