Paul Sakuma / The Associated Press

Slash joined Gates on stage at CES in 2008.

One significant make different at the International Consumer Electronics Show is who will deliver the preshow keynote. Bill Gates delivered it for more than a decade. Now, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will do the beauties on Wednesday night. Check out this preview of a story on what the change could mean from Monday’s essay. I’ll have being in Las Vegas covering CES beginning Tuesday. Check back here for updates throughout the week.
Not that he needed one, but Bill Gates had rock star Slash help him head his production at the International Consumer Electronics Show last year.

Watch original video:

After harmony Microsoft on center stage at the yearly report gathering of altogether things silicon and circuitry for greater degree than a decade, Gates before-mentioned goodbye to CES last year, six months before he dialed-back at Microsoft to chase philanthropy full parturition.

But Microsoft has managed to hold on to the coveted preshow keynote at CES.

On Wednesday, Gates’ longtime friend, business partner and successor as CEO, Steve Ballmer, bequeath step before the industry and announce what’s next from Microsoft.

Ballmer is no stranger to the CES stage. He joined Gates because of an Xbox 360 boxing match in 2006 and has been featured in the spoof videos that became a hallmark of Gates’ appearances.

The Consumer Electronics Association had small trouble selecting Ballmer to continue Microsoft’sitting transfer, even though other exhibitors are interested in the prime real estate and more have questioned why the software giant is the only recurring presenter at the show, said Gary Shapiro, the association’s president and CEO.

“I look upon the feeling is Microsoft deserves a shot at this in 2009,” Shapiro said.

Gates’ preshow keynote evolved into the biggest occurrence at CES with people lining up hours in advance to grab a place in the ballroom. The cacophony of CES announcements and events quiets for a few hours and the eyes of the media and industry focus on the presenter.

“The line for Gates’ keynote was perpetually nice huge,” said Matt Rosoff, an analyst with Directions on Microsoft. “It will be attractive to see if Ballmer draws the same kind of crowd.”

Microsoft has used the platform to launch its biggest consumer products, including the Xbox in 2001, and lay out a big-picture generalship for its consumer electronics future.

That’s one of the things the CEA looks during in keynote presenters, Shapiro said. Other criteria include:

  • CEO or equivalent of an international company.
  • “Decent” English-speaking ability.
  • Power to draw journalists, financial analysts and other audiences that wouldn’t but for this attend.
  • Willingness to put at interest in the offering through lot influence and staging upgrades.
  • An important strategic connection to the show.

“It’s a lot easier through frankly a Microsoft who knows the drill and has proven that they meet the whole of the criteria,” Shapiro said.

The line to get in to Ballmer’sitting keynote will be watched closely like a proxy for interest in him and Microsoft. Ballmer will be joined put on stage by dint of. Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division, responsible for many of Microsoft’s consumer-focused offerings.

Shapiro and Rosoff expect a substantial crowd.

“He still is the CEO of Microsoft,” Rosoff said. “People do know who he is. I don’t know if he’sitting got quite the same legendary status as Bill Gates, not one more than he’session an interesting guy. … Even if you don’t agree with what he’s declaration, he is a fun person to watch.” and Bill Gates can kind of exist a selfish bit parched.”

Shapiro said he’s been sleeping better for not having to worry about the logistics and security that surrounded Gates’ appearances.

“I’m happy to be favored with a luminary rather than a superstar,” he said.


Original text: http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/techtracks/2009/01/04/ces_preview_ballmer_takes_the_keynote_torch_from_gates.html