| Gates touts Vista in CES keynote |
Jan. 08, 2007
 With the consumer release of Windows Vista set for Jan. 30, Bill Gates unsurprisingly devoted much of his Consumer Electronics Show (CES) keynote to Vista. Additionally, the presentation highlighted upcoming XBox 360 IPTV capabilities, and a partnership with Ford to develop voice-activated automotive infotainment technologies.
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In addition to demonstrating a number of "never-before-seen" Vista features, Gates introduced a number of Vista-certified PCs that will be available to consumers starting Jan. 30, including: - HP TouchSmart -- brings touchscreen technology to desktop computing to serve as a fast and easy-to-access "information, communication and entertainment hub."
- Toshiba Portege R400 -- a mobile PC incorporating "innovative connectivity and display technologies" built on Windows SideShow
- Medion UMPC -- an ultra-mobile PC that provides multiple input options such as a keyboard, a pen, and touch capabilities, and features the new "Origami Experience" user interface
"Windows Vista is the catalyst for a variety of new hardware devices being made available to consumers," Gates said. "The result will be an incredible set of new connected experiences that link our interests, our communities and our desires in ways that extend across home, work and play."
Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division joined Gates to provide an early look at the company's IPTV Edition software running on the Xbox 360. This service, expected to be available by this year's holiday season, will combine capabilities such as digital video recording with gaming, movie viewing, and even voice and video communications, according to Bach.
Gates also announced a partnership with Ford to develop Sync, a voice-activated, intelligent means to connect personal electronic devices to vehicles, including a wide range of mobile phones, storage media, and portable music players such as Zune. Based on the Microsoft Auto platform, Sync will offer hands-free phone dialing, address-book synchronization, and other features such as the ability to read text messages through the car's audio system, according to Gates.
Sync is planned to be available in the second half of 2007 in 12 models of 2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks and will expand to all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles by the 2009 model year.
"As the magic of software makes it easier for people to be creators, publishers and consumers of digital content, it is expanding the way we think about community and entertainment," Gates said. "From your living room to your car, we're delivering a wave of new software products and services that make it easier for you to manage your day-to-day lives, express your ideas and share your interests."
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