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

Gates' Pre-Show Keynote Address and Major Product and Partnership
Announcements Create Buzz on Eve of 2008 CES
ARLINGTON, Va.--(Business Wire)--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

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*T
-- 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
*T

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Tara Dunion, 703-907-7419
e-mail: tdunion@CE.org
http://www.CE.org
or
Sarah Szabo, 703-907-4368
e-mail: sszabo@CE.org
http://www.CESweb.org

Copyright Business Wire 2008