In his keynote address at 2005 International CES, Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates outlined his vision for the digital lifestyle and demonstrated a broad range of innovations that will enhance the lives of millions of people worldwide. Underscoring the importance of choice and flexibility in bringing the digital lifestyle into the mainstream, Gates showcased innovations in digital music, photos, television and movies, gaming, and communications, and showed how Microsoft and its partners are leading the industry in bringing to life the experiences consumers want.
"We are at the forefront in making broad technology investments and delivering breakthroughs [sic] that bring the digital lifestyle into the mainstream," Gates said. "Our strategy is to deliver great software and a platform for partner innovation, so consumers can choose from a vast array of devices and services that work together seamlessly and suit the way they live."
Gates unveilled groundbreaking new alliances that utilise the power and flexibility of Windows to make consumers' digital experiences richer and more personal. Among his announcements were these:
An agreement with MTV Networks (MTVN) that will create new ways for consumers to access MTV content through a variety of digital entertainment products. As part of this agreement, MTV intends to launch a new PlaysForSure-compliant MTVN digital music service with portable subscription capabilities.
New digital music and video devices that expand Microsoft's PlaysForSure logo programme to more than 50 currently verified devices and seven online services, ranging from small, low-cost, flash-based players to full-featured hard-disk-based units and forthcoming network-connected high-definition televisions and DVD players. Gates also announced that 90 million copies of Windows Media Player 10 have been downloaded since its launch in October.
Continued momentum around interactive entertainment, with Media Center PC sales doubling year over year, surpassing 1.4 million units globally and growing by 40 percent in just three month
An agreement with BellSouth Corp. to test next-generation TV services using Microsoft TV IPTV Edition
Strong momentum for the Xbox system, with industry-leading sales for the 2004 holiday season, and expected sales of more than 20 million consoles by July 2005. The Halo 2 game generated $125 million in revenue in its first weekend of availability, surpassing the biggest opening weekend in box-office history, for Spider-man, which generated just under $115 million.
A new collaboration with TiVo Inc. that will enable TiVo subscribers to easily transfer its recorded TV content from a standalone TiVo Series 2 standalone digital video recorder to Windows XP-based and Media Center PCs, Windows Mobile-based Portable Media Centers, Pocket PCs or Smartphones using new TiVoToGo software
Gates also demonstrated the Nikon D2X digital camera with integrated 802.11 wireless networking capabilities, and two devices that use Windows Media Connect to extend the reach of digital content: a new connected HDTV from Digitrex for access to digital media in the home, and a DVD player-recorder and digital video recorder (DVR) from LG Electronics Inc. that can access music, photos and video from Windows XP-based PCs.
Capitalising on the theme of entertainment experiences, this year's opening address was hosted by late-night talk-show personality Conan O'Brien and webcast live to millions of viewers on Microsoft.com.
