CES 2007 Kicks Off in Las Vegas

The 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicked off in Las Vegas on Monday with 2,700 exhibitors debuting the latest technologies and consumer electronics gadgets.

The world's largest technology tradeshow, organized by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), runs through Jan. 11, and celebrates the show's 40th anniversary.

Product launches and a major industry keynote by Microsoft's Bill Gates on the eve of the show electrified attendees from across the world.

The CES showcased the latest innovations and products in GPS, digital imaging, audio, home theater, robotics and more.

"The pre-CES events generated major excitement and anticipation for what's to come this week at the 2007 International CES," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the CEA.

CES attendees are experiencing a new convergence of consumer technology products emerging from the show floor, with new products incorporating the features, services and content that consumers crave, he said.

On Saturday evening, the third annual CES unveiled, the official press event of the International CES kicked off the pre-show media events at the Sands Expo and Convention Center/The Venetian -- CES' newest venue for the 2007 show.

The media buzz continued on Sunday morning, CES' press day, with 13 exhibitor press conferences taking place at the Sands/Venetian. CES exhibitors including LG, Pioneer, Philips, Toshiba, Sharp and Panasonic, made major announcements and launched new products during their events.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates electrified the CES stage Sunday night with his tenth keynote appearance. After crowd applauds following Gates' announcement that he will return to deliver the 2008 International CES keynote, more than 4,000 attendees sat spellbound as Gates shared how the company is delivering on the promise of the "Connected Experience." Windows Vista, which Gates characterized as the most important release of Windows ever, will make it easier, safer and more fun to use the PC and will play a central role in the experience.

Through Windows Vista, Microsoft Office and Windows Live, consumers will connect to multiple devices and access live services, such as real-time weather and traffic reports.

With Windows Media Center and Windows Vista, sports enthusiasts can enjoy real-time games, scores and alerts and digital photos can be edited, organized or burned to DVD all within the Windows Photo Gallery.

Gates announced that more than 1.5 million devices are compatible with Windows Vista and previewed new PCs from multiple manufacturers and a Windows Home Server, all powered by Windows Vista.

For his final announcement, Gates was joined on stage by Ford Motor Company's Mark Fields, to introduce the Microsoft-Ford "Sync" partnership, which promises to take the connected experience to the car. Microsoft auto software will connect devices into the vehicle allowing consumers to sync calls and other content with their car audio system. The fully upgradable technology will be available in a dozen Ford car models this year.