Proud Father

So if you haven't seen Bill Gates's CES Keynote address, I highly recommend you check it out.  You can find it at:

 

 

First off, he addresses Microsoft's vision of the digital lifestyle/work style.  While none of the technologies shown in this segment are particularly difficult or groundbreaking, anyone not intimately acquainted with PC technologies will think its something straight out of a Sci-Fi movie.  This vision includes extensive use of touch screens, integration between all devices,integration of technology into objects such as furniture, and use of biometric devices.

 

Once he's finished off his schpeel on vision, he passes off to a program manager to talk about Windows Vista.  Before talking about the improved user experience in Vista, he demos some of the previously discussed but unseen features of the new Windows GUI.  Its no Apple OS :) but definitely some cool new stuff.  The Sidebar and Sideshow are definitely noteworthy.  Throught these and other tools, MS is trying to simplfy and "de-clutter" the interface.

 

Microsoft is finally bringing something to the table that might compete with iTunes.  Urge was developed in collaboration with MTV and will integrate uniquely with Windows Media Player.  In addition to a music store, channel content from MTV, VH1, and other Music Video stations will be available.  Huge for music lovers, the 2 million+ track library will be made available to users in its entirety through a subscription service.

 

Adding Messenger and VOIP to standard cordless (not mobile) phones is also cool.

 

IPTV (yes, that's internet TV) was also on the docket.  They've been talking about it for some time now, but I like to think that the amount of time Bill spent talking about it means its actually coming.  Given how Tivo and other DVR technologies are already changing the face of the TV industry, it will be fascinating to see what this does.

 

IPTV of course leads us into Windows Media Center Edition (MCE).  Working closely with Intel, VIIV (rhymes with live) was developed to improve performance of specific home theater type functionalities (such as 7.1 surround sound).  Portable Media Center devices are being expanded.  HD-DVD is coming into play.  Legal digitial recording is being integrated.  HD content will be available  through cable/satellite services.  In other words...big, BIG changes.

 

And then of course, there's this little thing we call the godsend of gaming....the Xbox 360.  Mostly marketing on this guy, but the big news is an external HD-DVD drive specifically for the console later this year.  Why they couldn't just make a decision and build it in, I'm not sure.  But at least something's coming.