Microsoft CES keynote PR leaks early: HP slate device is just a PC, Natal in holiday 2010
By Nilay Patel 
posted January 6th 2010 9:54PM
posted January 6th 2010 9:54PM
[Thanks, Andrew]
LAS VEGAS – Jan. 6, 2010 – The Consumer Electronics Association kicked off the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) tonight with a pre-show opening keynote by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Entertainment & Devices President Robbie Bach.
Over 110,000 manufacturers, content providers, corporate buyers, engineers and media people converge each year in Las Vegas to identify the latest trends in consumer technology. More than 2,500 exhibitors show off their gadgets and technologies - from e-readers and 3-D televisions to free-standing solar panel systems.
During his keynote Ballmer highlighted the unprecedented innovation in the consumer electronics industry during 2009. Despite the economic turmoil the industry continued to deliver exciting new products and services at pace and, in Ballmer's view, is set up for continued success.
Consumers Choosing Microsoft
2009 was a big year for Microsoft according to Ballmer, and he was optimistic about the opportunities to continue the success in 2010. From Windows 7 and Bing to Xbox LIVE, Microsoft has rolled out products that have won praise from reviewers and strong acceptance from consumers, and the company has a pipeline of exciting new products planned for 2010.
Ballmer highlighted recent success, starting with the latest sales numbers on Windows 7, and showcased some of the innovative new hardware manufacturers continue to roll out.
Windows 7
•
Windows 7 is by far the fastest selling operating system in history. PC sales jumped nearly 50 percent the week Windows 7 launched.
•
On Black Friday, retailers sold 63 percent more PCs than they did the year before.
•
According to NPD, the 2009 holiday season saw greater than 50 percent year-over-year growth for Windows PC sales.
Current and future hardware shown on stage included:
•
A new touch-enabled slate PC from HP
•
The Sony VAIO L all-in-one laptop built for HD entertainment and multimedia content creation, and including a 24-inch touchscreen
•
The Lenovo A300, one of the thinnest PCs yet at just 18mm, but with a 21.5-inch HD widescreen LED display
Bing
Bing saw big progress in 2009. Ballmer confirmed that in the few months following its introduction in June, Bing had added 11 million new users and grown market share.
In addition, Ballmer announced that Microsoft and HP are teaming up on search and portal experiences. Bing will be the default search engine, and MSN the default homepage on HP PCs in 42 countries.
Xbox and Xbox LIVE
Ballmer looked back at 2009 and confirmed that Xbox and Xbox LIVE set new records:
•
There are now over 39 million Xbox 360 consoles around the world, and more than 500 million games have been sold.
•
Between Christmas and New Years Day, Xbox LIVE experienced its busiest week ever, adding a new member every second and a record of more than 2.2 million concurrent members online.
•
Nearly 10 million people have logged into Xbox LIVE's nongaming applications - Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm, Sky, Canal and Zune - using their Xbox as a way to stay connected to friends and family.
•
Xbox LIVE membership is now an active community of over 20 million people.
Windows Phones
Following the release of Windows Mobile 6.5 in October, Ballmer announced the upcoming exclusive availability of the HTC HD2 in partnership with T-Mobile USA, Inc. and HTC. Like other Widows phones on the market, the HD2 offers great customer experiences through an easy-to-use interface, extensive browsing capabilities and access to valuable services.
Delivering on the Connected Entertainment Vision
Microsoft Entertainment & Devices Division President Robbie Bach followed Ballmer on stage and outlined the company's strategy of connecting the personal computer, mobile devices, television and the Internet.
In an interview before CES, Bach discussed the potential of technology to change the entertainment experience. "We've reached a point with technology where it's very feasible to listen to or watch whatever you want, whenever you want, whether on your smartphone, laptop or a connected TV in the comfort of your living room," he said. "That concept of greater control is compelling to many people. It's all about tying together these disparate technologies into a digital entertainment experience that's consistent, easy to use and relevant to consumers' needs."
Mediaroom 2.0
As part of Microsoft's digital entertainment strategy, Microsoft announced Microsoft Mediaroom 2.0, the next version of its Internet Protocol Television solution for service providers such as AT&T U-verse. Mediaroom 2.0 gives service providers the ability to offer their subscribers features such as these:
•
The ability to stream live and on-demand content to the TV but also devices such as PCs and phones
•
The same on-demand experience on the PC with Windows Media Center in Windows 7
Xbox Gaming and "Project Natal"
Xbox plays a multifaceted role in Microsoft's digital entertainment strategy from gaming to changing the face of social entertainment, and Bach highlighted exciting plans for 2010:
•
An lineup of what promises to be blockbuster exclusive games including Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction, Crackdown 2, Mass Effect 2, Alan Wake, and Fable 3
•
The release of what will likely be the biggest game of the year, Halo Reach, continuing the Halo saga
•
The new Game Room on Xbox LIVE, which will be the place to relive the glory days of arcade games, with over 1000 games being released throughout the next three years.
Then Bach gave a behind-the-scenes look at the work behind "Project Natal," the controller-free gaming experience that tracks movement of the body and facial expressions, and even responds to your voice.
Scheduled to be available in holiday season 2010, "Project Natal" is only the most recent example of Microsoft's work creating natural user interfaces. Other examples include Microsoft Surface, Windows Touch and Ford SYNC, the voice-controlled, in-car communications and entertainment system that Microsoft jointly developed with Ford.
Over 110,000 manufacturers, content providers, corporate buyers, engineers and media people converge each year in Las Vegas to identify the latest trends in consumer technology. More than 2,500 exhibitors show off their gadgets and technologies - from e-readers and 3-D televisions to free-standing solar panel systems.
During his keynote Ballmer highlighted the unprecedented innovation in the consumer electronics industry during 2009. Despite the economic turmoil the industry continued to deliver exciting new products and services at pace and, in Ballmer's view, is set up for continued success.
Consumers Choosing Microsoft
2009 was a big year for Microsoft according to Ballmer, and he was optimistic about the opportunities to continue the success in 2010. From Windows 7 and Bing to Xbox LIVE, Microsoft has rolled out products that have won praise from reviewers and strong acceptance from consumers, and the company has a pipeline of exciting new products planned for 2010.
Ballmer highlighted recent success, starting with the latest sales numbers on Windows 7, and showcased some of the innovative new hardware manufacturers continue to roll out.
Windows 7
•
Windows 7 is by far the fastest selling operating system in history. PC sales jumped nearly 50 percent the week Windows 7 launched.
•
On Black Friday, retailers sold 63 percent more PCs than they did the year before.
•
According to NPD, the 2009 holiday season saw greater than 50 percent year-over-year growth for Windows PC sales.
Current and future hardware shown on stage included:
•
A new touch-enabled slate PC from HP
•
The Sony VAIO L all-in-one laptop built for HD entertainment and multimedia content creation, and including a 24-inch touchscreen
•
The Lenovo A300, one of the thinnest PCs yet at just 18mm, but with a 21.5-inch HD widescreen LED display
Bing
Bing saw big progress in 2009. Ballmer confirmed that in the few months following its introduction in June, Bing had added 11 million new users and grown market share.
In addition, Ballmer announced that Microsoft and HP are teaming up on search and portal experiences. Bing will be the default search engine, and MSN the default homepage on HP PCs in 42 countries.
Xbox and Xbox LIVE
Ballmer looked back at 2009 and confirmed that Xbox and Xbox LIVE set new records:
•
There are now over 39 million Xbox 360 consoles around the world, and more than 500 million games have been sold.
•
Between Christmas and New Years Day, Xbox LIVE experienced its busiest week ever, adding a new member every second and a record of more than 2.2 million concurrent members online.
•
Nearly 10 million people have logged into Xbox LIVE's nongaming applications - Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm, Sky, Canal and Zune - using their Xbox as a way to stay connected to friends and family.
•
Xbox LIVE membership is now an active community of over 20 million people.
Windows Phones
Following the release of Windows Mobile 6.5 in October, Ballmer announced the upcoming exclusive availability of the HTC HD2 in partnership with T-Mobile USA, Inc. and HTC. Like other Widows phones on the market, the HD2 offers great customer experiences through an easy-to-use interface, extensive browsing capabilities and access to valuable services.
Delivering on the Connected Entertainment Vision
Microsoft Entertainment & Devices Division President Robbie Bach followed Ballmer on stage and outlined the company's strategy of connecting the personal computer, mobile devices, television and the Internet.
In an interview before CES, Bach discussed the potential of technology to change the entertainment experience. "We've reached a point with technology where it's very feasible to listen to or watch whatever you want, whenever you want, whether on your smartphone, laptop or a connected TV in the comfort of your living room," he said. "That concept of greater control is compelling to many people. It's all about tying together these disparate technologies into a digital entertainment experience that's consistent, easy to use and relevant to consumers' needs."
Mediaroom 2.0
As part of Microsoft's digital entertainment strategy, Microsoft announced Microsoft Mediaroom 2.0, the next version of its Internet Protocol Television solution for service providers such as AT&T U-verse. Mediaroom 2.0 gives service providers the ability to offer their subscribers features such as these:
•
The ability to stream live and on-demand content to the TV but also devices such as PCs and phones
•
The same on-demand experience on the PC with Windows Media Center in Windows 7
Xbox Gaming and "Project Natal"
Xbox plays a multifaceted role in Microsoft's digital entertainment strategy from gaming to changing the face of social entertainment, and Bach highlighted exciting plans for 2010:
•
An lineup of what promises to be blockbuster exclusive games including Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction, Crackdown 2, Mass Effect 2, Alan Wake, and Fable 3
•
The release of what will likely be the biggest game of the year, Halo Reach, continuing the Halo saga
•
The new Game Room on Xbox LIVE, which will be the place to relive the glory days of arcade games, with over 1000 games being released throughout the next three years.
Then Bach gave a behind-the-scenes look at the work behind "Project Natal," the controller-free gaming experience that tracks movement of the body and facial expressions, and even responds to your voice.
Scheduled to be available in holiday season 2010, "Project Natal" is only the most recent example of Microsoft's work creating natural user interfaces. Other examples include Microsoft Surface, Windows Touch and Ford SYNC, the voice-controlled, in-car communications and entertainment system that Microsoft jointly developed with Ford.
I had a Hunch That it was that PC with the Windows Logo was the HP slate
@rsjrDK microsoft... making Palm look good since... always
@PalmIsGarbage Until you get past the looks and try to use it. I definitely don't miss my Palm.
This doesn't surprise me in the least, just more Microsoft vapor.
@Sean Parker The are working on it. Is it said to be running windows 8 and uses cell batteries filled with unicorn urine...
@rsjrDK
Anyway, even when it's out, you don't expect the Courier to be anything else than a PC, do you?
HTC HD2 on T-Mobile USA is official!
I was the person who provided the leaked press release. Thanks for the credit (or lack thereof) Engadget!
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2010/jan10/01-06CESKeynote.mspx
Nevermind, thanks for the props guys! =)
@agl82
Man I hope you got your gold star and smiley face too.
Do you mind waiting till holiday 2010? natal.
(reminds me of the depends commercials)
What a downer... Microsoft never gets anything right. Courier woulda been HUGE.
@TSIG its probably not ready. OR the courier IS the apple tablet, a joint project by Microsoft and Apple!
We'll have to wait and see!
@Cheesus Crust
Blasphemy! But that would be a helluva kicker.
@TSIG Courier would have been amazing, but I wouldn't say the presentation (so far) has been bad.
@doboy
You think that's funny. It would send many apple fanboys into a murderous rage. I
@max1001 I could be called an Apple fanboy. (I'm not, based on attitude and willingness to use other products, but Apple makes a HUGE lot of the stuff I use daily.) If MS were to announce Courier as a shipping product, and if they could pull off the concept, I'd be their customer in a heartbeat. Sadly, it seems no go.
dammit. i was hoping for the courier... my heart truly is broken... absolutely broken...
Okay then, looks like I won't need to bother reading the live coverage.
@Kura
Exactly. I was waiting all day for this. HUGE letdown. So far this year's CES has been nothing but 3D this and that and TVs that can sever a limb if it falls on you.
Oh well. Either Apple or MS is getting my money this summer, was just hoping for some comparison. Oh well.
LOL... brutal!!!!!
LAME.
Natal's not lame, but I think everyone knows what I mean.
WEAK and FAIL. Way to drop the ball MS.
No courier! bwahahahahahaha.....now i need to cry myself to sleep.
damn you hp!
oh god say it aint so :I
hah PC fail.
HAHA! This is just TOO funny.
FFFFFFUUUUUUU NO COURIER I WANT MY COURIER. Damn, I was really going to buy that thing, then love it in way I can't say online...
Engadget,
A new touch-enabled slate PC from HP
You say that means it is not the tablet.
I WOULD NOT rule that out yet. You CAN call a tablet PC a PC. Notice the SLATE.
lol people are so critical.. Microsoft will obviously release more information on the slate courier at a later date. Research it on there website, its there. Just because it wasn't announced at CES (Not real sure why) doesn't mean it isn't coming !! Relax.
I'm tempted to say FAIL but logic dictates that this was just a rumor and unlike the Apple one this one was really vague and not nearly as omnipresent....
I still think Steve has something up his sleeve. CES isn't over until Sunday.
@Jesse Dula they'd better
BOOOOOOO!!
Hmm, A PC you say. Does that mean it has more apps than the iPhone?
@Tyrax
Yes, but there are no fart apps or tilt-to-steer racing games.
@Gad Get yeah just viruses galore and bugs and glitches everywhere.
Courier would have been cool.. but pretty useless to *me*
i always liked the idea of a tablet pc.. they they where to big and didn't work to well.
while not "sexy" a thin mobile windows 7 screen is useful to me....
Microsoft's keynotes at CES have been leaked for the last few years. They should definately up their security.
Uh oh Engadget laughs at Microsoft for the power outage and Microsoft laughs at Engadget for getting it wrong about the Slate
@psychoace
NM it is just a pc. I just saw what courier is and can see this is not it.
Lolz... MS made no previous indication that they were going to announce the courier at CES. A working production prototype hasnt even been seen - and would get instantly leaked the moment they were out and about on some asian factory floor. Boo to engadget for reporting the new york times rumour with an "OMG Lets get nerd-cited" vibe rather than "no prototype, and a NYT leak = take this with a grain of salt the size of Texas"
Im sure theres intern journalist at NYT laughing his ass off right now, and bragging to his friends about it on his macbook ;)
The 'coverage' of this story was almost as bad as the 128 bit Windows 8 fiasco on another 'reputable' tech site.
Definitely my least favorite part of CES.
And what's wrong with being "just a PC"? As long as it comes with se7en.
Its sad how out of touch Microsoft still is.....one day, maybe one day...*sighs*
I'm kinda upset I didn't get to peep the courier already but I would think an announcement like this would come at an event solely about Microsoft and during a time where it wouldn't get buried by other tech stories. Plus, if I were Microsoft I would put every effort into debuting after the iSlate. If they unveil before Apple the story will be buried under the storm of Apple fanboyism that will surely come.
In addition, I hope the rumors of MS doing the manufacturing of the Courier itself is true. I was kinda upset that it was an HP that was rumored to be the Courier. Just not a fan of HP. It wouldn't happen but it would be sweet to have a Vaio Courier. I'm a total Sony fanboy lol.
@kashtrey
Yeah, a Vaio Courier! That would be something. :love:
Same old Microsoft. How lame.
And now we wait a couple of weeks for the *real* Slate.
The Jesus Tablet must have knocked out the power (eyes rolling) just to make the Devil's Tablet look bad.