Bill Gates CES Keynote Musings

January 8th, 2007

I listened to the 2007 Bill Gates CES Keynote while doing other things, because frankly, it was the same-old snooze fest it always is, which is safer to read than watch (or if that wall of text is too daunting, just climb this summary from Read/Write Web). Bill Gates just doesn’t have the presentation mojo of Steve Jobs. He squeaks out a word like “cool” and it sounds like “cruel.” But still, there were some announcements that made me say “wow” and in some instances, leaves Apple in the dust.

1. Vista is looking pretty darned slick. One generation away from Minority Report screens, I think.

2. Windows Home Server: I don’t get this. At least Microsoft could come up with a more user-friendly name. I strongly doubt the average family is going to feel pressed to install a home server when an external hard drive is too much for many. Note: Why not just turn the XBOX 360 into a home server?

3. XBOX 360: Wow. Killer games, music, HD movies, and IPTV. Microsoft has basically planted a PC in the living room and can now leverage it for all sorts of interesting connections and media devouring. If Apple wants to get a wedge in there, it will take more than an iTV (or, the iTV that was pre-announced several months ago. This could all change tomorrow).

After the keynote, I was struck by how confusing the Windows PC world is. My eyes glaze over just thinking about writing about it. However, Windows still rocks in terms of gaming. Apple isn’t even on the same page, there.

As usual, this was the first chess move, and Steve Jobs makes his tomorrow morning. Personally, I think the gap is wide open for an iPhone, an updated iPod, or the iTV, any of which may have some kick-ass capabilities (in conjunction with Leopard) that nobody knows about except Steve, Apple, and the folks making the Keynote slides.

Please subscribe to the Webomatica RSS Feed!