CES 2012: Microsoft, New Tablets and the Future of Television

Some are wondering whether the sprawling Consumer Electronics Show -- which opens on Monday night with Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer addressing the tech faithful -- has lost its beating pulse.

We say: Too early to tell. With 150,000 attendees flocking the displays of more than 2,500 exhibitors, the four-day CES in Las Vegas remains the most important showcase in the consumer tech space.

Also read: Spike TV, Yahoo Partner for CES Live Streaming

It may not be a year of startling innovation or heart-stopping products. (But if we find one we'll bring it to you ASAP). Still, it is a touchstone for tech as an integral part of our lives.

Some feel that CES is as much about relationships as products.

"Technology doesn't wait for CES anymore," said Mitch Kanner, the CEO of branded marketing firm 2Degrees. "It's where you can have a centralized conversation. But you don't have to be here for the products."

Here are five trends, devices and narratives to look out for at CES 2012.

>>?The End of an Era, the Beginning of a New One? Microsoft has said this will be its last year at CES, so it seems like a fitting place to begin. As usual, CEO Steve Ballmer will be giving the keynote Monday evening, and though few expect a major unveiling -- like a new gaming console -- there is still plenty of innovation coming out of Redmond, Wash. The company is expected to launch its Windows 8 operating system this year, with a beta coming as early February. It is designed to optimize the tablet experience, and as we will soon explain, tablets (and their facsimiles) will be all the rage at CES. Will Windows 8 enable Microsoft to become a major player in the tablet market? Too soon to tell.

Also read: 2012: The Year Microsoft Finally Battles Back

Microsoft might make headway in mobile. Apple and Google?s Android dominate mobile, but with Research-in-Motion?s BlackBerry stalling in third, this could be the year for a new player. RIM has said it likely won?t introduce a new CrackBerry until late in the year, and the reviews for the Windows Phone operating system have been strong. While the public has not flocked to it, could this be the year they do? Ballmer should pitch such a scenario.

Oh, and don?t forget the Xbox. Last year Mircosoft trotted out the Kinect, and the company continues to expand its presence in home entertainment. Expect more new content for Xbox Live along with some other goodies.

>>?Tablets, Tablets, Tablets. Told you we?d talk about tablets. 2011 saw a massive surge in public adoption of the devices, and a similarly substantial increase in the number of products out there. Sure, the HP TouchPad and RIM?s Playbook both flopped, but the iPad is more popular than ever and there?s a new player in the sphere ? Amazon.

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Source: http://www.thewrap.com/column-post/ces-2012-microsoft-new-tablets-and-future-television-34185

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