Ballmer keynote kicks off CES 2009

LAS VEGAS – The next version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system will be released to the public as a beta download this week, according to Chief Executive Steve Ballmer.

The Windows 7 announcement was part of Ballmer’s keynote address on the eve of the official opening of the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

(Watch videos from the keynote on Microsoft’s CES 2009 page.)

Ballmer and other Microsoft presenters showed off features of Windows 7 and also announced new services for Windows Mobile and Xbox Live, productivity applications for Windows Live, and partnerships with Ford, Dell, Verizon and Facebook.

As tough economic conditions threaten the technology and electronics markets, Ballmer also faced the challenge of taking over the CES opening keynote duties from former Microsoft leader Bill Gates. For several years, the opening CES keynote had belonged to Gates, whose iconic status in the industry had served him well in that role.

"Bill (Gates) is now devoting most of his time to helping people around the world," Ballmer said, in reference to Gates’ focus on his work with the  Gates Foundation since his retirement from Microsoft in the summer of 2008.

But for this year’s CES keynote, Ballmer primarily focused on technology’s role in an economic recession, with Microsoft’s products being at the forefront.

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"It feels like we've entered a period of reduced expectations, a time when we may be tempted to temper our optimism and scale back our ambitions," Ballmer said. "But no matter what happens with the economy or how long this recession lasts, I believe our digital lives will only continue to get richer."

A major theme of the night was the upcoming availability of Windows 7. "We are on track to deliver the best version of Windows ever,” Ballmer said. “We are putting in all the right ingredients, and working hard to get it right and to get it ready."