Even before 2011 ended, Microsoft made it clear that this would be their last year at the International Consumer Electronics Show, as they want to focus on holding events where the spotlight is only on them instead of trade shows where they have to compete with other brands for attention.
Since this is their last appearance on CES, you’d think that they’d go out with a bang right? Apparently not. Attendees of the Keynote were bored out of their wits with Microsoft top dogs recapping products that they introduced at last year’s trade show.
One thing I’ve noticed, people were really irked by the awkward hug-chestbump greeting that happened between Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Ryan Seacrest, the Keynote’s host. That’s about the only highlight of the event, and it doesn’t even have anything to do with Microsoft products! Some are even saying that people left in the middle of the keynote. Below is the proof of how lame the presentation was.
- Demo of Metro – the user interface on Windows Phone devices that people already know about and how it works
- Nokia Lumia 710 and 800 – a Windows Phone and Nokia’s US comeback device – hopefully
- HTC Titan 2 – another Windows Phone, this one’s actually a new product at least
- Windows Marketplace/Store – their version of an app store launching in February
- Windows 8 – This was introduced at last year’s CES, they just want you not to forget that it’s coming soon. It has a lock screen similar to that of the Metro, you can use photos and assign touchpoints as your password.
- Xbox – They just pointed out that there are a lot of users/owners but Microsoft failed to mention if they’ll be launching a new Xbox soon. Kinect can be integrated/used on Windows PCs and Windows Phone devices soon.
- Skype and Bing – The user base of these two services are increasing.
- Office 2012 – is their fastest selling product
- Sync – The automotive software found on a lot of Ford automobiles now have more apps available/compatible with it.
That’s about it, not really interesting.
Instead of going out with a bang, they went out with a whimper. Too bad for Microsoft, I think they didn’t get the memo that final appearances should have that “shock and awe” factor.
