2008 international consumer electronics show microsoft’s gates is retiring

shoulda been there

This year’s 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) bids farewell to Microsoft Corporation’s chairman and retiring CEO, Bill Gates. The computer visionary gave his parting keynote address in Las Vegas at CES, the world’s largest consumer technology exhibition with more than 2,700 exhibitors covering 1.7 million sq. ft. of show space. Gates addressed a standing room only crowd of tech geeks, bloggers, media and technology fans with an impressive presentation. It was both humorous and enlightening. Gates mocked himself in an amusing video where he solicited jobs from a few good friends like Jay-Z, Barack Obama and Bono.
   

Gates’ retirement from his post as CEO marks the first time since the age 17 that the über-entrepreneur will not report to work full time — instead the philanthropist will dedicate himself to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In his keynote, Gates praised Microsoft’s innovation and announced a new digital decade where the technology leader will satisfy consumers’ cravings for “connected entertainment … and high-definition experiences everywhere,” at work, home, and in their automobiles via Vista, Windows Live, Zune and Sync.   
   
Other highlights from the show included legendary rapper and producer Dr. Dré’s partnership with Monster Cable. Monster’s iSonitak microphone/headphones features Dr. Dré’s music and is titled Beats. –yvette caslin