It was believed that Bill Gates' keynote at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, would reveal more than just memories from 2001 and a close eye on the future - a new Xbox 360 perhaps, or new stuff concerning the machine anyway. That... didn't happen. The head of MS did however reveal how "technology will make our lives richer, more connected, more productive and more fulfilling in profound and exciting ways."

According to a next-gen.biz piece last week, Brier Dudley working with The Seattle Times commented that Bill Gates may look to "go out with a bang" at the annual CES presentation, as he prepares to step down from his position of Microsoft Chairman. The Seattle Times' reporter suggested last week that Microsoft may just license the Xbox platform to consumer electronics companies:

"In particular, Microsoft could work with Toshiba to develop a digital video recorder with a hard-drive, high-definition HD-DVD drive and Xbox gaming capabilities," Dudley said. "They're already allied against Sony and other backers of the Blu-ray DVD format, and Toshiba could help Xbox finally penetrate the Japanese market." Dudley also reckoned that Gates' big announcement would concern a long-time rumored Xbox 360 with built-in HD-DVD drive.

However, in his 11th CES opening keynote address, Gates covered the sweeping changes since 2001 that have created the first true Digital Decade:

"Since I first started talking about the Digital Decade in 2001, the speed with which digital technology has become central to the way we work, learn and play has been amazing," Gates said. "But in many ways, we are at the very beginning of the transformation that software will enable. During the next Digital Decade, technology will make our lives richer, more connected, more productive and more fulfilling in profound and exciting ways."

Other important topics touched by the Gates and Microsoft's President of the Entertainment & Devices Division, Robbie Bach, included:

- A Partnership With NBC Universal for the First "Long-Tail" Olympics
- Hit ABC and Disney Channel Programs Join Xbox Live Video Lineup - MGM Brings Legendary Library of Films to Xbox LIVE
- Zune to Launch in Canada - Zune Social Grows Rapidly
- Windows Vista Hits 100 Million Licenses - Shows Latest "Fashion" PCs
- New IPTV Experiences - Microsoft Mediaroom Now on 1 Million Set-Top Boxes
- New Interfaces Drive Future of Computing - Speech, Vision, Touch and More

But hey, all is not lost. 2008 is just underway, who knows what tomorrow brings?