In the traditional keynote that he delivered on the eve of the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates revealed a set of new Windows Vista features, as the operating system's general availability is only 21 days away and the Redmond Company has already debuted the countdown to launch.

Windows DreamScene was among the features that Bill Gates delivered a first taste of in his keynote speech. Windows DreamScene will only be made available to Vista Ultimate customers via Windows Ultimate Extras, and is designed to provide a dynamic and customizable background to the operating system. Additionally, Bill Gates made public content partnerships with FOXSports.com, Nickelodeon, Showtime and Starz, accessible for owners of premium versions of Vista.

"Windows Vista is the catalyst for a variety of new hardware devices being made available to consumers," Gates commented. "The result will be an incredible set of new connected experiences that link our interests, our communities and our desires in ways that extend across home, work and play."

According to Microsoft, in excess of 1.5 million devices will offer support for Windows Vista, with over 2,000 products being Certified for Windows Vista, when the operating system will be shipped to the general public.

Additionally, Microsoft promised that Vista will capture the imagination of no less than 200 million PC gamers with an array of titles including: "Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures," "Crysis," "Shadowrun" and "Halo 2 for Windows Vista."

"Windows Vista marks the biggest investment from Microsoft around Windows games since Windows 95, making games easier, safer and more fun to play on the PC," said Gates. "For consumers, we believe gaming is one of the top reasons to upgrade to Windows Vista."