Highlights Include Bill Gates Keynote, CES Unveiled and Exhibitor Press Conferences

Arlington, Virginia - 1/5/2006

The 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES®) officially opened this morning and the buzz began early with a series of pre-show press events, product previews and a keynote from Microsoft’s Bill Gates. The 2006 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, runs in Las Vegas today through January 8.

“The buzz surrounding this International CES is at fever-pitch, and we just opened the doors a few hours ago,” remarked Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, the producer of the International CES. “The state of the overall CE industry is remarkably strong with sales of $125 billion in 2005, and we expect that strength to permeate the show floor in terms of attendance, excitement and new technology debuts.”

On Tuesday evening, the second annual CES Unveiled: the Official Press Event of the 2006 International CES kicked off the media events at the all-new Innovations Plus at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. Sponsored by Verizon, CES Unveiled featured more than 80 exhibitors showcasing new products that exemplify the breadth and depth of the CE industry. New products highlighted at CES Unveiled included cell phones, plasma TVs, speakers, home networking and gaming devices and digital cameras. A surprise appearance from comedian Dana Carvey and a live radio broadcast from Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline rounded out the exciting event.

Wednesday morning the media buzz continued with 18 exhibitor press conferences at the Sands and the LVCC. Exhibitors including LG, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Sharp, Sony, Thomson, Toshiba and XM Satellite Radio hosted media events to launch new products and announce new partnerships.

Also on Wednesday, Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft, returned to deliver his highly anticipated pre-show keynote.

In his address, Gates shared his vision for the future of seamless, cross-device, software-centric connectivity in which interactivity, choice and personalization grants consumers unprecedented control. Additionally, Gates and his team shared a glimpse of Microsoft Windows Vista operating system and demonstrated the clarity, increased confidence and bridge to communication and entertainment the product will deliver.

“2006 is going to be a big year for the digital lifestyle…themes will be high definition and partners of all kinds. It is going to be user-centric, and software has to provide power, but also simplicity,” said Gates.

With the help of pop star Justin Timberlake and MTV President Van Toffler, Gate’s announced Microsoft’s new venture, URGE; a partnership with MTV Networks which will provide music and editorial content programmed by consumers for consumers. Gates also highlighted Microsoft’s hundreds of wireless, hardware and PC/OEM partnerships that will enable the seamless consumer experience and predicted the advent of tablet PCs, high resolution digital cameras, wireless phones and VoIP.

For more news on the 2006 International CES, including transcripts of all CES keynotes, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for CES information.

About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA’s members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA’s resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow’s Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy