In his keynote address at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates expanded on the company's vision for "seamless computing"

In his keynote address at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates expanded on the company's vision for "seamless computing," demonstrating software breakthroughs that deliver unified digital experiences and make the technology in consumers' lives work as a connected whole. Gates introduced a number of products and services that bring the power of software to the world of consumer electronics, including MSN® Premium and enhanced MSN services for broadband Internet users; and new Microsoft® Windows® Media Center Extender Technologies and Portable Media Centers, which make the digital entertainment experiences of Media Center PCs available throughout the home and on the go. Gates also announced retail availability of Smart Watches for MSN Direct, which provide discreet and convenient access to personalized information. "As computing moves to the center of our lives and more of our everyday experiences go digital, great software is the key to making all these devices and services work well together," Gates said. "Our vision is to deliver the software that enables a seamless technology experience for people wherever they are -- in the home, in the office or on the go." Before an audience of more than 1,200 attendees at the Las Vegas Hilton, Gates showed how Microsoft's vision for seamless computing is already helping people manage information overload, enjoy digital entertainment and make the growing amount of technology in their lives work on their behalf and under their control. Microsoft's unique role, Gates said, is to create innovations that make it easy for device manufacturers and consumer electronics companies to build powerful and compelling technology for entertainment, creativity and productivity in the home.