Gates previews computing future

In this story: Push for broadband Taking on Sony RELATED STORIES, SITES

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN) -- Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates previewed plans for an integrated computing future and unveiled the company's new gaming machine Xbox on Saturday in his keynote address at the 2001 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Gates told his audience that new hardware and software will simplify the use of many computer devices. He said Microsoft is developing a personal computer that will tie together all audio, video and information needs.

Consumer Electronics Show opens in Las Vegas January 5, 2001 Keynote: Intel CEO sees 'Extended PC Era' January 5, 2001 Digital music streams beyond the PC January 8, 2001 Palm boasts first PDA credit card purchase January 8, 2001    VIDEO Watch the first part of Bill Gates' keynote address to the Consumer Electronics Show (Courtesy GCTV) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

"I'm talking about an extended PC, a PC that talks to the TV set-top box, talks to the music player devices, coordinates with other PC's," he said.

Push for broadband

"It's on 24 hours a day, it's the gateway and it's the main conductor of information," Gates said. "It's really a center for all the information and will make it a lot easier."

Gates said the industry should lead consumers toward broadband to support a wireless infrastructure in the home.

Telephone modems simply do not suffice, he said. "We're doing the best we can with the dial-up connection, but we all have to promote moving up to broadband, cable modem and DSL. We need to drive the popularity of it up while we drive the price down," Gates said.

Taking on Sony

Gates also touted Microsoft's new Xbox gaming system with its powerful video imaging. Microsoft executives hope the new technology will help it compete with Sony, which dominates the gaming market.

Consumer Electronics Show opens in Las Vegas
January 5, 2001
Keynote: Intel CEO sees 'Extended PC Era'
January 5, 2001
Microsoft gets with the interactive TV program
December 11, 2000

Microsoft, Inc.

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