CES 2012 saw lesser participation by Microsoft than previous editions, with the Redmond based company mostly making announcements related to Windows 8 and its Windows Phone platform rather than revealing any new devices or products. However, while previous CES editions concentrated to a large extent on Windows devices, this time round the conference showcased mostly Google products; Android smartphones and tablets from different manufacturers. With the way the Android platform is growing, most analysts expect CES 2013 to be mostly a Google affair, especially since Microsoft has bowed out of CES this year.
Microsoft started CES 2012 by announcing that it will not be participating in the show next year. While Microsoft continues to have the major market share in terms of computers, it does not have a major presence in the consumer electronics market where Apple leads the bandwagon, followed by Google. Furthermore, since Apple doesn’t participate in the CES, it will probably be up to Google to launch the show next year.
This year, Google’s Android OS was showcased in a number of impressive devices such as the Asus 370T, Asus Transformer Prime and other tablets and phones whereas Microsoft Windows was limited to a few ultrabooks that paled in comparison to sheer number of Android devices in all shapes and form factors. Microsoft has established a monopoly over CES in the past decade or so, but in terms of introducing new products and services relevant to the CES audience, it has become somewhat stale in the past couple of years.
As stated by Microsoft, its product release schedule doesn’t allow it to showcase new products at CES, which is a major reason for its withdrawal from the show. Further, with the entire spotlight on Android, Microsoft’s own Windows Phone platform hasn’t exactly taken off very well. Therefore, many think that Google is best placed to take over the mantle of keynote speaker at CES 2013.
While it is not confirmed that Google will be asked to deliver the keynote at CES 2013, there are signs that it will take the place from Microsoft because the decision is based on the theme of the show. So, unless the theme has something to do with extremely portable laptops that can run Windows 8 and use its touch interface, it will most likely be Google. Even if Google doesn’t officially deliver the keynote, it can be taken for granted that the CES 2013 will revolve around the company and its products.
