Microsoft and Apple at the CES....or Not

Prior to the start of this year’s CES, Microsoft announced that they will no longer be participating in the show, as of next year, 2013. But, in what appears to be their last year participating in the show, a big part of their presence was dedicated to showcasing their moves in mobile devices. Specifically, Nokia & Microsoft are combining to further push interest in the latest Windows 7 operating system. The new Nokia Lumia 900 “Ace” is an LTE-ready 4G device that can hopefully reverse Nokia’s dramatic decline in sales; this smartphone was easy to navigate & there is an obvious advantage to using similar operating systems on both phones & computers.

Apple, of course, has never participated in the CES, preferring to have the spotlight to themselves when they decide to roll out new products. But Apple continues to be a presence that looms large over the rest of the industry. This year, all the fanfare surrounding Google TV and other sets other sets with proprietary methods of surfing the web, was diminished somewhat by the pervasive rumors about a possible new Apple TV. It’s undeniable that a 50” Apple TV, like a giant iPad, with Siri voice-software & content through iTunes, could be a giant game-changer for Apple. Of course, at this point an Apple TV is still just a rumor, but the battle for dominance between Google & Apple is sure to continue, as consumers demand more from their entertainment hardware.