Bill Gates' CES keynote featured a funny retirement video that included cameos by Jay-Z, Bono, Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Jon Stewart, Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, and Brian Williams.
This year end piece takes a look at future technologies that have yet to make it to the consumer market, including violin-playing robots and cars that don't let drivers drive drunk. There are also some impressive display technologies from Sony and Sharp.
Interested in getting an iPhone? This six-minute Computerworld video shows some of the innovative features of the first-generation iPhone, including the touch screen, text input, and the "flip" feature. The editors also explain how key software applications work, including the browser, Google Maps, email, the address book, and the photo gallery.
Steve Ballmer speaks in Tokyo. He discusses Google's mobile phone platform and Windows Mobile. Money quote: "Their efforts are just some words on paper right now."
Apple has taken the MacBook, its most mainstream portable computer, decidedly upscale with its combination of unibody construction, innovative tweaks and faster hardware.
Google's open platform could benefit the wireless industry, but the 3G issue may slow adoption. Also, while more than 30 industry heavyweights are partnering with Google, Apple will not be participating.
Computerworld demonstrates the Flip Ultra video camera (60-minute version). The review includes an explanation of how the camera works, how to download video files to your computer, and a discussion of video quality.
At the Consumer Electronics Show, Sony CEO Howard Stringer unveils Sony's new OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) television. Martyn Williams reports for the IDG News Service.
Bill Gates talks about the evolution of Microsoft and new innovations that are shifting the consumer electronics landscapes. He discusses XBox Live, Mediaroom, and Microsoft's activities in the developing world.
![Bill Gates\](http://img.youtube.com/vi/RRD-0h7PiiE/2.jpg "Bill Gates\")
![Microsoft\](http://img.youtube.com/vi/VLRtUGviSc8/2.jpg "Microsoft\")
![Review: Pure Digital Technologies\](http://img.youtube.com/vi/AxAIAqM5TVk/2.jpg "Review: Pure Digital Technologies\")
![Review: Garmin\](http://img.youtube.com/vi/54B-2jrgkHQ/2.jpg "Review: Garmin\")
