Steve Ballmer Keynote: Microsoft CEO Hits the CES Stage

Steve Ballmer Keynote: Although Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) decided to give up its keynote spot at the Consumer Electronics Show, this does not mean the company is taking a backseat. In fact, CEO Steve Ballmer knows just what it takes to thrust himself, as well as his company, into the spotlight.

While Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs was making a keynote address, Ballmer decided it was his time to take the stage for a few minutes. During this time, he talked extensively about the company’s new Windows 8 phones.

Here is a brief rundown of what happened, as first reported by CNET:

“Ballmer stole a few moments of Jacobs’ keynote to talk up Microsoft’s new Windows RT and Windows 8 Phone products. Ballmer called the Windows products “stunning” additions to Microsoft’s line-up. He showed off two of the newest Windows RT devices, the Samsung ATIV and Dell XPS. Both are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors.”

“Ballmer said that these devices are unique for how they bring together the best of both worlds: tablet and PC. They offer touch and keyboard, which he says makes them perfect for work and play.”

At this point, nobody can deny the fact that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is lagging behind the competition from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) in the tablet market. However, you can’t fault Ballmer for pushing forward and attempting to prove that his company is gaining ground quickly.

From the CNET article:

“Ballmer talked up the fact that Microsoft has been catching up in this area. He said that the company now has four-times the number of apps for these devices as it had when it launched. In fact, he said just 10,000 new apps were added just last month. Some of these apps include, the travel app from Expedia, news apps from Huffington Post, and an e-book app like Barnes and Noble’s Nook.”

If nothing else, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) CEO Steve Ballmer left the stage with people knowing how he feels about the company’s Windows phones:

“The new Windows Phones are incredible. In November, we reported that sales were four times greater than the same time last year, and during the week of Christmas, we sold five times more phones than the same week last year.”

What are your thoughts on Ballmer’s decision to take the stage at CES and discuss these products? Does Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) stand a chance when competition from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is so stiff?

Check back here for more updates on Steve Ballmer Keynote.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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