Dell and CBS Keynotes and Cisco Industry Insider Focus on the Future of Consumer Technology

Contact: Tara Dunion, 571-243-1197, tdunion@CE.org; Sarah Szabo, 703-474-8053, sszabo@CE.org; both with the Consumer Electronics Association

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10 /Standard Newswire/ -- The connected consumer experience and partnerships in the content community were the hot topics on the second day of the 2007 International CES^®. Industry pioneers from Dell, CBS and Cisco delivered addresses on day two, sharing their visions for the future of consumer technology and its unique relationship with the content community. Produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA^®), the 2007 International CES, the world's largest technology tradeshow runs through tomorrow and celebrates the show's 40th anniversary.

Tuesday's morning keynote, presented by Michael Dell, founder and chairman, Dell, Inc., was chock-full of announcements related to new hardware, customer programs and a landmark environmental program. Joined by Paul DiMeo, a regular designer on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," Dell highlighted the company's community outreach via the popular ABC series and announced its first home entertainment suite, which will feature the industry's first high-definition television  (HDTV) tuner. 

Joined by a "Dr. Evil" look-alike, Dell announced a new service called DataSafe, allowing users to back up files online with a password protected program and have their data pushed to a new system. Additionally, in keeping with Dell's ever-expanding focus on gaming, Dell announced its new XPS 710 computer system, which utilizes liquid and ceramics and optimizes heavy gaming.

Dell's keynote concluded with the unveiling of a new environmental program, "Plant a Tree for Me." The new program, which will allow Dell's customers to donate $2 for each notebook computer and $6 for each desktop PC they buy, will benefit the Conservation Fund and the Carbonfund, two nonprofit groups that promote ways to reduce or offset carbon emissions. "I challenge every PC vendor in the industry to join us in providing free recycling," said Dell.

Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation, captured a large audience with a keynote address focused on the future and growth of the content industry. Moonves shared the stage with a wide range of stars and talent from the interactive content community and CBS Corporation. Joining Moonves were Anthony Zuiker, creator of "CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION;" College Sports Television Founder and President Brian Bedol; the hosts of the "Opie and Anthony" radio show and Ilene Chaikin and Jennifer Beals, creator and star, respectively, of Showtime's, "The L Word."

During his address Moonves declared that there is no new media or old media, just media. To address the shift in the way media is consumed, Moonves announced many key partnerships with other leading members of the content community. Joining him on stage during these announcements were Linden Lab Founder and CEO Philip Rosedale, who showcased the virtual world, "Second Life;" Sling Media Co-Founder and CEO Blake Krikorian, who introduced a new service offered by CBS and Sling Media called, "Clip and Sling," and Chad Hurley, Co-Founder and CEO of YouTube. Moonves concluded by saying that audiences and the content community now realize anything is possible in the digital realm.

Cisco Systems Chairman and CEO John Chambers delivered an Industry Insider address to a crowded Hilton Theater audience about "The Human Network."  Identified as one of the top four focal points for the company in the next decade, the human network or connected consumer experience requires complex technology and a simple user experience, Chambers said. The human network - the convergence of all forms of human expression - is safe, open, simple and virtualized. 

Chambers walked the audience through several demonstrations of the human network throughout his presentation, which included devices that self-install and register, RFID technology allowing consumers to purchase sports tickets on their TV and have them delivered to their cell phone, and live TV chats with friends. Cisco is uniquely capable of providing the human network, Chambers said, because it has a broad technology base, convergence expertise, strong partnerships and is device neutral, content agnostic, standards based and customer focused. 

For information on the day two conference sessions and panels, visit the CES blog at CES.blogs.com.

For more information on the 2007 International CES, including keynote transcripts, photos and a complete list of conference sessions, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for all CES information.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships.  CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, digital imaging, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $140 billion in annual sales.  CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Defining Tomorrow's Technology.  All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.