Microsoft CEO has fun with serious message: Commitment to Windows

Microsoft's final keynote at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show was a decidedly lighthearted affair.

In a twist on the traditional, straightforward keynote address, Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer chatted with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest about the company's past, which includes 14 years of CES keynotes, and its future, Windows 8.

"There's nothing more important at Microsoft than Windows," Ballmer said.

For PC users, Microsoft's roll-out of Windows 8 means an improved operating system that incorporates touch-screen technology for an experience that "brings together the potential of the tablet with the power of the PC," said Microsoft marketing chief Tami Reller.

Reller took the stage to give an in-depth demonstration of Windows 8 on a Samsung tablet.

Microsoft's big push this year will be Windows 8, but Ballmer also delved into the Xbox Kinect and the Windows Phone. Nokia and HTC on Monday introduced the Windows-powered Lumia 900 and the Titan II, respectively.

Ballmer's informal keynote style aside, Microsoft also had some fun with the entertainment portion of the night's presentation, a "Tweet Choir" that sang some of the tweets posted at CES on Monday evening.

There was also a playful demonstration of Kinect Sesame Street TV, an interactive version of the popular children's show that allows viewers to become part of the program using Kinect's gesture control.  

After the fun and games ended, Seacrest turned to Ballmer.

"What's next?" Seacrest asked.

"Windows 8 is what's next," Ballmer said.

And Microsoft's active involvement with CES is no more, at least for the foreseeable future.

The company in December announced it would no longer present or exhibit at the trade show due to timing concerns. Microsoft typically has no new products to announce in January. The company is expected to host its own product announcement events, like competitor Apple does.