Steve Ballmer hosts CES and announces Windows 7 Beta

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) marked a notable transition in its hosting when Steve Ballmer took the stage for the first time, succeeding Bill Gates, who had been the face of the event in previous years. This change signified a shift in leadership at Microsoft, as Ballmer was now at the forefront of the company's public engagements. During his keynote address, he announced the first public Beta Test of Windows 7, which was initially available to partners and developers. This announcement was significant as it opened the door for broader public engagement with the new operating system just two days later. Windows 7 was designed to address various user needs, including the growing popularity of netbook computers, which required an operating system that could function efficiently on devices with limited processing power. The introduction of Windows 7 was a strategic move by Microsoft to enhance user experience and regain market share in the operating system sector, which had been challenged by competitors.