Yes, some of the connectivity software and devices they discussed were impressive. The Microsoft Surface does have some great possibilities to it. The tying together of all the different aspects of your digital life is an amazing thing, and I look forward to the day when some of the things they presented are realized.

That’s just the problem though. The majority of stuff they mentioned either are already implemented elsewhere and they are playing catch-up, or their full coming into being is so far off that it doesn’t even matter at this point in time. One example of each:

1. Microsoft Surface. I just mentioned some of this. It’s a fully multi-touch sensitive tablet where you can intuitively interact with the UI presented before you. It recognizes when you place certain objects on it, such as your cell phone, and allows you special actions based on what is nearby. Now, I admit that the Surface technology is very sleek and cool. I was actually a little more impressed, though, with the Surface demonstration from CES 2007, but nevertheless… Surface is impressive. The problem is that it is years away from actually becoming anything. Gates was talking about how it will completely interact with your Windows Mobile devices, Vista PC at home, your Live account on the web… the problem is that by the time Surface really penetrates the Markey, Vista will be outdated and probably replaced with a new Windows, cell technology will be light years ahead of where it is now, and there will be some newer, shinier tech toy that will be able to do more. It will probably be another 5-10 years before Surface really becomes what they predict, and so I really don’t care at this point.

2. Windows Live. They spent significant time talking about the new Windows Live apps to bring your digital life together. Calendaring, email, photos and videos, events, etc. Now, this stuff is really good, and it looks like Microsoft fit it all together really well. It’s a great package of tools. But I’ve been able to do this on Google for what? a year or two now? It’s nothing new. Can they tie things together nicer than Google since most people already use and know Microsoft? Perhaps, but Google does this whole thing really well also. Apple has been doing it with .Mac for years now. I hear that Yahoo! also is in the process of releasing similar technology. So, while Windows Live looks really nice, and it’s definitely useful an amazing bundle, I can’t get too excited since everyone is already doing it.

Then they spent a while talking about the Ford Sync deal where new Ford-Lincoln-Mercury cars will come Microsoft compatible, with the ability to connect to your Zune or Windows Mobile phone, in order to provide a better driving experience. Great, but do I really care about being able to plug my mp3 player into a custom port in my car? I plug my iPod into my car via tape adapter. And before you start saying how bad the tape adapter quality is, let me tell you that my car is 12 years old, makes strange noises while I drive, emits “burning” odors from time to time, and only has a rear-right speaker. So while it doesn’t provide the best quality, it is adequate for my needs and fits right along with the motif I’m going for.

Ok, ok, the voice recognition is pretty sweet. The ability to control your car and phone by speaking and to do transactions and share information audibly is impressive. But really, it’s not enough to make me uber excited about the keynote. Maybe if the released something tangible I’d feel different. And I know that Microsoft isn’t a hardware company, but still. I’m more excited about hearing of iPhone Gen-2 next Tuesday than anything mentioned by Microsoft… and all I’m expecting there is a memory capacity boost and maybe a new software feature.

There was some short bit on X-Box. Then some Vista talk. And some stuff on Silverlight. Nothing too impressive.

Ah well, they did bring out Slash in the end during a riveting Guitar Hero segment, so it wasn’t all too bad.

Anyway, thanks Bill, your contribution to the technology field and for being one of the pioneers to bring this digital age into being. Bill is leaving his full time gig with Microsoft in July 2008 after 30 years in the business in order to pursue philanthropy and charity. Sounds like a great way to spend retirement!