Steve Ballmer to keynote CES 2012 on January 9

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will be delivering the pre-show keynote at CES, which is scheduled for January 10-13 in Las Vegas.

The announcement was provided in a press release, six months ahead of time, but at least you can plan ahead now.

"We are pleased to welcome Microsoft back to the CES keynote stage," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "From mobile to desktop to gaming and beyond, Microsoft has a significant impact on all aspects of the consumer technology industry, and Steve Ballmer's keynote is a great way to kick off the exciting 2012 International CES.

"We are excited to hear Microsoft's latest initiatives and Ballmer's vision for where consumer technology is heading."

Ballmer's preshow keynote address is slated for 6.30pm PST on Monday, January 9, in The Venetian. Microsoft has used previous keynotes at the event to unveil new products, such as the original Xbox and Avatar Kinect.

CES is the show where companies show off new tech products and services across 15 categories including: "audio, automotive electronics, connected home technologies, digital imaging, electronic gaming, entertainment content," and more.

We expect Windows 8 to be shown off there as well, and hopefully, MS will talk more about its new "dedication" to PC gaming with the new OS.