On June 27, 2008, Bill Gates transitions from his day-to-day role at Microsoft to focus more time on his work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates will remain Microsoft’s chairman and will be involved in select projects based on direction from Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer and the leadership team.

During Bill Gates' final 2008 CES keynote speech, Microsoft unveiled several new entertainment services and partnerships that demonstrate how software is improving people’s ability to connect with their favorite content and communities through new and expanded forms of entertainment experiences.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates announced at a press conference earlier today that he is stepping down as chief software architect, while chief technical officer Ray Ozzie will assume responsibilities. Chief technical officer Craig Mundie steps up to the plate as chief research and strategy officer, taking over Gates' research and incubation duties. To round it off, Gates also revealed that he will gradually let go of his daily responsibilities over the next two years, but will remain full-time until the formal transition takes place in June 2008.

Gamespot got the early scoop on an article that will run in next week's issue of Time Magazine, which includes an interview with Bill Gates about the Xbox 360 where he confirms earlier reports of a possible third Halo title : "Note to the hard-core faithful: the next version of Halo will not, repeat not, be ready in time for the launch of Xbox 360. It will be part of the all-important second wave next spring. 'It's perfect,' Gates says, radiant with bloodlust. 'The day Sony launches [the new PlayStation], and they walk right into Halo 3.'"

Speaking at a meeting of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, Microsoft's Bill Gates said that the newest version of the Xbox, code-named Xenon, would have an array of features that will make the device a more versatile tool for games, music, video and pictures in the living room. Gates also said that the new Xbox will give Microsoft a chance to overtake the leader in the gaming business, Sony Corp.

In his keynote address at 2005 International CES, Microsoft's Bill Gates outlined his vision for the digital lifestyle and demonstrated a broad range of innovations that will enhance the lives of millions of people worldwide. No Xbox 2 unveiling, mostly PC, Xbox, general digital entertainment news, and the fact that Halo 2 so far has "sold" 6.3 million copies. Read more for a summary of his speech...