Bill Gates outlines his vision for the next digital decade

Microsoft prepares for the next generation of digital technology with a series of new partnerships

Bill Gates outlines dramatic advances in technology over the next decade

Bill Gates has predicted huge changes in the way we use computers as a result of the next generation of digital technology, in his keynote speech to the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show.

The Microsoft chairman also reflected on the last seven years in digital technology at the event, where Microsoft announced several new partnerships.

Gates described how technology will continue to develop in what he called the next digital decade. We are still only at the start of the transformation, he said.

"Since I first started talking about the Digital Decade in 2001, the speed with which digital technology has become central to the way we work, learn and play has been amazing,” he said.

"During the next decade, technology will make our lives richer, more connected, more productive and more fulfilling in profound and exciting ways."

Gates cited technologies such as high definition video, huge amounts of storage accessible via the internet, service-connected devices on the web, and natural user interfaces such as voice recognition and touch screens, as being drivers for the next generation of user computing.

Microsoft also announced plans to work with ABC Television and the Disney Channel to add popular TV programs to the XBox Live service, making them available for download directly to the Xbox 360 entertainment console.

Microsoft Zune digital media players, currently only available in the US, will be available in Canada from this spring.