TechBytes: Microsoft Says 'See Ya' to CES

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer give his keynote speech at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in this Jan. 5, 2011 file photo in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)

 

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In today's TechBytes, Microsoft says this will be its last year at the big Consumer Electronics Show.

The software giant is following in Apple's footsteps, planning to stage its own media events to launch new products.

The show is one of the world's largest trade shows.

Cell Phones and Driving

The administration isn't backing a ban on hands-free use of cell phones while driving.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says that's not a major problem -- handheld phones and texting are.

Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer give his keynote... View Full Size

Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer give his keynote speech at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in this Jan. 5, 2011 file photo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

An AAA study finds that a third of us talk on our phones while driving.

Slow Acceptance for Mobile Wallets

... but we're not as ready to use our phones as wallets.

A KPMG study finds that less than a fourth of us are willing to make payments that way.

It'll take another two to four years for widespread adoption of mobile payments.

Liar, Liar, Text on Fire

And researchers have found that it's easier to lie in a text message than face-to-face or in a phone conversation.

That's because there's less personal involvement when it's just words on a screen.