Arlington, Va. - The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced today that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will again give the preshow keynote address for the 2012 International CES.

The address will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 9 at the Venetian Hotel.

"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 gave his first CES preshow keynote in 2006. Previously, the duty had been held by Microsoft founder Bill Gates.