We're still weeks away from the January 10, 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and yet it's been making headlines for months.  First, we learned that popular men's television channel Spike TV was named an official partner.  Then, we discovered that video game giant Nintendo is slated to make an appearance at the upcoming trade show.  Today's news, however, is not so positive.

The Washington Post reports that 2012 will be Microsoft's final year at CES.  Microsoft, which has been the show's "anchor company" for years, has decided to pull out after this year's show because "it no longer fits its needs and its timing does not always mesh with its product announcements."

Microsoft's announcement is a particularly huge blow because, according to Wired, the corporation has delivered the keynote at the event for 14 years.  It begs the question:  Now that Microsoft has decided to not appear after 2012, who will take over?  Some speculate that Samsung, which has a dominant seat in the world of Android, may be a good fit.

Others wonder if Amazon, Google or Apple may take over the keynote.

No matter what, the promotional electronics trade show will go on!  As Rotman Epps told Wired, "CES is bigger than Microsoft — it has become the most important place for partners in the tech ecosystem to connect and do business."

Back in October, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) chose Spike TV to be a partner for the January 2012 event.  Since then, other developments have surfaced.  One major announcement that was made today is that video game company Nintendo is scheduled appear at the trade show.

The gaming company released the following official statement: "Nintendo of America, working with the 2012 International CES management, will offer demos of the upcoming Wii U console to members of the media who did not see the system at the 2011 E3 Expo."  So while the Wii U is not necessarily brand new, for many people it will still be a first impression. 

However, the Wii U system was not exactly well-received at the 2011 E3 Expo.  According to TG Daily, "When the new console was unveiled, the company's stock price actually dropped, a phenomenon that is almost unheard of among the major game console companies."  What's Nintendo hoping will be different when it presents the promotional game at CES?

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata revealed in an interview that he wishes he had "shown a single picture of the new console, then started talking about the controller" at E3.  Perhaps Iwata will alter his presentation in order to appeal to attendees at CES.  Here's hoping for some new information on the Wii U!

Technology; it paves the road for our world's future.  That's why the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.  At CES, attendees are guaranteed to "see where a single stroke of genius can change the course of tomorrow."

But the world of technology is also ruled by men.  Therefore, news of a partnership between the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and Spike TV for the CES was no big surprise.  After all, Spike TV is known for being "The First Network for Men."

However, the collaboration begs the question:  What role will Spike TV play at CES?  According to a Spike TV press release, the television channel will broadcast the tradeshow live.  But its presence goes beyond TV; Spike TV's press release reports that "Spike will also introduce 'CES All Access Live,' which will offer tech fans more than 12 hours of 2012 CES coverage across multiple platforms – TV, online, mobile, social and more."

Tech junkies all over America are no doubt celebrating the announcement of Spike TV's multi-platform initiative.  They'll get an inside look at all the most influential exhibitors and their electronic giveaways.  Indeed, Spike TV reports that "From whichever platform viewers choose to watch, Spike's 'CES All Access' will offer a first-hand look into the 2012 CES’ hottest items, from televisions to tablets, cell phones to cars and games to gadgets, as the team sifts through thousands of new products and analyzes the biggest trends, the best inventions and the most important new technologies of the future."  Few other trade shows offer such an interactive experience!

The event is scheduled for January 10 - 13, 2012 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  If you can't make it, no worries; just tune into one of Spike TV's many broadcast platforms!