Microsoft will kick-start CES 2011 with a preshow keynote addressed by Steve Ballmer. All eyes will be on Ballmer to see what Microsoft has in store for us this year.

Our own Manan did a list of predictions for Microsoft at CES 2011 which include a new version of Windows for tablets or introduction of Windows 8,   Verizon and Sprint models of Windows Phone 7, Windows TV and a new Xbox Kinect Avatar.

We are not certain whether Microsoft will announce some or all of these at CES 2011, however, one thing is for certain, there is definitely going to be some big news coming from Steve Ballmer.

Steve Ballmer’s preshow keynote is scheduled for January 5, 2010 at 6:30 PM PST (check local times). The entire keynote will be broadcast live by Microsoft and other channels. To watch the Steve Ballmer keynote live you can visit http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/ces/. You can also watch the live streaming of Steve Ballmer’s opening keynote in the video embedded below.

We’ll update this post with videos of the keynote once it goes live. Don’t forget to check the CES 2011 keynote and exhibitors and CES 2011 events schedule too.