Microsoft decided to not hold a keynote address nor did it have a big exhibit during the 2013 edition of the Consumer Electronics Show in January. Today, there's word that Microsoft will make a formal return to the massive electronics trade show for the 2014 edition in Las Vegas.

The BBC reports that Gary Shapiro, the president of the Consumer Electronics Association trade group that owns CES, stated that Microsoft is " ... taking out significant space in meeting rooms - it's actually a larger presence than I believe they have ever had." He added. "You know, we had one little blip this year... but now we're happy to have them back with a physical presence." So far, Microsoft has yet to comment on Shapiro's statements.

When Microsoft announced its decision not to have a formal presence at CES in 2013, it stated the reason was that "our product news milestones generally don’t align with the show’s January timing." That stance may be changing due to Microsoft's own hardware plans. Those plans may include new smaller Surface tablets that could be launched in early 2014.

While Microsoft did not have an official booth at CES 2013, CEO Steve Ballmer did make a surprise appearance at the Qualcomm press conference during the show. Microsoft also showcased a number of Windows 8 PCs that were on display at CES 2013. CES 2014 will be held in several locations in Las Vegas from January 7-10, with pre-show press events being held on January 5-6.

Source: BBC | Image via CEA