Microsoft latest firm to pull out of CES

Microsoft became the latest company Friday to drop out of physically participating in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) amid a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the omicron variant.

“The health and well-being of our employees is our ultimate priority,” a company spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill. “After reviewing the latest data on the rapidly evolving COVID environment, Microsoft has decided not to participate in-person at CES 2022.”

The Verge first reported on Microsoft’s decision to pull out of in-person events at the conference scheduled from Jan. 5 to Jan. 8.

The company will instead have a digital presence at both the Microsoft Partner Innovation Experience and Automotive Press Kit.

Dozens of companies have pulled out of physically attending the annual technology conference

Facebook parent Meta, Twitter and TikTok all announced this week they would not exhibit in person at the Las Vegas show. 

Despite those high-profile withdrawals, the event’s host has reupped commitments to hold the event in person.

The Consumer Trade Association said Wednesday that the conference will continue with vaccine and mask requirements.