CES 2007 - Something for Everyone
By Angie Kibiloski and Terrance Kibiloski
World's Largest Technology Tradeshow Attracts Record International Attendance and Ground-Breaking Partnerships Between the CE and Content Industries
As some of you may know, the CES Consumer Electronics Show was held in Las Vegas, January 8-11. I was lucky enough to be out there for it, touring the show floor, partying at some great press events, and learning about all the new products ready to hit the market this year. Now that I am back, and both my feet and brain cells have recovered from the overload, I wanted to share with you some of the features of the show, and a few of my favorite products that you will hopefully be hearing more about in the months to come.
If I had to choose three words to describe the main themes of the show, I would have to pick Accessibility, Portability, and Security. There were so many products available to synchronize all of your media devices, so that not only could you immediately upload a file or photo from your phone to your iPod, PC, Web site, etc., but you could also access a number of these devices remotely. There were all sorts of products that allow you to take your life with you on the go. From portable video phones, digital picture frames, and 12 GB mini hard drives, to universal chargers with 30+ interchangeable plug heads so that you can have one charger for all of you portable devices. Then, in order to keep all of this information and gadgetry safe, there were products to finger print users, to passcode USB drives, to thwart the latest and greatest hackers and virus mongers, and even to tell you if your devices move beyond your immediate vicinity.
There were, of course, many other types of products and services being shown, much too many to be able to list each one. The Exhibitor Directory for the show was the size of a decently thick phone book. However, I would like to tell you about a few of the other products that I am particularly excited about. The first two are products that you can go and try out right now at your neighborhood Brookstone store. They were at CES showing a couple of their brand new must haves, called the iSqueeze and the uSurf. The iSqueeze is a foot and ankle massager that vibrates your soles while squeezing away at your ankles and calves. It is HEAVEN! (See photo at top right and our Editor's Choice review at http://www.computertimes.com/feb07edchoiceiSqueezeCalfandFootMassager.htm ). The uSurf is a really fun exercise machine that simulates the movement of a surfboard, to strengthen your leg and core muscles. It is a unique way to get the abs and thighs of a surfer without having to plunge into the cold ocean. While you are relaxing, or riding the mechanized waves, you can listen to another cool gadget, the InFusion Internet Radio from Torian, that allows you to get connected to all the great world wide Internet radio stations without the need for a computer. If radio is not your choice of listening pleasure, how about an audio book from Playaway, preloaded onto a device about the size of a small matchbox car, complete with battery and headphones, that only requires you to turn it on and press play? No need for a CD player or stereo system, each book comes in its own little MP3 player unit. (See photo above left and our Editor's Choice review at http://www.computertimes.com/feb07edchoicePlayawayReadyToGoAudio.htm ).Or, if you just want to be a kid and play around a little, there is the Mosquito helicopter by Interactive Toy Concepts, that can rest in the palm of your hand and be flown around the room with an easy to learn remote control. So many great things to choose from!
From games, to robots, to gizmos, gadgets, and gigabyte drives, CES had something for everyone. I look forward to an exciting year of new products to discover, and will be sure to pass along the most interesting tidbits. If you were lucky enough to go to CES yourself, I am sure you found your own favorite new products, but if you had to miss it, be sure to keep checking back with Computer Times for reviews of some of our favorites. Now, we take a look at the details of the show.
With 1.8 million net square feet of exhibit space - the largest show floor in its history - and over 140,000 attendees from across the globe experiencing the latest consumer technology products from 2,700 exhibitors, the 2007 International CES reinforced its status as the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow. Produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®) and celebrating its 40th anniversary, the 2007 International CES ran January 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The CES show floor buzzed with more than 20,000 exciting product launches and major partnership announcements, spanning across industries and connecting consumers with more features, services and control of the content incorporated into electronic devices. A new convergence of CE devices emerged on the show floor, combining existing product categories with new digital content and services to create unique, multi-functional products.
"We had a record-breaking show with 2,700 exhibitors filling more than 1.8 million net square feet of show space," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president of events and conferences at CEA. "The shift of our high-performance audio and home theater exhibitors to the Venetian, the 23 Tech Zones and the focus on qualified trade attendees combined to produce what many called the best ever International CES. We also set a record with international attendance of over 26,000."
With high-definition television (HDTV) taking the industry by storm, a surge of display technologies debuted on the show floor, with record-breaking sizes and even greater resolution. Other technologies exploding on the show floor included the hottest products in digital imaging, robotics, in-vehicle entertainment, content-shifting devices and gaming. Additionally, the latest advancements in high-performance audio and home theater were on display at CES' newest venue for 2007, the Sands Expo and Convention Center/The Venetian.
In addition to the world's largest display of consumer electronics, the 2007 International CES also featured a distinguished lineup of industry speakers. Featured CES keynoters included Microsoft's Bill Gates, Motorola's Ed Zander, Disney's Robert Iger, Dell's Michael Dell and CBS' Leslie Moonves. The CES Industry Insider Series, with a new home at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater, featured industry heavy-weights including Nokia's Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo and Cisco's John Chambers, as well as leading executives from major broadband, cable, satellite and telecommunications companies, and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.
Best of CES Winners in Each Category
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Cameras and camcorders: |
Sony HDR-HC7 |
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Car tech: |
Dash Navigation Dash Express |
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Cell phones, smart phones, PDAs: |
Verizon Wireless V Cast TV |
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Computers and hardware: |
Microsoft Windows Vista |
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Emerging tech: |
Powercast |
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Gaming: |
Alienware Area 51 m9750 |
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Home audio: |
Philips HTS8100 SoundBar |
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Home video: |
LG BH100 |
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MP3 and portable audio: |
SanDisk Sansa Connect |
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TVs: |
Samsung FP-T5894W |
Best of Innovations Honorees
Category: Audio Accessories
Furutech Co., Ltd.
Furutech DeMag
Design by: Furutech Co., Ltd.
The Furutech DeMag demagnetizes any type of disc media like CD, DVD, SACD, and DVD-Audio. It works on LPs, cables, connectors, and power cords eliminating resolution-sapping magnetic interference.
Category: Audio Components
Krell Industries
Krell Evolution CAST Music System
Design by: Krell Industries
The Krell Evolution CAST Music System creates a new reference in musical playback for discerning music lovers that want to recreate a live musical experience in their own home.
Category: Biometrics
UPEK
Eikon USB Fingerprint Reader
Design by: Lunar Design
The Eikon USB Fingerprint Reader from UPEK is a "trusted endpoint" that reliably authenticates users of PCs, corporate networks and the Internet with the simple swipe of a finger.
Category: Computer Accessories
A-DATA Technology Co., Ltd.
info SD
Design by: A-DATA Technology Co., Ltd.
Info SD is the world's first SD card that utilizes bi-stable display technology, allowing the independent display of the available space on the card at any time without additional power.
Category: Computer Hardware
Dell Inc.
Dell XPS(tm) M2010
Design by: Dell Inc., Human Interface Inc., M3 Design, and Function Engineering
Dell XPS(tm) M2010: designed to be a desktop PC replacement for entertainment and multimedia enthusiasts that's easily transportable, like a notebook, yet includes full-size PC functionality with a media-centric personality.
Category: Digital Imaging
Eastman Kodak Co.
Kodak EasyShare V610 Dual Lens Digital Camera
Design by: Eastman Kodak Co.
Kodak bridges the gap between ultra-compact and long-zoom digital cameras with the innovative Kodak EasyShare V610, the world's smallest 10X zoom digital camera.
Category: Eco-Design
Herman Miller
Herman Miller Leaf
Design by: Fuseproject
Herman Miller Leaf, a new LED (light emitting diode) table-top light, creates a compelling and very personal way to interact with and experience the art of light.
Category: Electronic Gaming
Sony Electronics Inc.
PLAYSTATION(r)3
Design by: Sony Electronics Inc.
http://www.us.playstation.com/
The PLAYSTATION(r)3 computer entertainment system is a platform to enjoy next-generation video game and entertainment content in the home through the combined Cell processor and Blu-ray Disc (BD) technology.
Category: Enabling Technologies
Integral Technologies, Inc.
Electriplast
Design by: Integral Technologies, Inc.
Innovative electrically conductive resin-based material called "ElectriPlast(tm)," a highly conductive recipe that can be molded into virtually any shape or dimension associated with the range of plastics, rubbers and polymers.
Category: Enabling Technologies
Intel
Intel(r) Core(tm) 2 Duo Microprocessor
Design by: Intel
The world's best microprocessor.
Category: Furniture
Vantage Point Products Corp.
The evo system(tm)
Design by: Vantage Point Products Corp.
The evo system(tm) is the custom solution for mounting all electronics on the wall to stylishly regain valuable space. Its' modular capabilities offer functionality in on-wall furniture never before seen!
Category: High Performance Audio
JBL
JBL(r) Project Everest DD66000 Loudspeaker
Design by: Ashcraft Design, Inc.
The Project Everest DD66000 is the finest loudspeaker ever created by JBL. It employs the company's most advanced technologies and materials to deliver unprecedented sonic accuracy and musical realism.
Category: Home Appliances
GridPoint, Inc
GridPoint Connect
Design by: GridPoint, Inc
GridPoint Connect(tm) C36-10 intelligently manages energy, provides backup power and integrates renewable energy. The accompanying online portal enables customers to manage energy usage, reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint.
Category: Home Networking
Ubicod Co., Ltd.
UTV Player
Design by: Ubicod Co., Ltd.
UTVplayer is a convergence STB to store,share and manage multimedia files using HomeNetworking which provides Take-OutTV, PVR/Time-shifting, HomeMedia, and UTVservice(UCCclub,Videophone,HomeViewer)all in one application at anytime anywhere with anydevices via Internet.
Category: Home Theater Accessories
Monster Cable Products
Monster Central Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300
Design by: Monster Cable Products
The Monster AVL 300-S whole home AV and lighting controller featuring web based setup, Z-Wave compatibility, intelligent tracking memory, advanced ergonomic design, and one-button macro command capability.
Category: Home Theater Audio
Mitek Mobile
Soundolier DUO
Design by: Mitek Mobile
The Soundolier DUO Wireless Speaker Lamp simplifies the process of adding rear speakers to the home theater. DUO is patent pending and features an omni-directional full range speaker system
Category: Integrated Home Systems
4HomeMedia
ControlPoint
Design by: 4HomeMedia
The ControlPoint 1000 is a whole home control device, able to control and monitor all home automation systems and entertainment devices in a unified, dynamic interface, both locally and remotely.
Category: Mobile Audio
Blaupunkt
THA 475 Thinline Plug and Play Amplifier
Design by: Blaupunkt
Blaupunkt's THA475 PnP amplifier is tiny, runs cool, includes an auxiliary input, and uses specific-car wiring harness adapters to install in just fifteen minutes with no crimping, splicing, or soldering.
Category: Mobile Audio
Monster Cable Products
Monster iCarPlay Wireless 200
Design by: Monster Cable Products
Monster iCarPlay Wireless 200 (A IP FM-CH200) Enjoy iPod music on any FM station while charging. AutoScan automatically finds clearest frequency. All information is displayed on the iPod screen.
Category: Mobile Electronics
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
Mobile Multimedia Station with Blackbird Portable Navigation Device
Design by: Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
Alpine's IVA-W205 and PMD-B200 were designed to work together. The PMD-B200 docks inside the IVA-W205, creating an integrated AV+N system, but can be removed to be used in another vehicle.
Category: Mobile Video
Directed Electronics Inc.
Directed Mobile Media DP102CS Portable Entertainment System
Design by: ZIBA
The Directed Mobile Media DP102CS is a high tech "Video Jukebox" that allows users to enjoy DVDs or digital MP4 video via an optional iPod or 40 GB Portable DVR.
Category: Mobile/Home Office
Seagate Technology
Seagate Mirra Sync and Share Personal Server
Design by: Seagate Technology
Mirra Sync and Share Personal Server, 500GB. Networked data protection, remote access, file sync and sharing. Includes free online access accounts at www.mirra.com. Model # ST-3500841ET-RK. $599 SRP.
Category: Personal Electronics
Oticon A/S
Oticon Delta
Design by: Oticon A/S
Delta has a miniature triangular shape and gadget-like look resembling a high-tech communication device. Delta's design and functionality allows users to carry on their dynamic lifestyle without making any compromises.
Category: Portable Electronics: Audio/Video
New Media Life Inc.
TAVI030
Design by: New Media Life Inc.
TAVI 030, the world first and smallest portable wireless IPTV & Podcasting service device with satellite TV reception, lets you enjoy wireless VOD and contents service with HD TV support.
Category: Portable Power
ECOSOL Solar Technologies Inc.
ECOSOL Power Stick
Design by: ECOSOL Solar Technologies Inc.
The ECOSOL P-1 "POWER STICK" Travel the world without the inconvenience of transformers and wires. Use it for all your portable electronic devices. The ECOSOL POWER STICK "Share the power!"
Category: Retail Resources
Hewlett-Packard Co.
HP Photosmart ps1000 Studio
Design by: Hewlett-Packard Co.
The HP Photosmart ps1000 Studio offers customers extended photo sharing options and gives retailers a photo-printing option to offer.
Category: Telephones
Philips
Philips DECT Cordless Phone/Answering Machine
Design by: Philips
Beauty meets sound in the new ID9371B -- pure indulgence crafted exclusively with you in mind. Sophisticated, sleek design features a unique acoustic chamber for superior sound.
Category: Video Accessories
Jasco Products Company
GE Quantum Digital Antenna
Design by: Jasco Products Company
Jasco's GE Quantum Digital Antenna with HD3 technology features an exclusive three-panel design made to receive digital television signals from multiple angles to eliminate constant repositioning of the antenna.
Category: Video Displays
Hewlett Packard
HP SLC3760N MediaSmart 37" LCD
Design by: Hewlett Packard
HP's MediaSmart LCD HDTV is a breakthrough in digital convergence, featuring wired and wireless Internet connectivity that allows consumers to directly connect to millions of songs, videos, movies and more.
Category: Wireless Communications
Sony Electronics Inc.
Sony mylo personal communicator
Design by: Sony Electronics Inc.
The Sony mylo is a convergent broadband communications and entertainment device that allows consumers to stay connected via instant messaging, web browsing, music, pictures and video in any WiFi hotspot.
Category: Wireless Peripherals
Golan Technology
Virtual Keyboard
Design by: Lumio
The Bluetooth(r) Virtual Keyboard(tm) projects a full sized laser keyboard, enables user to write emails, text messages or complete documents right into his PDA, SmartPhone(tm), Blackberry(tm) or Notebook PC.
Category: Wireless Peripherals
Sony Ericsson Inc.
Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Watch MBW-100
Design by: Sony Ericsson Inc.
A stylish Bluetooth(tm) watch, the MBW-100, has classic looks, distinguished presence and lets you add control of calls and music to your watch, as well as notification of text messages.
The International CES independently audits attendance and a final attendance number should be available by April. For more information on the 2007 International CES, including keynote transcripts, photos and a complete list of conference sessions, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for all CES information.
The 2008 International CES is scheduled for January 7-10, in Las Vegas, Nevada.