Thought #3 January 2009
Author: Bill Thurston
What Happened at CES?
The Largest Consumer Electronics Show in the World.
We all participate in the consumer electronics world so
here is a preview of what is coming soon.
CES was held in Las Vegas last week. More than 2,700
global companies unveiled an estimated 20,000 new technology products across 1.7
million square feet of exhibit
space. Over 110,000 business people attended. This show isn't open to the
general public. The objective of the show is for business people to build
relationships with other business people.
Here is an overview
of the keynote speeches.
Microsoft
Corporation
Steve Ballmer, CEO
Normally
this spot is reserved for Bill Gates but the guard is changing. Ballmer
discussed the economy and views the future challenges with optimism. Ballmer
suggested three opportunities for the technology industry.
1. The convergence of the PC, phone
and TV.
2. A more natural consumer interaction
with devices that will incorporate speech and hand gestures.
3. The connected experience between
devices.
He announced that Windows 7 is on
track.
Computer Electronic Association
Gary Shapiro, President and CEO
Shapiro announced an
innovative new video platform from Yoostar. Yoostar lets you take an actor out
of a famous movie clip and play the role yourself. Shapiro noted that CES is all
about innovation, technology and enhancing life.
Sony
Sir Howard Stringer, President and CEO
Stringer defined the seven key imperatives for creating the
critical user experience.
1. Products should interact seamlessly across industries.
2. Products should be service-based.
3. Products should be multi-functional.
4. Products should support open technologies.
5. Products should advance the new shared experience.
6. Products should create new value chains.
7. Products should be green.
Stringer announced a partnership with MTV Networks.
Ford Motor
Company
Alan Mulally, President and CEO
Mulally showcased
the latest additions to the Sync infotainment and connectivity platform.
Additions were 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report, personalized traffic
reporting, and driving direction features. Mulally also unveiled Ford’s new
concept of a totally configurable cockpit, developed in collaboration with
Sharp, Microsoft, Sony and Nuance, and featuring SmartGauge with Eco Guide fuel
economy capabilities.
Intel
Craig Barrett, Chairman
Barrett discussed a number of
technology initiatives that are key in advancing economic development in
emerging regions. These include access to inexpensive technology, connectivity,
and content. He also announced the launch of www.SmallThingsChallenge.com, a
campaign where Intel will donate five cents per click on the site toward
educational access and economic development.
Cisco Systems
John Chambers, CEO
Chambers spoke passionately about the
role technology can play in companies and countries. “Speed is the answer—the
fast will always beat the slow, but you need a plan for where to go.” He
outlined five key strength for a country. These are education, infrastructure,
high-speed broadband to allow information to be shared, innovation, market
transitions, and a supportive government.
Listed below are the new products or
technologies that were introduced at CES. They are divided into 11 categories.
1. Car Technology
Touch screens for dashboards. A
touch to change audio settings, climate controls and much more.
Internet radios.
AT&T
CruiseCast's will be in rental cars so you can receive news, family, sports,
comedy, and music channels while traveling.
Ford
Sync offer voice activated connectivity
to an array of connected services that includes navigation, traffic conditions,
business search, weather, and other information sources.
Information comes from a central server so updates, and new services are
easy to add.
Favorite recording artist talking
to you from your dashboard, recommending new music.
You can use your car stereo like
an instant messenger, where you can recommend songs and playlists to people on
your buddy list.
Nothing could have set the tone of
his keynote better than having Microsoft's Steve Ballmer come out at the
beginning for a quick handshake and talk about working with Ford on Sync.
Ballmer pointed out that Microsoft and Ford share a vision of making the car a
connected environment.
2. Cell phones and Smart phones
The Palm Pre won Best of CES 2009
and Peoples Voice Award. It's winning features are a great user interface which
allows multitasking on your smartphone and all your personal management
information in one place (e-mail, contacts, and calendar).
3. Computers
New trackballs that you twist to
scroll or increase volume, etc. Trying a comeback.
Intel has revealed the design for
a low-powered Netbook designed for use in primary schools.
Some new HDTVs for outdoor use.
How about a computer (about
5"x5"x2") that sticks to the back of your monitor.
Lots of lower cost, higher
resolution, larger size monitors.
Terabyte storage devices for $229.
4. Digital photo and video
A digital Polaroid Camera printer
(a new version of the old Polaroid).
A
pocket projector with integrated speakers and a USB connection. Connect
digital cameras, PDAs, iPods, iPhones, smartphones, gaming consoles, and laptops
for viewing up to 80-inch diagonal size.
Pocket-size touch-screen digital
photo viewers.
9 megapixel pocket camera with
frame rates of 1,000-plus frames per second (fps).
5. Gadgets
Quality Hand held audio recorders.
We now use USB 2.0 and Intel is
talking about the new USB 3.0 which is 10 times faster! This will download 20GB
in less than a minute.
Wireless
USB notebooks, docking stations, hard drives, speakers, displays, and phones.
Voice activated remote controls
for TV , Stereo, DVD players, and more.
Internet enabled alarm clocks.
6. Gaming
3D Vision for games. Buy all the
stuff, put on the glasses, look at your monitor and play games in 3 dimensions.
New Wii wands that look and shoot
like real pistols.
7. GPS
A
service that will let you put personalized 3D routes (Maps in 3D) on your
mobile phone.
8. Home Audio
Portable Internet radios with
recording built in.
9. Home Video
Lots of new inexpensive ($229) Blu-ray
players.
10. MP3 and Portable video players
Lots of new touch screen MP3
players.
Many listen to MP3 players when
exercising. There is now a 2GB MP3
player including a built-in heart-rate monitor, a pedometer, a calorie counter,
and a stopwatch, FM tuner, and is
also compatible with Rhapsody To Go.
11. Televisions
Plasma TVs take lots of power. New
models take nearly 50 percent less energy consumption compared to past models.
1 inch thick 54 inch TVs. Bring
lots of money.
It was a successful show even with the worldwide recession.
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