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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