Happy New Year! I suspect I am not the only one who can’t figure out how ‘09 went so fast {:-) That being said, the first event in the world of electronics kicks off the second week of this month. For those who have read my previous columns at the beginning of the past few years, you know I am referring to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held each year in Las Vegas. The trade show, which, arguably is the biggest in its category in the world boasts approximately 2700 exhibitors and is attended by around 140,000 people who must be affiliated with the industry to be admitted. This allows companies to introduce products they have developed to an audience which includes venture capital representatives looking for investment potential. It’s interesting to see some of these new products which seem to be a sure thing, but for whatever reasons, never make it to the market.
Since it’s almost time for the show, I have been receiving numerous press releases from a lot of companies announcing their new products. While it’s tempting to share all of them with you, I decided that a better way to give you a sense of what is on the launch pad for 2010 is to pick a few of the innovations award winners. The Innovations Design and Engineering Awards program recognizes the most innovative consumer electronics (CE) products in the industry's hottest product categories. Innovations has become a hallmark for the best designed products in consumer technology. Since there are 36 categories, I have picked a few (12) from the list I thought might be interesting to you. Each also has a URL you can visit to get more info.
Before I start I want to answer a question I got from 2 readers regarding my Nov column in which I reviewed the latest OtterBox iPhone 3G and 3GS cases. The question was what about us 1st generation iPhone folks? No problem, I have seen, and installed one of the OtterBox 1st generation cases and am very impressed. Here’s a picture of one, you can go to http://www.otterbox.com/iphone-cases/iphone-1st-gen/ for more info.
Now, on to the CES Innovation Honorees.
Category: Computer Peripherals
Alienware TactX Keyboard
http://www.Dell.com/awards
This gaming keyboard is designed to enhance gaming and entertainment with a broad array of customization options including dedicated macro keys, support unlimited user profiles, and AlienFX lighting system
Category: Audio AccessoriesArabesque by Crystal Cable
http://www.crystalcable.com
Top high-end loudspeakers made of natural glass. The beauty of transparency in look and sound with the addition of visible high tech components make it a breakthrough in audio design.
Category: Digital ImagingNikon, Inc.
Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj
Model: S1000pj
http://www.nikonusa.com
Nikon's S1000pj is the world's first digital camera with a built-in projector, allowing the user to project images and videos as large as 40-inch for a new photo-sharing experience.
Category: High Performance AudioDefinitive Technology
Ultra-thin on-wall speaker Mythos XTR-50
Model: XTR-50
http://www.definitivetech.com
The XTR-50 is a 1-1/2"deep on-wall L/C/R speaker utilizing dynamic drivers for superior performance. Merely 1-1/2" (38mm) deep the XTR-50 is the perfect performance complement for today's ultra thin LED-TVs.
Category: Personal ElectronicsViper SmartStart
Model: VSS4000
http://www.viper.com/smartstart
Start or lock & unlock your car from your iPhone with Viper SmartStart! Download the free App, get SmartStart installed, activate your account. Stay warm all Winter with Viper SmartStart!
Category: Wireless Handsets
Saygus, Inc.
Saygus V Phone
Model: V1
http://Saygus.com
The first cellular handset in the world to offer low bandwidth two-way video calling on existing 2.5G Networks, the Saygus V Phone is a qwerty slider running the Android OS
Category: Wireless Handsets AccessoriesHybra Advance Technology, Inc.
O.R.B.
Model: 0041
Design by: Hybra Advance Technology, Inc.
http://www.hybratech.com
Ring that user wears on their finger. Vibratory alert with E-Ink caller I.D., text messages, and meeting reminders. Flips into headset that fits to users ear.
Category: In-Vehicle AccessoriesFord Motor Company
Ford Work Solutions In-dash Computer
Model: A9FCS-18800-BA
http://www.fordworksolutions.com
In-dash computing device with internet connectivity via embedded 3G modem, hands-free phone functionality, Garmin navigation, and mobile office productivity applications. The office is now mobile in truck's cab
Category:Personal ElectronicsenTourage Systems, Inc.
enTourage eDGe
http://www.entourageedge.com
The enTourage eDGe is the world's first interactive dualbook, which integrates the applications of a netbook, e-reader, notepad, as well as an audio/video recorder and player in one central device.
Category: Wireless Handsets AccessoriesAble Planet, Inc.
Linx Microphones
Model: LM1000
http://www.ableplanet.com
Linx® Microphones enhance speech intelligibility through Harmonic Enrichment® and noise management technologies.brings the world of sound to people with hearing loss, and preserves hearing for all the others.
Category: Computer PeripheralsHewlett-Packard
HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web All-in-One Printer
http://www.hp.com/
The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web is the world's first Web-connected home printer and connects users to the Web via pre-loaded HP Apps
Category: Home AppliancesWhirlpool Corporation
Jenn-Air 30
Model: JJW3830WS
http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com
This wall oven features a 7-inch full color touch-anywhere LCD display for effortless navigation through ground-breaking features like the V2™ Vertical Dual-Fan Convection System and the Jenn-Air Culinary Center.
That’s the dozen Innovative Honorees I thought you’d enjoy reviewing and I bet some will surprise you as well.
‘Til next time, enjoy the goodies and be careful out there.
Aloha, Lou
