I have no idea why 2011 seems to have left so fast! However, here we are in 2012 and I am on my way to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, again. For those who are not familiar with CES, the International CES is the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology and America's largest annual tradeshow of any kind. With more than four decades of success, the International CES reaches across global markets, connects the "who's who" of the industry and enables consumer electronics (CE) innovations to grow and thrive. CES is produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the CE industry. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy. The Mission of CES is to grow the consumer electronics industry. CES covers every aspect of the consumer technology industry. More than 2,500 exhibitors travel to Vegas to show off their latest innovations in 30 product categories and the content that supports them.

CES Innovations Awards

Since 1976, the prestigious Innovations Design and Engineering Awards has given consumer technology manufacturers and developers an opportunity to have their newest products judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, independent engineers and members of the trade press. It's the place to see, touch, feel and understand the future of consumer technology. Products chosen as the most impressive in each category are selected as honorees and can be seen at CES. Here are some of the Best of Innovations winners:

BASIS

The world’s first connected health and heart rate monitor wearable on the wrist. A multi-sensor band collects data like heart rate, calories burned, physical activity and sleep patterns and links to a personal online dashboard.

 
 The Picture of Health

Only Basis gives you a complete overview of your day, and puts the tools to boost your health and wellness right at hand. Track your caloric burn, activity levels and sleep habits to make every day your best day. Watch Your Wellness, Everyday Lightweight, beautiful and comfortable, Basis fits your wrist like a watch so you can wear it all day, every day. Basis collects information through a small sensor window, eliminating the need for uncomfortable chest straps, finger sensors, electrodes or other cumbersome apparatus. Basis was designed with wearability in mind, because the more you wear it, the more you know. On Your Wavelength Basis automatically identifies important behaviors like exercise and sleep. It tracks your body’s response and provides the tools to help you improve sleep quality and get more out of your workouts. 

 
It Only Looks Simple

Don’t let its good looks fool you. Beneath the sleek exterior is a hard-core machine that’s all business when it comes to gathering, tracking and delivering everything about your body’s day. Basis packs astonishing capabilities in its streamlined silhouette, opening up an amazing world of possibilities that will help you take your health to a whole new level.

Librartone Live 

Just one? Or one in each room? Libratone Live is designed to soundtrack your life. While FullRoom technology puts sound in every corner of the room, the AirPlay technology allows you to wander free, playlist in hand. All without dragging audio cables through your living room. Big sound, minimalistic design Sound and design are not mutually exclusive, as many will have you believe. With Libratone Live we pay homage to our Scandinavian roots with minimalistic lines, craftsmanship, and high quality raw materials - all cashmere, chrome and wood, no blinking eyesore-displays or grotesque cabinets. The Libratone App As a new feature, you can improve your Libratone Live speaker through a specially designed app. The app allows you to enhance and customize the FullRoom experience. By feeding the app information on the placement of your sound system, it automatically adjusts the sound to fit your room.

The Calisto 835

A speakerphone that unites computer telephony, mobile and landline calls. A 2.4” color display and a touch sensitive dial pad offers access to caller ID, dialing, answering, switching, and muting across connected devices.

Communication across devices has never been more simple with the Calisto 800 Series multi-device speakerphone system Superior Call Management Connects and seamlessly switches between calls from PC, mobile and home* phone A 2.4" color display and a touch sensitive dial pad for easy caller ID viewing, dialing, answering, switching, and muting across devices For privacy, use with Bluetooth or corded headsets/headphones (3.5mm) Uncompromising Audio Quality Premium, rich-sounding full duplex speakerphone Wideband audio coupled with advanced noise cancellation technology Freedom of Movement Wireless microphone offers unparalleled voice transmission and freedom of movement Remote answer/end/mute control Enables 360-degree small group conferencing when placed flat on a table *Home phone (analog) connectivity is available only with the Calisto 830 and 835 ** Wireless mic comes standard with Calisto 825 and 835.

eers Custom-Fitted Earphones

The world's only custom-fitted earphones that fit to your ears in only 4 minutes. 14 years in development, 13+ patents, Sonomax expansion technology delivers incomparable sound isolation, fidelity and comfort. eers custom earphones use groundbreaking Sonomax expansion technology paired with the ease and convenience of a simple self-fitting process, SonoFit, and inserted earphone electronics that one can fit at home. Custom molded to the unique shape of an individual’s ear canal in just four minutes, sculpted eers provide maximum comfort, exceptional sound, and a secure fit even during vigorous activity.

Additionally, the acoustic seal provided by the custom-fit earphones ensures the wearer’s choice of listening does not need to compete with ambient sound, irrespective of the environment. This immersive audio experience helps consumers listen at a fraction of the volume required by generic headphones (on average 30% less), providing the added benefit of reducing the dangers of hearing loss through over exposure.

SafePlug

SafePlug receptacles can help reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. SafePlug electrical duplex receptacles solve the toughest problem in home automation, accurate control and energy monitoring even when appliances move to a different receptacle. SafePlug Smart Energy outlets will measure the energy consumption for each appliance and turn them off when not needed.

Belkin Kitychen Cabinet Mount

Bring your tablet into the kitchen without cluttering the counter. The Kitchen Cabinet Mount keeps your tablet in view and securely suspended on any cabinet or shelf without tools or permanent installation. In View & Out of the Way Save Space in the Kitchen Bring your tablet into the kitchen without cluttering the counter. The Kitchen Cabinet Mount helps keep your tablet in view and securely suspended on any cabinet or shelf. No Tools Needed No tools or hardware are needed and no permanent installation is required. Simply attach the mount using the secure adjustable clamp. It can be easily repositioned to fit different cabinet and shelving units, or removed for storage. Hopefully I’ll get to see some of these and of course, MORE…since there will be several thousand exhibitors…auwe, my legs are already tired just thinking about all the miles they will walk during the CES week!

Stay tuned for more from my Las Vegas experience. Be safe and enjoy your www explorations.

Aloha, Lou