It is the last day of CES and I am ramping up to finish off as many booth visits as possible. Below are the trends I am seeing and I will write up the specific products that relate to this in the next few weeks:
1. Gadgets are morphing into all in ones: PC’s can stream data to and from personal devices (many in 1080p). Music can be streamed from your PC to a tablet to a music player to speakers with wireless adapters or new wireless features in devices. The process of syncing music between devices can be done wirelessly where syncing is automatic. Smart TV’s also joined the line-up, joining in the trend that will offer consumers a simplified way to access many channels of content from one device – such as Google TV with Sony and Logitech as well as new functionality being built into TV’s to interact with other devices.
This new technology will enable consumers to have access to content across devices, so content companies are trying to figure out how to enable this by creating new business models.
2. 3D: While last year the 3D TV’s were eye candy, I did not think it was ready for prime time. This year, I am a 3D believer. Three technologies made me excited about 3D above the basic “wow” effect of the beautiful images that 3D bring:
First are the “passive” 3D TV’s which means that they don’t require a signal from glasses – just 3D glasses that can be purchased for $30 instead of $150.00. The passive 3D technology includes some PC’s that provide amazing 3D images. With a family of 5, $30.00 glasses lowers the barrier to entry to bring 3D entertainment in my house. Second are the new 3D PC’s. Third are the new “Glasses Free” 3D devices.
3. Accessories: I was thrilled to see more fashionable accessories and finally more with stands included for viewing content. Although the most fashionable seems to be iPad,iPod, iPhone centric. While I did some some great laptop, general tablet and computer bags – I would of preferred to have seen a whole line of tablet covers that are in different sizes. Because tablets are generally around the same size, I imagine I use some of the iPad cases for other tablets. But the models that secure the iPad in place and allow access to the ports would not work with other tablet models.
I also saw interesting docking stations, including some that added “keyboards” to smartphones and tablets.
4. Processing power: The Intel 2nd generation Core processors are more energy-efficient performance with improved graphics that are integrated into the processor. The Intel WIDI wireless display technology that allows streaming of media from a laptop to a Netgear Push2TV box then through HDMI to a display (such as a TV). While Netgear announced a new 3D HD Home wireless system, they also announced an updated Push2TV box (with HD added). I also saw another gadget that works with the WIDI: Logitech Wireless speaker adapter. I also saw the new processors in some great thin and light computers that made me think “I gotta have that – NOW!” (as I lugged my heavy cart with my current devices around CES).
5. Home Energy Management and smart devices: I am about to head to the home area of CES and will not have as much times as I would like to cover it – but I do know that Maytag, LG and Kenmore are using smart technologies in their home appliances that also are more energy efficient.. more to come. I also saw more home energy management systems that not only automate the process but allow remote access.
4. Tablets, Tablets and more tablets. There were multiple new tablets at CES 2011. And while many were not as exciting as the iPad, I did see a good list of those that give the iPad a run for it’s money with great interfaces and resolution that pops.
5. Apps and more apps. Many devices have related apps and there were also companies at CES that just had apps.
6. Retro: While I will mention specifics later – both Polaroid and Casio brought back their products with modern functionality that is very noteworthy.
7. Cars are getting smarter: There are new and exciting developments in car technology that provide seemless access to media and driving information. There are also new developments for energy management in Electric Cars (an area that is very exciting to me).. More to come..
8. eReaders: There are new features in current eReaders and new eReaders that are enabling a better overall interface and new functionality.
Beth Blecherman started her career in application development then Senior Manager, Computer Process Integrity, for Deloitte. After senior management she took on family management blogging as her career 2.0. She is a Co-Founder of the Silicon Valley Moms Group, a collaborative of mom blogs across the country, and their first international blog Canada Moms Blog.
Blecherman founded her personal blog, TechMamas.com, as a platform to discuss technology and gadgets for families. Beth vlogs with other female tech bloggers at Gadgetspin.com. She also consults with companies on blogger outreach and social media strategies and speaks at conferences on parenting, social media and technology. TechMamas.com was chosen as one of the Nielson Power Mom 50 influencers. On Twitter as @TechMama she was chosen as one of the 25 Influential Moms to Follow on Twitter and BizTechDay’s 25 Influential Business Women in the Bay Area. Beth is on the Board of Advisors for MommyTech at CES.
