CES ’13 kicks off showcasing latest tech innovation
Thousands of journalists and members of the media got the chance to experience the products on exhibit at the CES prior to today’s official start. (Credit: www.cesweb.org)
The Consumer Electronics Association officially kicks off its 2013 International CES show today, featuring a record-breaking 1.87 million net square feet of exhibit space in Las Vegas, where the latest in technological innovation will be on display.
Major announcements in most tech fields are expected to come down over the next three days, when more than 3,000 exhibitors will put up their best wares. Nearly half of those exhibitors — 1,200 — are wireless companies that are to take center stage during the event to unveil the latest in accessories, the cloud, e-books, embedded technology, smartphones and tablets, CEA officials said.
“With the largest show floor in history, more innovative technologies and services will launch at the 2013 CES than anywhere else in the world,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “From cloud-based services, advancements in digital health, connected vehicle technologies, the latest apps, flexible devices and beyond, the innovations unveiled at the 2013 CES will create new jobs and further economic growth around the world.”
The CES has traditionally served as the preferred platform for new product launchings and this year is not the exception. Organizers said some 20,000 new products will launch at the 2013 CES with major product trends including cloud-based services, gesture and sensing technologies, connected vehicles, the latest smartphone and tablet innovations and Ultra HDTV leading the way.
“We are always proud to be the world’s largest consumer technology event, but even more important is the significance of the International CES as the launchpad for new innovations and products and our role in bringing the global industry together to meet with the best and brightest movers and shakers from across the technology ecosystem, to network, make deals and exchange ideas,” said Shapiro.
Aside from gadgets, this year, eight automakers will exhibit at the 2013 CES, including Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus and Subaru.
While the exhibit technically kicks off today, there were several pre-show events Monday, including a keynote speech by Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs, who was “interrupted” by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, as he spoke of the future of mobile.
Cutting edge…everything
When it comes to CES unveilings, companies hold nothing back. So, between today and Jan. 11 when the show wraps up, consumers can expect to see everything from bigger, brighter TVs, smarter mobile devices, and more robust computers and storage units.
A condensed rundown of some of the planned product announcements include:
- “Color IQ” technology to allow next generation of LCD televisions, monitors and other display products to deliver more lifelike, brilliant colors;
- Dish Networks’ “Hopper Transfers”app that lets customers move television recordings from the DVR to an iPad for viewing without an Internet connection;
- Samsung’s new upgraded “Smart Camera” devices, which build upon those introduced last year that combine high optical performance and classic style with wireless connectivity;
- Samsung also introduced a full line up of larger screen TVs, including its first 85-inch Ultra High Definition TV (UHD TV) and its flagship Smart TV, the F8000 LED TV;
- PointGrab Ltd. announced a new and advanced version of the hand gesture recognition software that will be available on Samsung’s latest Smart TV models, allowing consumers to control their TVs through hand gestures
- The Mobile500 Alliance and Intel will showcase live television for iPads and iPhones using its MyDTV application, which will enable tablet owners to watch their favorite digital programming both live and on-demand.
