The 2010 Consumer Electronics Show
Electronic readers and 3-D televisions are just a few of the up-and-coming tech trends on display at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. UTTM Computer Consultant John Quain discusses the show and other hot ticket items.
Technology companies usually use the CES to show off their newest devices. For example, Microsoft officially announced the launch of the Slate - a tablet-like computer with a touch screen. "[It] can do most of the things that a computer can do," says Quain. Microsoft showed the device being used to read Kindle books and also toted it as a way to watch videos. Apple is expected to announce a similar device in a few weeks.
Bigger than the Slate or e-readers in Quain's opinion, though, is 3-D television. James Cameron's "Avatar" brought 3-D movies and television into a new light in 2009, and television manufacturers are now planning to make 3-D compatible devices. "Every TV manufacturer is going to start selling 3-D TVs sometime later this year," says Quain. "Blu-Ray discs are going to be Blu-Ray 3-D discs that will show movies in 3-D."
The drawback, though, is the cost of the 3-D viewing experience. 3-D glasses alone will cost about $50.00 per pair, and 3-D compatible television sets will cost nearly double what a flat screen TV costs. "I don't think this year is going to be the year that everybody runs out and buys a 3-D TV," says Quain. Many networks, though, are already developing their own 3-D channels, so the technology may catch on further down the road.
Another television development in the works are connected TVs. These televisions are directly connected to the internet, so downloading movies from companies like Netflix will be a snap. "You can also get video on demand, YouTube, Flickr - all these different applications that people like to use on their TVs," says Quain. Skype will also be offered for video conferencing with family and friends. An HD version of Skype is in the works, too.
In a twist on an old concept, television companies are now working on better mobile televisions. Companies are looking to market the technology to car manufacturers along with the ability to make automobiles internet compatible.
There is one version of this type of mobile TV already available: FloTV. FloTV allows the user to connect to several channels, but you have to pay for them. The twist is, as long as you're within signal range, you'll never lose the channel.
The newer technology, though, is Mobile Digital TV. "That'll be free, that'll be on the same kind of small devices, but when you travel outside the city - just like the rabbit ears - you'll lose the station," says Quain. "We'll see if that catches on."
A new application for the iPhone and other smart phone devices will also be launched later this year: the Tivit. "You'll watch live TV on your iPhone - like you don't do enough on your iPhone!" says Quain.
For more technology insight, visit John Quain's website at www.J-Q.com.
By Erin Shea