CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is the type of event that will make you lust for tech goodies, no really, it is. I could hardly contain myself over the obvious direction that technology is headed – phones that talk to cars, appliances and just about anything you could imagine, Skype that goes everywhere, and gadgets, more gadgets and even more gadgets.
CES is by far the best thing in the world for a tech/gadget junkie, it single handily keeps us in that kid that needs toys stage. Well this year did not hold back, delivering on more than one could anticipate. So without further hesitation I give you the toys that made my spine tingle:
1. Samsung’s CY-STC1100 Skype TV camera
Hi, Mom!
This camera is a tv set top camera so that when you have a Skype application opened up on your Samsung television you can video chat with your awesome friends that you just can not get enough of – except in 720p HD, giving you amazing clarity. (You know, the ones that would steal your food, clothes and unsuccessfully… your girlfriend, in college -ya awesome roommates huh?) In my case, we use Skype so that my daughter can visibly see my mom who lives in Oregon. Skype is the clear leader in video chat technology if you ask me – Facetime seems too similar to Facebook, Gmail video chat is limited to computers and really I don’t know of the others. For me – the force is strong in Skype. Plus it works on the iPhone 4 over 3G, meaning you can video chat anywhere – More on the iPhone topic later.
2. Visteon iPad Vehicle Console Interface
I see this epic idea as the future of auto consoles. So long are the days of basic instruments that barely tell you anything. Hello to the super techy, super detailed console that tells the driver very in-depth information. No more will the consumer have to pay someone to get a simple diagnostic when the iPad will report it to you. Plus the console can control your media for you as well as the outside weather. I get excited for vehicles that work more efficiently with the driver!
3. CBS content coming to Boxee
For me, any device that takes the power away from giant conglomerate cable companies gets me thrilled. I feel the typical cable company is outdated and has lost touch with the consumer. They force you into large packages that do not accommodate your viewing pleasures and charge you insane rates. I ditched cable a long time ago for the awesome and FREE viewings of Hulu and my $9 package at Netflix. Really, it just had to be done.
4. GoPro 3D
I don’t use any GoPro device, however… this one shoots in 3D so that the user can watch their video at home in 3D! That’s all that needs to be explained, in a ski-centric
See yourself - In 3D
community such as Bozeman, Montana I can see this being a MASSIVE success. Shoot film at Bridger, get home, load the media, stream to your tv and watch how you did in 3D. I am not a huge 3D proponent, it’s just that this is an epic amount of fun for anybody, no matter how experienced, or not, you are.
5. Tesla Model S (as in aweSome, or Sustainable)
Tesla, a new auto company, builds electric vehicles, but not just any electric vehicle – more like the Ferrari of electric vehicles. This Model S brings the price down to affordable for most families, plus has the room to fit them. At a price of $49,900 people may cringe, however when factoring in $7,500 in govy incentives plus gas savings (factoring in a future price of $4/gal) this new whip is similar to the price of gasoline car that rolls of the lot for 35 G’s. Now raise your hand, because you know you want one!
6. The Recon-Zeal GPS goggles
These goggles give the skiers and snowboarders of Bozeman a HUD (Heads-Up Display) in their goggles. Tightly woven into this great piece of tech are maps, altitude, speeds and more. Never get lost on Lone Peak again while trying to juggle the miles of trails in Moonlight Basin and Big Sky, instead stay up-to-date on all the elements. I don’t really snowboard too often, but I see this is a great investment.
The Ridiculous Award -
50 Cent, I don’t want to buy your headphones, in fact – I don’t want to buy any headphones that have been “approved” by any musician. This has gotten way out of hand, okay Ludacris, Dr. Dre and T – Pain with your silly mic?
The ridiculously AWESOME award goes to Verizon -
They blew it up at CES aligning themselves with several major companies such as Skype and LG to name a few. This is going to be a fantastic year and Verizon is trying to destroy the competition (AT&T). As a previous AT&T customer, read my feelings, I hope so. I despised the AT&T service, plus, Verizon seems to truly want to increase the efficiency of technology for the sake of the consumer – which says to me, Verizon wants to give you simplicity through lifestyle.
Plus Verizon saved their biggest news for this Tuesday, January 11!!!!
The iPhone is coming to Verizon, which means I can have my iPhone in Bozeman. The iPhone 4 at that!
AT&T, Can you hear your customers leaving now?
