Every year at this time, the world's technophiles start to salivate at the very thought of new high tech gadgets being revealed at the annual Consumer Electronics's Show (CES). Early adopters are thrilled at the idea that in a few days they may be spending hundred's or thousand's of dollars on products that they have no clue if they'll need or not. Others are looking to see if the hundred's or thousand's that they spent in the last few months were well spent, or if they should have held out just a little longer for the next best thing.
Even for those who don't consider themselves "tech people," this show has a significant impact on our everyday lives. It was at CES that we were first introduced to the VCR, the Camcorder, the CD, DVD, DVR and Blu-Ray Disc. So, it's easy to see that what happens here is worth taking note of.
While technophiles like myself are desperate to see the latest innovations, there are many new consumer products that we are expecting to be introduced, next week that should hit the shelves very soon thereafter. Let's run through some of the most anticipated products of 2011's CES:
HTC Thunderbolt
Well, if that's the benchmark, the HTC Thunderbolt is raising the bar. Rumored to be HTC's first dual-core processor phone, running at over 1GHz (that's faster than my dad's laptop), with both an 8MP rear-facing and a 5MP forward facing camera and 16GB's of internal storage, plus a kickstand (a la HTC's Evo) that reveals a significant speaker, this phone stands to be the one to beat. That is, until the next phone to beat is revealed a few weeks, later. This phone is also rumored to be running the long-awaited Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system, so you can rest assured that you will be able to run all the cool apps that you could care to.
Tablet's Galore
Apple led the way with the iPad in taking a product that was already available to the public (the tablet) and making it seem like something that you couldn't live without. Of course they did it in the most backwards way possible. While other computer manufacturers had been taking their laptops and stripping them down, Apple took a phone and beefed it up. Well, Samsung quickly followed suit with the Galaxy Tab, now everyone else is taking note. At CES, be on the lookout for new tablets from Motorola, Asus and Microsoft. Who knows, even HP may roll out the new WebOS tablet from Palm. But, I would say that by the end of the year, the Tablet will be a very common sight at your local coffee shop.
Samsung Galaxy Player
OK seriously, who would want to buy a phone that doesn't allow you to make phone calls, just so that you can listen to music, watch videos, surf the web and play games? I'm sure somebody asked that question before Apple introduced the iPod Touch a few years back, yet this has been an extremely successful product.
So now Samsung is taking their Galaxy S phone and doing the same thing. Throw in two cameras which will allow for video calling and you have the perfect gift NOT to give to your kid, unless you completely trust them with a portable webcam and unfiltered internet access.
Polaroid Grey
With all the high tech that will be introduced at this year's CES, Polaroid could make a huge splash, by going in a different direction. Polaroid has been hinting at what photographer's are hoping is the return of the instant camera.
True photographers have always had a sweet spot for the old Polaroid instant cameras that would allow you to snap a photo, and within seconds you could have a physical print in your hand. No, connecting to the computer or printer. Just a quick snapshot, in your hands instantly.
True, with the technology that exists today, Polaroid might go the route of a digital camera that will allow you to review photos prior to printing them, but enthusiasts are holding on to the idea that we may see the full return of "what-you-shoot-is-what-you-get." Let's just hope that the technological advancements come in the form of quicker developing shots and better picture quality.
Even for those who don't consider themselves "tech people," this show has a significant impact on our everyday lives. It was at CES that we were first introduced to the VCR, the Camcorder, the CD, DVD, DVR and Blu-Ray Disc. So, it's easy to see that what happens here is worth taking note of.
While technophiles like myself are desperate to see the latest innovations, there are many new consumer products that we are expecting to be introduced, next week that should hit the shelves very soon thereafter. Let's run through some of the most anticipated products of 2011's CES:
HTC Thunderbolt
Yea, another phone :-|
I know, the idea of yet another phone being highly anticipated is almost becoming mundane. It seems like ever since Motorola introduced the RAZR in 2004, there has been a true cell phone war. Before that, people didn't particularly care how cool your phone was. We just wanted a good reception when we needed it. Now, you have to have the fastest processor, the best camera, the most storage, awesome sound, the coolest apps and occasionally ring if someone tries to call you.
Well, if that's the benchmark, the HTC Thunderbolt is raising the bar. Rumored to be HTC's first dual-core processor phone, running at over 1GHz (that's faster than my dad's laptop), with both an 8MP rear-facing and a 5MP forward facing camera and 16GB's of internal storage, plus a kickstand (a la HTC's Evo) that reveals a significant speaker, this phone stands to be the one to beat. That is, until the next phone to beat is revealed a few weeks, later. This phone is also rumored to be running the long-awaited Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system, so you can rest assured that you will be able to run all the cool apps that you could care to.
Tablet's Galore
Apple led the way with the iPad in taking a product that was already available to the public (the tablet) and making it seem like something that you couldn't live without. Of course they did it in the most backwards way possible. While other computer manufacturers had been taking their laptops and stripping them down, Apple took a phone and beefed it up. Well, Samsung quickly followed suit with the Galaxy Tab, now everyone else is taking note. At CES, be on the lookout for new tablets from Motorola, Asus and Microsoft. Who knows, even HP may roll out the new WebOS tablet from Palm. But, I would say that by the end of the year, the Tablet will be a very common sight at your local coffee shop.
Samsung Galaxy Player
So now Samsung is taking their Galaxy S phone and doing the same thing. Throw in two cameras which will allow for video calling and you have the perfect gift NOT to give to your kid, unless you completely trust them with a portable webcam and unfiltered internet access.
Polaroid Grey
True photographers have always had a sweet spot for the old Polaroid instant cameras that would allow you to snap a photo, and within seconds you could have a physical print in your hand. No, connecting to the computer or printer. Just a quick snapshot, in your hands instantly.
True, with the technology that exists today, Polaroid might go the route of a digital camera that will allow you to review photos prior to printing them, but enthusiasts are holding on to the idea that we may see the full return of "what-you-shoot-is-what-you-get." Let's just hope that the technological advancements come in the form of quicker developing shots and better picture quality.
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