CES2011 follow-up:

My favorite future technologies/gadgets

BY CHRISTINA NICKOLAS

CES2011 showcased products ranging from appliances and automobiles to LCDs and tablets and even silicon chips. 3D LCDs and tablets were everywhere. This was my first CES show I have ever attended, so besides the swollen toes and feet I still have, I honestly can say my expectations were met: I was able to see some cool stuff.

Here are a few of my favorite gadgets and technologies I saw at CES:

1. At the Analog Devices suite, I was really impressed with the “Eyes-Only” hands-free video gaming demo where National Instruments uses ADI converters and amplifiers into their system that allows players to control video games with their eyes. This hands-free, “eyes only” video game prototype leverages a technology called electro-oculography that records eye motion (see video below). The potential applications for this technology go beyond the gaming world to include treatment for amblyopia (or “lazy eye”) and a number of other uses for people who have lost the use of their hands or have other disabilities. Even though I did not try this demo myself I think constant eye movement may strain my eyeball, so I have a feeling this technology could never replace remote controller in gaming applications,

2. The Intel booth also featured some cool products and technologies, such as the “Bring Toys to Life” demo (see video below). The Intel toy technology is very interactive and promises to eliminate tripping over your kids’ railroad tracks. Unfortunately, it is unknown when the technology will be available to the public, so your kids might outgrow their toys by then.

3. Toshiba’s glass-free 3D TV, see video, was another favorite, but it will be a while until it comes to the market. I am looking forward to seeing this product come out, since I personally hate 3D glasses. I tried 3D glasses once last year when I decided to see the movie Avatar and felt nauseous thoughout the movie. 3D glasses are not for me.

4. AKM Semiconductor showcased the infrared sensor for human body detection (see video below). It’s a technology I would like to have on my PC. Imagine just walking toward your computer, and while in standby mode your computer just wakes up and maybe even say “Hello there” as you approach it. That’s interactive and fun.

5. Who doesn’t want thinner LCDs? No matter who the manufacturer is, LCD TVs are getting thinner. Products of this kind were all over the CES floor. I personally liked the Samsung products.

6. Skype TV: I am a fan of Skype and communicate with far away relatives constantly, so I can’t wait to have one integrated in my TV. Maxim Integrated Products (like many others) actually had a demo of Skype TV and showed how they integrated Skype into several of their TV platforms. I was actually talking to their speaker through Skype as she was stationed at some far away tropical island.

Also see video on my walk through the show:

facn_CES01_jan2011

Some more images from the show:

Maxim Integrated Products projector in a pocket demo

Panasonic AVATAR sand sculpture

Intel’s booth

Casio’s booth

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