It’s just the first of the year, 2010, and already another huge array of electronic innovations are being introduced at CES EXPO 2010. It never ceases to excite me to know that I’m about to dive into a gathering of the latest and greatest electronic devices man has has produced in the last 12 months, since CES in 2009. One can never be fully prepared for the overwhelming number of products that were presented at this global event. There were more than 2,800 companies represented and more than 20,000 new products, with more than 120,000 attendees.
The January 13, 2010 issue of CEA published the following article, New Business Rules: Women in Business. Here is an excerpt from that article:
“With 40% of the nation’s businesses owned by women, accounting for 16% of US jobs, these businesses have a major impact on our economy – approximately $3 trillion. According to the Center for Business Research of Women, these businesses grew at twice the rate of other segments between 1997 and 2002, and have continued to keep pace. And I can only see continued growth in their contribution, especially as many women are starting “side businesses” to generate income during the recession – including access to capital and markets and managing work-life integration – than many of their male counterparts.You are invited to join them on February 17-18, 2010 in Houston for a discussion on “The New Business Rules for Women Entrepreneurs”.
All the latest travel gadgets were featured, as well as everything the mobile business executive or tourist could use in their quest to stay in touch with friends and family, partners and clients. From easing the workload to reducing communication and production costs. From cell phones to VOIP internet access, smart computers and tablets, mini storage devices, mobile chargers and a host of new games and equipment.
Last year we reported on several cheap ways to communicate around the world for pennies, including Skype and Magic Jack. Now Panasonic and LG are producing TVs with built-in Internet and Skype, a camera and a microphone. From the comfort of your own couch, you’ll be able to video call with family and friends on large TVs while eating your favorite snacks.
Netbooks are being replaced by smartbooks, minicomputers and tablets, with faster and longer battery life being the key to this sleek and efficient new computer. Lenovo has a 10″ Smartbook with 3G and a 10 hour battery for $499. However, many other prices have come down, with a complete computer inside a keyboard starting at $99.00 to a variety of small computers starting at $150 and up. And not Forget the most important thing, backup DataJack has unlimited nationwide 3G Internet access available via USB modem for $39.95 with no contacts or activation fees.
Worried about data loss or computer crash? “Crashplan” will back up your entire computer, programs and files, over the Internet for as little as $3.50 per month, with instant access from anywhere.
Video glasses are now the travel device of choice when it comes to watching movies or TV on the go. With an 80″ virtual 3D screen and stereo sound, this allows you to literally take the show on the road. Camera glasses also allow you to film whatever event you’re viewing through the new “Wrap” series of video glasses. Vuzix, starting at $70, These are great for your kids’ games or just capturing those memorable moments as they happen.
International Supplies has two versions of Video Goggles and ALL-In-ONE, an 80″ virtual LCD TV screen and a 50″ virtual screen. A real mobile theater with 3D, stereo sound and lots of memory expansion. The wireless remote control makes it as a personal theater and entertainment center anytime, anywhere.
Zomm has a unique device for this summer that vibrates and blinks if you stray too far from a Bluetooth phone you’ve paired it with. The creators of Zomm advertise it as the first “wireless strap” for cell phones, designed to prevent you from losing your phone. It is currently priced at $80.
The most innovative product that could change the way you send documents is the “Duo”, a revolutionary new omnidirectional transmitter with built-in infrared. It allows you to attach it to your computer screen and write, write or draw directly on all documents. You need to sign a contract or other item that requires a signature, just write it right on your screen and send it by email. A plug ‘n play USB device that doubles as a mouse and virtual keyboard. At $120, it fits in your pocket.
The home of the future is now! Remote controls that control 100 devices, display Internet information on screen, control HVAV, shades, mobile and home PCs, your lighting, music and video streaming throughout the house.
Broderbund has launched Print shop 2.0 for home and small business entrepreneurs, the easiest and fastest way to produce all your printing and photo needs with over 150 wizard design tools in less than 5 minutes each. You can create business cards, signs, brochures, press releases, advertisements, web campaigns, and more. It has never been easier to create all your printing needs in less time than it takes to print it. Available in standard, deluxe and professional, any of these options will be an advantage for your business.
Reading is booming! With the capacity to store more than 1,400 books in two GB of memory, e-books are flooding the market, with a variety of wireless, non-connected and mixed-use books, with dual screens and color. Many come with voice recorders, MP3 players, personal organizers, schedulers, and notepads. There are also e-reader and netbook combinations, with an e-ink screen on one side and a color touch screen on the other. Prices range from $200-$500 but should go down with all the competition coming from everywhere.
Are you ready to create your own home movies at the touch of a keyboard? With Muvee’s new “Reveal” software (http://www.muvee.com), creating movies is as simple and easy as taking the pictures themselves. Just add water, it’s as simple as that. From inserting pictures, music, and image transitions, with the push of a button, you’ll have an instant home movie that you can send to family, friends, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, or your favorite Hollywood producer. Now is the time to take out all those old photos, videos and slides and make your own movies to preview for the world.
Dick Tracy wishes he had it so good. The new watch cell phones have a touch screen, built-in camera, audio player, SMS messaging, image viewer, QWERTY keyboard and easy dialer.
Thinner TVs, 3-D TVs, mobile TVs, and cell phone TVs are becoming commonplace. Flat screen TVs thinner than a dime are available immediately. 3-D TV shows are already available and there are more every day. Cell phone television is growing by leaps and bounds and mini TV tuners are available to connect to anything with a screen.
Tired of those sky-high electric bills, but I’m not sure what’s causing the biggest spikes. P3 International has released the “Kill A WattEZ”. Just plug it into your outlet and then plug in any appliance and it will tell you how much, in kw hours and cost. Replace all those old appliances that are draining your power.
On an even healthier note, the electric cigarette is growing massively in popularity. With no tar or harmful secondhand smoke, they can be enjoyed anywhere as there is no tobacco or harmful carbon monoxide like in traditional cigarettes. Simply replace the filter every 300 puffs or so with a fresh filter, available in different nicotine strengths. Less offensive to others and healthier for you.
On a more personal note, a company called Intellius has come up with “datecheck,” which is a FREE service that allows you to go online on your cell phone or netbook while you’re out and about and immediately check on someone you just met and need to know what type of person he is. For a small fee, you can also get a more detailed report on anyone.