CES 2012

Seven things I learned at CES 2012

At many major tech conferences, one big story--a product, technology, or trend--dominates the entire show.

CES 2012 was not one of those events. Intel's Ultrabook was the closest thing there was to a show-dominating topic, but in the end, what I was struck by was the diversity of stuff on display at the Las Vegas Convention Center and surrounding venues. And in some cases, the no-shows were as interesting as the products that were there.

Herewith, a few of the lessons I took home with me after four jam-packed days in Vegas:

Giant OLED TVs aren't inherently amazing. … Read more

Sony SmartWatch is an Android phone's best friend

LAS VEGAS--Nearly hidden away at CES was a $149 Sony SmartWatch (due in March) that doubles as a Bluetooth command center for Android phones.

Featuring brushed chrome edges, the 1.3-inch OLED (65k color) touch screen features Bluetooth 3.0 and is compatible with Android phones from Sony, HTC, Motorola, Samsung, and others. You may remember its predecessor, the Live View accessory that Sony Ericsson released in late 2010.

The dust and splash proof SmartWatch is essentially the same story. The updated version is sleeker in appearance (and about 0.3-inches thick), has an accelerometer, can vibrate, and will launch … Read more

iBike helps iPad, iPhone Touch users get in better shape (CES podcast)

The North Hall at CES was the home to numerous fitness technology companies including Velocomp, the maker of the iBike line of cycling computers. The newest product, iBike Power House for iPhone and iPod Touch is billed as "the worldl's first intelligent cycling computer that automatically adjusts to your exercise goals."

The product, which consists of a water and shock resistant case for the iPhone/iTouch, has electronics that perform cycling measurements, including power exertion.

Cycling computers, said Velocomp CEO John Harmon "have always been about numbers. "How far, how fast, what's my heart … Read more

High-end audio rocks CES, part 2

You've probably already read about the latest and greatest in smartphones, tablets, and OLED displays, so let's take a look at the coolest high-end audio goodies. We've assembled some of the most promising candidates for your approval.

The Arcam rPAC is a portable USB powered digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier, but it can also be played over a hi-fi system. "USB powered" means there are no batteries or "wall warts," it's powered by your computer's USB port. The entire component is enclosed in a small precision-cast aluminum case.

I've loved … Read more

Yurbuds are earbuds for athletes (CES podcast)

Yurbuds was at the Showstoppers media event at CES to show off earbuds designed specifically for athletes. The products, which start at $49.99, have a twisting mechanism that keeps them in place. The company makes six different sizes according ot CEO Seth Burgettt (scroll down to listen to podcast interview) and if you buy a size doesn't fit, you can take a picture of the inside of your ear and the company will send you one that does fit for no extra cost, said Burgett. Youbuds are available at Apple stores, Best Buy and other retailers. Models … Read more

The big picture: What truly stood out at CES 2012

LAS VEGAS--Sure, there were a lot of ultrabooks at the Consumer Electronics Show. PC manufacturers are clearly pushing their new slim, lightweight laptops.

But the real story of this year's show turned out to be some incredible advances in television technology, a few truly innovative if quirky ideas, and a lot of products that were expected but did not make much of an appearance.

Note: In this post, I'm rounding up the highlights of the show. Our reviews editors have taken a deeper dive into each product category, so for a more in-depth look at what we saw … Read more