Tech lovers and gadget geeks from around the world are licking their chops in anticipation of the CEA's annual Consumer Electronics Show, to be held at the massive Las Vegas Convention Center from January 7 through 10, 2010.
Last year, more than 2,700 global companies unveiled an estimated 20,000 new technology products across 1.7 million net square feet of exhibit space.
Attendance was down in 2009 due to the global economic crisis, but Sin City is expected to be hopping again for the next CES, with consumers finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.
Here's a look at some of the ground-breaking technologies expected to be on display in Vegas.
TV sets
LG has generated the most buzz in the weeks leading up to CES. Trumpeting "the world's thinnest LCD," the South Korean company announced that it will showcase a 42-inch panel just 2.6 mm thick, half the width of the 5.9mm panel presented earlier this year.
3D TVs will also have a massive presence on the floor of CES. Hoping to capitalize on the mania surrounding James Cameron's epic "Avatar," JVC, LG, Panasonic, and Sony are all expected to show off new 3D technology at CES 2010. Nvidia, Corel and AMD are jumping on the bandwagon, unveiling new 3D Blu-ray video playback technology.
However, analysts are saying the real growth spurt for 3D is at least three years out. That's when a version is expected that does not require special glasses.
Internet-based TV will also be in focus as Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, and LG have plugged a broadband connector into their latest models. Internet widgets for digital TV sets will be on display, as manufacturers add Web tools to their HD receivers.
In-Vehicle Technology
In-vehicle technology sales are expected to top $9.3 billion dollars for 2009, so its no surprise that 380 exhibitors will be on hand to demo their newest products and explain the latest trends in car tech.
Advancements have been made for portable GPS, in-car video, wireless technology and products for combining entertainment with navigation and security.
Check out the Mobile DTV Tech Zone for a look at the latest consumer devices that will enable viewers to watch their favorite live local and national TV programs wherever they are — on portable DTVs, mobile phones, personal media players, portable computers, in-car screens and other devices.
The Detroit News suggested that Ford's next big update to its Sync connectivity system will be announced at CES. The update will included a new feature that will allow the system to work with virtually any application on a motorist's cell phone or music player, the paper report, according to sources familiar with the company's plans.
Ford's Alan Mulally will deliver his keynote address at 8:30 a.m. on January 7.
Smartphones
Last year's critical darling was Palm, which launched its Pre to much fanfare. Palm has a press conference scheduled during the upcoming show, and rumor has it the company will introduce a new mobile webOS for their handsets. The updated OS upgrade is expected to improve battery life, WiFi speeds, and better apps.
Meanwhile, Google is expected to unveil their Nexus One smartphone at CES. Specs have leaked over the past few days, and include a 3.7in WVGA AMOLED display, HSUPA, a 1GHz chipset, a GPS, a 5MP camera with LED flash, with an Android platform.
Digital Cameras
Digital imaging — and high quality digital cameras in particular — is a central focus for consumers, as household penetration of digital cameras reaches nearly 80 percent.
Competition is fierce in the digital imaging industry, with Canon, Nikon, Panasonic and Samsung duking it out for market share. Word has it that Samsung's long-awaited NX10 will be unveiled.
"In a nutshell, you get a camera that isn't nearly as large as a conventional SLR, but it's supposed to provide SLR-like quality," Mobile Magazine reported.
Computing
Intel is expected to launch up to 17 processors at CES. Core i3 and Core i5 mobile processors will be on display, in addition to Intel HD graphics.
The company also heralded new Intel Atom processors that feature integrated graphics built directly into the CPU, enabling improved performance and smaller, more energy-efficient designs in a new generation of netbooks and Atom-based entry level desktop PCs.
CEO Paul Otellini is delivering a keynote speech at the show on January 7.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.