CNET CES 2010 Best in Show Award: Panasonic VT25
Sony, Samsung, LG, and Toshiba all announced 3D-compatible HDTVs at this year’s CES, but Panasonic has made the most noise about the technology. The company began touting an extra dimension at last year’s CES, and this year it has finally announced a shipping date for its first 3D plasma TV. Dubbed the VT25 series, it’s expected to be released in the spring. It will be among the first 3D-capable flat-panel HDTVs available for sale in the U.S.
Read more about Panasonic VT25 >>>
CES 2010 People’s Voice Award: Intel Wireless Display
While many media consumers have connected laptops, desktops, and small form factor PCs to their large plasma and LCD monitors for years, these setups typically required either a direct video connection or the use of clunky media extender boxes, with limited functionality and file format compatibility. Intel aims to radically change this equation with its new Wireless Display technology, also known as “WiDi.”
Read more about Intel Wireless Display >>>
CES 2010 best in category:
1. Car tech: Ford myFord Touch interface
Ford built up a good cabin tech lead amongst its competitors when it adopted Sync and Sirius Travel Link in 2008, and we didn’t think the company could come up with something new for CES 2010. But boy, were we wrong. Ford radically redesigned its cabin tech interface while at the same time adding new features and completely revamping its navigation systems, branding the whole shebang as MyFord.
Read more about Ford myFord Touch interface >>>
2. Cell phones and smartphones: Motorola Backflip
On Wednesday, Motorola introduced its latest Google Android smartphone to the world, the Motorola Backflip. Scheduled for a global release at the beginning of Q1 2010, Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha said the device would be available in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and North America but would not disclose any carriers.
Read more about Motorola Backflip >>>
3. Computers and hardware: Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid
Lenovo has made an impressive splash at this year’s CES and the main halls haven’t even opened up yet: its bold new takes on ultramobile notebooks–the IdeaPad U1 Hybrid, Skylight, and IdeaPad S10-3t–have caused a big stir and bigger discussions as to whether each will perform as well as they look.
Read more about Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid >>>
4. Digital photo and video: Eye-Fi Pro X2
Eye-Fi heads into the new decade with a completely rearchitected design for its Wi-Fi-enabled SD cards for digital cameras. The system, an integrated ASIC dubbed “Arcturus,” powers the new Eye-Fi Pro X2 card, delivering higher capacities, theoretically better speed and power usage, and an overhauled software interface with more of a client-side focus.
Read more about Eye-Fi Pro X2 >>>
5. Gaming: Dell Alienware M11x
Alienware laptops are powerful, but they’re not exactly known for being ultraportable or affordable. At Dell’s press conference this morning, however, a chief focus was put on their new M11x laptop, which seems to be attacking both ends head-on. In a form approaching Netbook size, the 11.6-inch laptop comes packed with switchable graphics, including an Nvidia GT335M GPU as its main powerhouse, and will sell this spring for under $1000.
Read more about Dell Alienware M11x >>>
6. Green tech: Tenrehte Technologies Picowatt Wi-Fi smart plugs
Tenrehte Technologies has a grassroots vision for the smart grid. Instead of relying on a utility-installed smart meter to help consumers ratchet down their electricity bills, the Rochester, N.Y.-based start-up is building Wi-Fi-enabled smart plugs. A few strategically placed smart plugs, called a Picowatt, will provide many of the benefits promised to consumers by the smart grid, including a real-time read-out of electricity usage and the ability to control appliances from a central point.
Read more about Picowatt Wi-Fi smart plugs >>>
7. Home theater: LG BD590 Blu-ray player
All the focus is on 3D in the home theater space, but LG appears content to take a wait-and-see approach to the new 3D Blu-ray format. Instead of getting on the bandwagon, LG has gone in a different direction with its new flagship Blu-ray player, the BD590, which includes all the features that made the BD390 a hit, plus a 250GB hard drive that can be used to rip your music collection and store photos.
Read more about LG BD590 Blu-ray player >>>
8. MP3 and portable video players: Valups Tivit
One of the big tech stories of 2009 was the transition of the U.S. broadcast TV standard from analog (NTSC) to digital (ATSC). But while ATSC broadcasts offer crystal clear high-def images, they have at least one drawback: unlike analog broadcasts, digital TV is tough to receive if you’re on the move.
Read more about Valups Tivit >>>
9. Televisions: Panasonic TC-PVT25 series
Sony, Samsung, LG, and Toshiba all announced 3D-compatible HDTVs at this year’s CES, but Panasonic has made the most noise about the technology. The company began touting an extra dimension at last year’s CES, and this year it has finally announced a shipping date for its first 3D plasma TV. Dubbed the VT25 series, it’s expected to be released in the spring. It will be among the first 3D-capable flat-panel HDTVs available for sale in the U.S.