TECHNOLOGY REPORT

CES 2012 Showstoppers – Fisker Electric Car

Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

As a cheap car guy it’s hard for me to get too excited, even about a very beautiful auto like this, but the technologies involved are very impressive, even as they are arguably not very scalable to the mass market yet. For example the roof is a solar panel that adds about 200 miles of range per year to the vehicle. The Fisker can only travel about 50 miles on a single charge but also has a gasoline assist which boosts the range to hundreds of miles. Since most travel is in the form of short commutes it does appear the Fisker would work fine for urban commuters. Others will effectively be using the gas assist (which does NOT run the engine, rather it charges the battery to run the engine).

CES 2012 Wednesday. Art at the Samsung Galaxy Lounge

Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

Samsung’s out in full force at CES 2012 with some good technology combined with great promotional power. “Blogger buddies” are roaming around the show inviting press to the Samsung blog lounge.

Here, a street artist creates a charicature using a galaxy tablet, which is then printed or placed on a t-shirt as a giveaway. Line was too long for me to do this but I enjoyed some coffee at the espresso bar.

Although I haven’t had a chance to compare other models yet, the Samsung high end notebooks are very impressive – comparable (and clearly designed to compete with) the Macbook Air, perhaps stronger in some features. The Samsung Ultrabook line is also powerful but at much lower price point they don’t have the same “wow” factor of the slim notebooks. More on all this later.

I’m a big fan of Showstoppers so here’s a preview of the companies we’ll see there tonight at one of CES very best events.   Showstoppers showcases several companies at a tasty dinner event at the Wynn.

These are often those that don’t have a huge presence othewise.

—— Press Release —–

Fisker cranks up the amps with the first public appearance of the Karma electric sedan since deliveries began in December. Raytheon and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are bringing a patrol car to demonstrate laptop computer technologies that enable deputies to investigate crime scenes, chase down suspects and answer calls for help faster.

Here’s a quick look at just some of what’s coming from 120+ exhibiting companies:

• 3D tools for configuring dream homes, from Blu Homes.
• A look ahead at smart and dumb entertainment devices, from Boxee.
• It’s not grandma’s sewing machine – but it comes from Brother.
• A preview of Cadillac’s revolutionary in-vehicle data and entertainment system.
• Android-powered tablet computers from E FUN – and Windows-powered tablets from Kupa.
• The world’s smallest PC – on a USB stick – from FXI Technologies.
• Ultrabooks, touch screens, laptops and workstations, from HP.
• A giant 55-inch touch tablet, from InFocus.
• Interactive digital textbooks and educational software, from Kno.
• 20+ new products from Lenovo.
• Quick-connect photo lenses for the iPhone, from Olloclip — and panoramic video tools from Kogeto.
• Radio for a connected world, from Pandora.
• Eco-friendly hydrogen fuel cells from SiGNa Chemistry that can power anything from a smartphone to a laptop to a refrigerator.
• The smart yard, from The Toro Company.
• Mobile video conferencing – sweeter on Ice Cream Sandwich — from Vidyo.

There’s a lot more. Click here to preview the hot companies with cool products coming to ShowStoppers @ CES.

Check the ShowStoppers NewsDesk blog as it goes live and streams details starting 10 January.

Flight delays are keeping me from CES 2012 until later this afternoon so the least I can do is link out to the many great folks covering this conference.  CES is one of the most reported technology events in the world with some … wait for it … 6000 press folks, analysts, and bloggers reporting on the CES showcased technologies.    There’s been a fair amount of buzz about Microsoft’s “final” keynote at this year’s CES 2012, but my guess is that this conference will continue to be one of the world’s dominant forces in technology promotion for many years to come.

CES 2012 at Engadget

CES 2012 at Gizmodo

CES 2012 at Forbes

CES 2012 at CNET

CES 2012 at

CES 2012, the world’s most celebrated showcase of consumer technology with over 100,o00 attendees and over 2500 exhibitors, will begin tonight with a keynote from Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer.    You can watch it live here:  http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/ces/

We’ll be flying in late tonight and start our live show coverage tomorrow morning the keynotes from the ‘Silvers Summit’ over at the Retirement Information blog, Retire USA.    The Silvers Summit is a showcase of technologies focused on the senior market and will includes health care and lifestyle tech innovations.

Tomorrow afternoon we’ll be on the show floor looking for the “next big thing” and maybe even finding it.   One of the challenges at CES is the sheer size – thousands of exhibitors compete for attention and it’s impossible to give anybody much of your time.   However we’ll also try to send you off to the blogs that have large teams working CES as they’ll do a more comprehensive job of covering the show than we can here at Technology Report.   Some great CES Resources are:

CNET at CES:  http://ces.cnet.com/

Engadget at CES  http://www.engadget.com/

Gizmodo at CES:  http://gizmodo.com/5874370/we-are-liveblogging-the-hell-out-of-ces

—- Press Release from Consumer Electronics Association regarding CES 2012 ——–

Las Vegas, Nev., January 9, 2012 – With more than 100 products introduced at the CES Unveiled event last night and press day opening today, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® announces that the 2012 International CES will be the association’s second largest show in history when show floor opens on Tuesday. For a sneak peek at the show floor before it opens, visitCES’s YouTube channel and for a look at the innovation from CES Unveiled, click here.

The 1.851 million net square feet of show floor will open tomorrow, as more than 2,700 companies debut the next generation of innovative products across all sectors of the consumer electronics industry. The 2011 show welcomed 149,529 technology attendees and spanned more than 1.6 million net square feet of exhibit space. The largest CES was in 2008, with a record-breaking 1.857 million net square feet of exhibit space.

“CES is the global stage for innovation,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “Every major technology company across the globe is participating in force at this year’s CES. While many exhibit on the show floor, others send key executives to conduct meetings, participate in keynote panels, or hold their own events in Las Vegas this week to take advantage of the braintrust of technology professionals gathered here.” In addition to the 2,700 exhibitors at this year’s show, every major tech company, including Apple, Facebook, Twitter, HP and Dell, is sending significant delegations to CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow.

CEA expects this year’s CES will be the most innovative show on record, with more than 20,000 new products slated to be announced this week. While the doors to the 2012 CES show floor officially open on Tuesday, news has already started to leak highlighting new innovations and products before many of these companies have even held their press conferences:

• TV manufacturer Vizio is introducing a line-up of laptops and desktops, including two Ultrabooks.
• Nokia will debut the Lumia 900 smartphone, a Windows Phone with LTE support, to be sold at AT&T this spring.
• Lenovo enters the television market by unveiling the K91Smart TV running Google’s Android 4.0.
• LG Electronics announced a variety of LED-based TVs with bezels under 5mm in width for a nearly all-picture look, as well as a 55-inch OLED TV.
• Specialty glass producer Corning plans to introduce Gorilla Glass 2, a harder, thinner and more scratch resistant glass that could pave the way for the production of thinner and sturdier tablets and smartphones.
• Intel plans to offer a slew of affordable Ultrabooks in partnership with HP, Asus, LG and others.
• OLPC announced the XO 3.0 tablet, a tablet for the world’s poorest children.
• Tobii Technology showed new eye-tracking technology that allows users to scroll, play and navigate using their eyes and without touching a mouse.
• Parrot AR Drone 2.0, which was first launched at CES 2010, once again wowed attendees at CESUnveiled last night with better location and orientation sensors.
• SolarFocus’ Kindle e-reader case provides 50 hours of onboard reading light powered by a solar panel on the front of the case.
• 3M Touch Systems, a multi-user, widescreen touch table, allows for an impressive maximum 60 touch points and up to four split screens.

With more than 5,000 members of the press covering the International CES, this week is slated to be packed with new announcements from CE companies of all sizes. According to CNET, “this is the most preshow news we’ve seen in years, both in terms of formal announcements and flat-out leaks.” Breaking coverage of all the latest CES news can also be found at CESweb.org/news, and B-roll HD footage can be found at CESweb.org/press/CES-B-roll.htm.  Since 1967, CES has been the launch pad for several major technology innovations.

2012 International CES Press Kit

Below are links to some of the meatiest information at CES 2012 in Las Vegas.   This is from the press kit and offers several facts about the show as well as schedules, venue information, and maps.

If you are a first timer I’d recommend you do NOT try to plan out your day carefully – you can spend hours simply stumbling around trying to find vendors.   Better in my opinion is to start at the Las Vegas Convention center and walk somewhat systematically through the 3 main exhibit halls there – South, North/Hilton, and Central.    Stop at exhibits that interest you but don’t stay too long because there’s always something more interesting around the next corner.

2012  CES Fact Sheet

2012 CES Fun Facts

Pre-Press Events and Shuttle Service

2012 CES  Venues and Map

2012 CES Super Sessions

Greetings CES Attendees.  Here’s a list from CES of several of the official events happening during the conference.  Note that in addition to these there are many private parties, blogger events, and more.  Some of those are kept secret while some are listed at CESPartylist.com and, in a and soon at  the more comprehensive list we try to maintain here at Technology Report.

Most of those blogger, press, and special parties require invitations so it’s often best to contact folks before or during the conference to make sure you can get into an event.   Also note that some of the best events are “hospitality suites” held after “pitches” by the big players.  These large business sponsors will invite everyone attending their “pitch” event to enjoy drinks and food.

Generally, even if you *should* be allowed into an event you’ll have hassles if you are not on the pre-approved lists, but note that some of the events below appear to be open to all attendees such as the Tweetup and Tao wrap up CES party on Friday.

PDF of the following events at CES 2012 is HERE

PMDA Awards Ceremony and After Party
7:30 p.m. Monday, January 9
ARIA, Haze Nightclub

The PhotoImaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMDA),
For information or tickets, contact Michelle Tramantano at michelle@pmda.com.

The 2012 CES Hot Stuff Awards
5 p.m. Tuesday, January 10
Winners Announced Online at www.Stuff.tv
10 most desirable, most exciting and most innovative products to launch at 2012 CES.  Stuff at Stuff.TV
about the 2012 CES Hot Stuff Awards.

Mark of Excellence Awards Reception
5-6 p.m. Tuesday January 10
LVCC, South Hall 1, CEPro@CES
The Mark of Excellence Supplier Awards are joining the International CES
Innovations Design and Engineering Awards program! This new and exciting
announcement allows you to increase your product’s exposure, recognition
and prestige. The Innovations Awards program recognizes the most
innovative consumer electronics products in the industry’s hottest product
categories and has become a hallmark for the best designed products in
consumer technology. The Mark of Excellence System Integrator Awards will
resume in 2012 and will culminate with the announcement of the winners
at the 2013 International CES in Las Vegas, but you don’t have to wait until
2013 to celebrate! There will be a reception in honor of the 2011 Mark of
Excellence System Integrator fi nalists and winners during the 2012 CES.

SportsNation
2 p.m. Wednesday, January 11
LVCC, Central Hall, ESPN 3D Booth #13632
Watch Emmy Award-winning SportsNation live as it becomes ESPN’s first

studio program to be telecast in 3D! The show provides an off-beat look
at sports, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and weaves pop culture into a
fast-paced hour like no other.

CES Tweet Up
4-7 p.m. Wednesday, January 11
Las Vegas Hilton, SpaceQuest Lounge
Twitter followers and friends are invited to meet the CES Social Media Team
and other members of our online community at the Offi cial CES Tweet Up.
Meet social media mavens, talk tech and enjoy drink specials. Follow at @
intlCES for more information.

The 2012 What HI-FI?
Sound and Vision Stars of CES
5 p.m. Winners Announced
Wednesday, January 11
The Venetian, Tower Suite 29-326
The 2012 CES sees the launch of Stars of CES – a new Awards scheme
from the world’s leading home entertainment buyer’s guide, showcasing
the music- and movie-boosting heroes – of the world’s greatest tech show.
Centered on the audio exhibits in The Venetian, Stars of CES will highlight
the show’s most impressive debuts – from the latest high-tech streaming
solutions to the very best in traditional hi-fi and AV. Potential Stars of CES
winners don’t need a big booth to impress our expert judges – just a superb
new product launched at The Venetian Tower of the 2012 International
CES, which our global readership of enthusiasts is waiting to be excited by.
Leaders in Technology Dinner
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 11
Wynn Las Vegas, Lafite Ballroom
By Invitation Only
The most distinguished event at CES, the Leaders in Technology (LIT)
Dinner attracts 500 of the most influential industry leaders, including
executive-level government representatives and policy makers.

MashBash
7 p.m. Wednesday, January 11
Mirage, 1 0AK Night Club
The MashBash at CES will be celebrating the best of digital – from the
Mashable Awards winners to the trends and companies joining Mashable
at CES.The MashBash will bring together the Mashable community,
industry leaders and digital infl uencers from the biggest technology and
consumer electronic brands.
From awards programs to tweet ups and everything in between, CES has something for everyone.
Take a look at the awards

Developer University at CES

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, January 12
LVCC, South Hall Connector, Room S228
Want to know what’s happening in the app world? Attend the first ever
Developer University at CES event brought to you by the Consumer Electronics
Association (CEA)®. Hear directly from product manufacturers and
developers about their platforms, developer tools, sdks, APIs and developer
programs. Sessions will be broken down topically by TV apps, device APIs,
third-party API, web apps, desktop apps, mobile apps and more. Registration
is free but you must RSVP by December 30 in order to secure your
space. Learn more about the event and presenting companies at www.
CESweb.org/events/devu.asp.
Last Gadget Standing
10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 12
LVCC, North Hall, Room N255
A perennial attendee favorite, Last Gadget Standing challenges contenders to
give the product demo of their lives. At stake: bragging rights as the product
“most likely to change the face of technology.” See all the winners strut their
stuff in this inventive, fast-paced competition. Guest emcees Gary Dell’Abate
and Jon Hein from the Howard Stern Show will host the event.

CNET Best of CES Awards
11 a.m. Winners Announced, Thursday, January 12
LVCC, South Hall 3 Lobby
CNET hosts the official Best of CES Awards live on the show floor. A team
of expert editors scour the International CES to find the most buzz-worthy,
category-defining, innovative, and promising products at the show.

Mobile Apps Showdown
12:30 p.m. Thursday, January 12
LVCC, North Hall, Room N255
Are you ready for a showdown? Pit your mobile app against the competition
during the Mobile Apps Showdown at 2012 CES! Apps producers will have
two minutes to demo their app, and an applause-o-meter will measure audience
enthusiasm to determine the winners. Judges will select 10 finalists
for the apps competition, which will take place live at the 2012 CES and
online. Two winners will be selected, one based on a live vote at the 2012
CES and the other based on online voters at the site.

CES Edition of Friday Night Fights
1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 12
LVCC, Central Hall, ESPN 3D Booth #13632
Let’s get ready to rumble! Join ESPN 3D for the best seat in the house during
Top Rank boxing matches staged live on the show floor. This event will
also be telecast live on ESPN 3D.

IAWTV Awards
6-8 p.m. Thursday, January 12
The Venetian, Level 2, Venetian Showroom
The International Academy of Web Television (IAWTV) will hold its inaugural
IAWTV Awards at the 2012 International CES. The Awards will serve as an
annual event, and will be the first award show within the industry to be
presented by content creators for content creators. For its inaugural gala,
the IAWTV Awards will consist of 33 categories honoring web series and
talent, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards
6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:30 p.m. Dinner
Thursday, January 12
The Venetian, Level 4, Delfino 4101
Launched in 1948, The Technology and Engineering Emmy® Awards honor
development and innovation in broadcast technology and recognize companies,
organizations and individuals for breakthroughs in technology that
have a significant effect on television engineering. The Emmy Awards will
be presented at the International CES for the sixth year in a row. For ticket
and sponsorship information, contact Lauren Saverine at 212-484-9440 or
by email at lsaverine@emmyonline.tv.
TAO: The Official CES Closing Party
10-11 p.m. Friday, January 13
The Venetian, TAO Nightclub*
Join us at one of Vegas’ hottest nightclubs, TAO, for the Official CES Closing
Party on the last night of CES, Friday, January 13. Enjoy expedited access
into the night club and an exclusive wristband for service to their well open
bar from 10-11 p.m. For bottle service/table reservations in advance, email
Bob.Shindelar@taogroup.com.
* All guests must be 21+ w/ ID and compliant with dress code for admission.

LeVar Burton and Joe Duck (Hunkins)

Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

CES 2012 – Celebrity watching!

One of the cool parts of the CES experience are the celebrities who appear at the show in both officially as representatives for companies or informally as technophiles. I’m a big fan of LeVar Burton’s work in Star Trek as well as the PBS “Reading Rainbow” series I used to watch with my kids, so it was great to meet him in person at a blogger party during CES 2010. Brent Spiner was also at the excellent “It Won’t Stay in Vegas” party thrown every year by the Parnassus Group. http://parnassusgroup.com/

This year at CES 2012 there will be