What's Next
By:Dylan Rompf
The world of technology is an amazing place that fascinates millions. Early in January, the latest update to this world was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show 2008, or CES. The show is held annually every January at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Everything from the latest cell phone to ultra high-definition, flat screen TV’s almost capable of being pinned to your wall with a thumbtack were debuted. Companies spared no expense to get their product out either, with many paying millions of dollars for their booth alone. Its sole purpose is to attract casual passerby’s attention for long enough to draw them in. This show was designed to challenge companies to develop the latest and greatest technologies and systems to be available to the public in the near future, so what can we expect this year?
Many new gadgets and gizmos were on display, but there were a few that caught the eyes of many. One of these was the Motorola ROKR E8 cell phone and mp3 player. Part of the main attractions to the phone is its revolutionary keypad that shows only relevant buttons for the application in use. Taking a picture? Zoom, capture, flash, and other camera buttons are easily accessible and virtually impossible to confuse with cell phone or mp3 functions while they’re hidden from view. This phone would certainly have an easy learning curve for the less tech-savvy people out there.
Also coming to a store near you, eventually anyway, is the Bug Labs “lego gadget.” This device is an open-ended handheld with different attachments to allow camera, mp3, LCD screen, even GPS. The device allows the users to program to their own specifications and will have a website to allow third party applications to be downloaded through a computer. The total freedom of the device allows for a multitude of functions and even combinations of functions, for example, how useful would a GPS enabled digital camera be?
CES is annually one of the most exciting conventions to benefit the future. Established in 1967 in New York, it has since brought many staples into our society. Remember the VCR? It was first seen at the 1970 CES convention in Las Vegas. The CD player, Camcorder, and even HDTV (high definition Television) was first seen at the CES trade show. CES will continue to bring the latest gadgets, home theatre, and technology to your home for years to come, all you have to do is wait.
