As usual, the 2011 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) was not short on surprises. Gadget gurus from all over the world showed up to get a sneak peak at what the leading corporations in the world of technology will be debuting in the upcoming year. Among the numerous and varied products and concepts showcased at the event from over 2700 international companies, three stood out as particularly groundbreaking:
• RIM's Playbook
Move over Apple, a new tablet's in town. Or at least that's the buzz amongst analysts who are watching the Playbook, a tablet produced by RIM, a manufacturer famous for its Blackberry. Although most agree that Apple will probably still have the leading spot for this market, at the very least, it's going to have to give up some of its revenue to competitors hoping to one-up the groundbreaking iPad, and there were no shortage of them at this year's CES. One of the features that makes the Playbook stand out, though, is that it is perfectly compatible with the Blackberry, and in a world where compatibility is key, this is going to be a big selling point for Blackberry users. It will also support Flash applications, something that the iPad is incapable of. Apple will not take the Playbook's offensive strike lying down however; it plans to maintain its momentum by unveiling an iPad 2 (and possibly 3) sometime this year.
• 3D Innovation
The big 3, Panasonic, LG, and Samsung are all hoping to emerge as the leader in the newest 3D technology by promising eye-popping visuals without the silly glasses. Nintendo has a similar game plan with their launch of the 3DS which could not only offer gamers a more realistic playing experience, but rumor has it that a potential agreement with the film industry might enable 3DS users to view new releases in 3D right from their handheld.
• Corning's Gorilla Glass
Corning, a rookie at the Consumer Electronic Show, broadened its scope by stepping in to the world of techno-gadgets such as Smartphones and iPads. It's new "gorilla glass" used as display screens on these devices shattered expectations with its unmatchable durability. The demo booth at the show featured samples of Gorilla Glass, and spectators were encouraged to try their best to scratch or smudge the glass in an effort to prove its durability. Perhaps the biggest surprise from Corning was its announcement that it plans to maneuver itself into the automobile industry by shaping its glass into windshields and windows for new car models. Despite its name, gorilla glass is actually very lightweight, making it a viable competitor for car companies hoping to produce smaller, more environmentally friendly vehicles.
Up and Coming
The 2011 CES definitely brought the wow factor, and one can only imagine what may be up the sleeves of techno-giants in the next five years. With the new emphasis on 3D, perhaps we will see moves to make the film-viewing experience even more realistic - with smells perhaps? Believe it or not, IBM already has a concept in the works, though it's a long way from production. The idea's a little creepy to me, especially when I try to imagine just what smells might be emanating from my TV set during a viewing of say, Shrek or Dawn of the Dead? Not to mention that this could be a slippery sensory slope-what's next, taste, touch? Why not a device that transports us right into the action of the movie-talk about choose your own adventure! It sounds crazy, but after the buzz resulting from this year's CES, it might just become a reality after all.
Kevin Futura writes about future technology based upon current emerging tech and discoveries and inventions researchers are making on a daily basis.
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