The world’s largest trade show gets underway next week in Las Vegas, and odds are that wireless technology will permeate everything from cars to cameras on the show floor. In addition, we’ll see new innovation in traditional mobile devices:
Hybrids Tablets that sport a detachable keyboard are often called hybrids since they can function as a tablet or a laptop. These are expected to be big again this year, now that Windows 8 has started to bridge the gap between PC operating systems and mobile operating systems. Microsoft may release the long-awaited Surface Proo at CES, and it will probably not be the only Windows 8 Pro tablet there – others are already on the market.
Smartphones from Asia LG, ZTE and Huawei are expected to have new smartphones to show off next week. Look for a quad-core, Android 5.0 offering from LG, an Android 4.0, HSPA+ phone from ZTE (the Grand X) and two oversized smartphones from Huawei, plus a 4-inch Windows 8 handset. Apple does not attend CES, and several of its strongest competitors have taken to staging their own press events when its time to introduce a new smartphone. And with the mobile industry’s biggest trade show, Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress, right around the corner, some device makers will save their biggest announcements for February.
Wireless charging and NFC Nokia led the charge last year with its introduction of the wireless charging for its Lumia phones, and this year other companies are expected to follow suit with wireless charging devices that are likely to double as mini-sound systems. NFC (near field communication) chips will show up on several of the TVs debuting at CES, enabling them to share content with mobile devices.
Connected TVs The big screens are expected to hog the spotlight this year, as TV sets from Samsung, Westinghouse, LG and others showcase content sharing, digital streaming and enhanced gaming capabilities. LG will introduce two Google TV sets that will include voice search capabilities.
Smart cars and cameras The automotive industry is showing up at CES in record numbers this year, with seven automakers slated to attend: Audi, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia and Subaru. And Polaroid is back: The company says it will unveil an Android powered camera at CES.
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