CES – Consumer Electronics Show
If it runs on electricity or batteries and an individual might buy it, it’s at CES. Also, if it attaches to one of these gizmos, it too will probably be represented at the show.
I know you didn’t ask for a CES news translator and it’s a fair question to take if you should even care about the overwhelming amount of information, marketing hyperbole and blatant vaporware that streams out of Las Vegas this time every year. Well maybe you shouldn’t care. Do we really need incentives to up our consumption? Some people get involved in the next great gadget or trend because their job/business depends on it. For others it’s just an interesting and dynamic topic or current event like knowing who the next hot band is or best selling author. And finally, there is a big chunk of people that for them, all this latest, greatest, shinny tech goodness is a guilty pleasure. They like to be teased about what could be, what they really need and how much better life would be with one of those gizmos. I used to be in all 3 groups
, that is why I will be a good CES News Translator.
A man walks into a bar and asks “hey, what’s the big thing going on at CES this year?” Your response: “It’s all about wearable technology” The other patrons nod their head in agreement
and appreciation for your succinct insight. All except one malcontent who slurs that he has been way ahead of 
the curve and proudly displays his beeper on his belt.
Wearable technology can be glasses that have computers built in that let you search the internet with your voice, take a picture with it’s built in camera and show you your web pages on a tiny display on your glasses only you can see. This is not a new CES announcement, this is Google Glass and has been out in the world for almost a year. But because of these kind of high profile efforts, LOTS of companies want to be in wearable technology category. Other popular examples of this tech are; smartwatches that connect to your phone, have GPS and monitor your heart rate. Fitness bands (bracelets) that measure walking/running and how you sleep, calories you burn and more. There are lots of other examples of wearable technology. Companies who already have products in this market will be showing their new and improved versions. Newcomers will either be trying to best the established competitor with a spin that makes them better or going after a niche segment they feel is not being served.
OK how about something fun from CES? This is from a company that really launched the “personal drone” category a few CESs back the company is called Parrot. One of them can clime walls and roll across the ceiling – how cool is that? You control them with your phone.
Gee Wiz fact – At CES, you can’t buy the cool stuff you see. They would like to take your order but you are not walking out with the latest cool toy.