Consumer Electronics Show Features Tablet Computers, Smart Phones

The latest electronic devices are being unveiled this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Thursday through Sunday. Among the hottest gadgets at the annual trade show are tablet computers, which will compete with Apple’s successful iPad.

The show will see the launch of more than 20,000 products, and Sarah Myers of the Consumer Electronics Association says portable tablet computers are generating interest at this year’s CES, or Consumer Electronics Show.

“We are expecting more than 80 tablets launched just this week at CES.  And I think that reinforces that consumers really want a portable experience.  They want to be able to take their information, their technology, wherever they go.  We’re also going to see a lot in the way of smart phones,” Myers said.

At the other end of the spectrum are new large-screen three-dimensional television sets, new glasses for viewing the 3-D sets, and some sets that need no glasses. “We’re also going to see a lot in the way of smart TVs, which means the connected TV, Internet-connected technology for your television, which means really the television is becoming your computer,” she noted.

There are smart appliances, including energy-efficient washing machines and refrigerators.

Many devices will be multifunctional, including new entertainment and electronic systems for vehicles and the hand-held guidance system for hikers from the Eton Corporation.

“It’sgoing feature an AM-FM radio, and then it has what we call the ABC’s of outdoors.  So it has an altimeter, a chronograph, it can show you the temperature,” said Lindsay Gropper, who added that it meets many needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

It also has a compass, barometer, and flashlight, a solar-powered battery to keep it charged and a bottle opener.

There are also low-tech devices on the exhibit floor, like a combined cover and stand for an Apple iPad from the Joby company, and a flexible stand for the iPad or Apple iPhone.  

Joby’s Scott Ellis says product launches get attention at this show. “Which is why we actually brought these two products that we’re launching today at CES.  We think it’s a great forum for really unveiling new products,” he said.

But one industry giant, Apple, does not launch products here. Creator of the popular iPad and iPhone, Apple has opened up markets that many other companies hope to compete in.