Consumer Electronics Show

 

7 great ideas from 2014 Consumer Electronics Show

A show like CES crams in a lot of technology into a short time. After taking in all of CES over four days, ET came away with these ideas: concepts that promise to change how we use and perceive technology in the near future

 

1# Fitness trackers

While existing players like Fitbit, Nike & Jawbone did not show anything new, a number of new products were announced. Most track steps and monitor sleep while a few can also track heart rate. We especially liked Garmin's Vivofit that offers a battery life of 1 year. Razer's Nabu, which has two displays and combines a smartwatch with fitness band is also impressive. Other products to look out for include LG Lifeband Touch, Sony Core and Epson Pulsense.

Smartwatches

Smartwatches seems to be the new 'in thing' — we saw several of them from various new players. Intel showed a prototype with location based notifications, ZTE announced a smartwatch that connects with your phone to show notifications. Neptune's Pine and Burg's Smartwatches work independently of a smartphone and have their own SIM slots for calls and data connectivity.

Among other launches, the SonoStar, Kreyos Meteor, Martian Notifier and smartwatches from Archos proved impressive.

2# Android will move into cars

Audi, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Google and Nvidia have formed the 'Open Automotive Alliance' to develop connected cars. Nvidia showcased Tegra powered car infotainment systems and they have been working with Google for tablets and gaming products (Nvidia Shield). Audi demoed Mobile Audi Smart Display — a 10.2-inch Android tablet for in-car use.

Hyundai announced that the Genesis will be the first vehicle with Google Glass integration. With major car makers joining tech firms with a common goal, we expect Android in cars to be a big feature of 2014.

3# Web will invade everything

Pretty soon, all new TVs will have smart features and web-connected interfaces. To make sure that owners of 'dumb' TVs don't feel left out, some innovative products have been launched. Case in point is the InAir Smart HDMI Adapter.

This tiny adapter plugs in between your set-top box and TV (using the popular HDMI interface). It overlays a display on top of your TV video feed and can show details regarding the content you are watching or you could access your social network feeds on the TV screen. The device can be controlled via a smartphone app.

 

4# TV technology will astound you

CES 2014 was a big platform for all TV makers to launch their UHD (4K) and OLED TVs. Companies like Samsung, LG and Panasonic announced an entire range of 4K & OLED TVs that will launch over the year. The shift appears to be similar to what we saw earlier — from SD (standard definition) to HD. Now 4K resolutions are set to replace HD as the future. Another aspect that saw renewed interest was smart TV interfaces.
LG showcased the WebOS based interface while Panasonic announced a new Life+ interface with face detection and information personalised to the user. This means that the next generation of televisions will not only be smarter but also much more interactive.

 

5# Toys will advance

Some toys are incorporating an incredible amount of technology. We're already fans of Parrot's AR. Drone — this year they've launched a palm sized version called the MiniDrone. It has two wheels on the side that protect it from bumps and enable wall climbing. Parrot also announced Jumping Sumo — a two-wheeled bot that can jump three feet in the air.

Another announcement was Sphero 2B — a cylindrical bot with customizsable tyres. It can move at a speed of 14 feet/second and can scoot over rough terrain without damage. All these toys are controlled by smartphones.

6# All devices will stay connected

In terms of connectivity, your smartphone, tablet, TV and even some refrigerators can connect to the Internet for information and updates. However, as the next step, we saw manufacturers aiming at making new types of devices also connect to the Internet. Qualcomm took a step in connectivity for automobiles by showcasing an Audi A3 with built in 4G LTE connectivity (using Qualcomm's Gobi chipset).
On the other hand, Liquid Image announced the Ego LS HD action camcorder with built in 4G LTE connectivity. The camcorder is capable of streaming live video over a fast 4G data connection.
Image:Liquid Image's EGO LS ,8-megapixel camera iWiFi enabled with Bluetooth for remote control use and audio capability and 4G LTE module.

7# Everything will be app controlled

The old adage 'there is an app for that' takes an all new meaning post CES 2014. No longer are apps are just to be used with accessories and toys. Thanks to a bunch of new app-controlled devices across categories, your smartphone can now control your entire universe. For starters, you can lock or unlock your home doors with smart locks that work with smartphones from Okidokeys. NetatMo Thermostat lets you set a home temperature from anywhere using your smartphone.

Belkin's WeMo cooker lets your remotely cook food from your smartphone (with notifications about how its coming along). Plus, we already have bulbs from Philips that can change hues using apps. This year, a number of other manufacturers also showcased similar app controllable bulbs.

Image:The crock-pot can be controlled remotely via a smartphone. The appliance should be available in March, a representative said.

Sony Xperia C new

Sony Xperia C

In terms of looks, Xperia C resembles the Xperia Z. Xperia C has been launched to foray into the growing segment of phablets, considering their are very few options available in this chunk.

Sony Xperia C available in three colours

The Sony Xperia C is available in three colours- Black, White and Purple. The building quality of the phone is great and the phone feels solid.

  

Comes with a 5-inch display

The Sony Xperia C comes with a 5-inch display with a resolution of 960x540 pixels- disappointing considering that you can get full HD screens in this price.
While the display has good viewing angles with natural colours, individual pixels are visible on close inspection.

Powered by 1.2Ghz quad core processor

The phone's hardware consists of 1.2Ghz quad core processor, 1GB RAM and 4GB internal storage, which is expandable.

The sony Xperia C performs great for day-to-day usage i.e. calls, web browsing and multi-media. However, the phone struggled with gaming. There were random frame drops in the Asphalt and Dead Trigger. Basic games like Subway Surfers and Angry Birds Go ran without a hitch.

Excellent camera

For photography, the 8MP rear camera takes excellent images with natural colours and good details. Noise is visible in images taked indoors, but they are still good enough for sharing with family and friends.

The full HD recording was a slight disappointment as it got choppy more than once.

Great Option in this price range

Sony Xperia C is a great option if you are looking out for branded dual SIM smartphone with premium looks without spending too much.

Sony Xperia C: Not an impressive performer

 

Sony Xperia C is a great deal. However,phone lacks elongated battery life, in case you are a heavy user. Also, the rear camera is not so impressive. Non-expandable storage is another negative point.

Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

 

Highlights from 2014 Consumer Electronics Show

The Consumer Electronics Show showcased anything and everything from drones and smart cars to remote-controlled door locks and eyewear.

The technology extravaganza that plays out each year in the glitz-laden city of Las Vegas evolved beyond the eye-popping television technology for which it is known, to serve as a stage for once-dumb devices given brains in the form of computer chips and Internet connections.

Here are some of the highlights and trends seen at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which ended on January 10, 2014...

Smartphones

If the smartphone was already the center of personal technology for many, it has now become the foundation for many innovations at the show.Apps leveraging the computing power of the smartphone and linking to the cloud were numerous.And the show saw the introduction of some powerful new "phablets," as well as bendable displays.

In pic: Attendees look at LG's new G Flex curved screen smartphone, at the LG press conference at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 2014 International CES.

Robotics

For play, work or entertainment, robotics took up an increasing amount of floor space.

Robots designed to teach children programming as well as "telepresence" robots were showcased.

In pic: WowWee's MiP, a balancing robot that can be controlled by hand motions or smartphones, carries a can of energy drink at the 2014 International CES.

Televisions

The major manufacturers showed off their biggest displays, including "ultra HD," curved screens and interactive features.

The tech and entertainment industries unveiled new partnerships to deliver high-definition content which can benefit from the format.

In pic: An attendee takes a close look at LG's 105 inch Ultra HD Oled TV, at the 2014 International CES.

The Internet of Things

A connected toothbrush, basketball and tennis racket showcased the many uses of embedded technology in everyday objects.

In pic: An attendee hits balls with a Sony bluetooth tennis racket, which is equipped with vibration and motion sensors which collect information about the player's swing speed, ball speed and spin rate and relay it to a smartphone or tablet.

 

Intuitive computing

Technology firms want to get rid of the mouse and touchpad.

New computer and gaming hardware at the show was imbued with software that recognizes gesture, voice and even eye movements as people are freed to interact with devices naturally instead of having to click on icons or use touchscreens.

In pic: Attendees wear Sony video gaming goggles in the Sony booth at the 2014 International CES.

 

Drones

Grabbing a lot of attention were a handful of exhibitors of personal drones to be used as toys, or for professional photography and cinematography.

In pic: A DJI Innovations DJI Phantom 2 Vision aerial system drone with controller (right) is shown during 'CES: Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, which is available for $1,199 and has a 14-megapixel camera on board that can shoot raw photos and 1080p video.

Automobiles

A record nine automakers were at CES, highlighting the importance of technology in the vehicle.A fully self-driving car was not part of the show, but driverless parking was demonstrated.And General Motors announced some cars would have 4G Internet connections.

In pic: Ford shows the solar-powered vehicle C-MAX Solar Energi Concept car at the 2014 International CES gadget show that offers the same performance as a plug-in hybrid.

Smart homes

Home appliance titans LG and Samsung added their might to a trend of letting people command and even exchange text messages with stoves, washing machines, vacuums and other household equipment for tending to the demands of daily life. Another new twist at the show came from makers of Internet-enabled door locks.

In pic: A PowerPot X uses thermoelectric technology to generate power for an LED light, which can charge two mobile devices at once through a USB port and will retail for about $255.00.

Wearables

From connected socks and bras to baby clothing, wearable technology with the ability to transform computing was an overriding theme at the huge electronics fair.

There was no showing of Google Glass, but other connected eyewear and apps for were prominent, as was the first-ever "wrist revolution" zone.

In pic: The Nabu, a wristband that acts like a fitness tracker but also serves up notifications, texts and emails like a smartwatch, is on display at the Razer booth at the International CES.

3D Printing

Advances in 3D printing technology on display at CES suggest this technology is ready for the masses.

Singapore-based Pirate 3D introduced its Buccaneer home printer that sells for $497.

In pic: A Bukito 3D printer creates the likeness of actor Bruce Willis at the 2014 International CES.

GUADALAJARA: THE PEARL OF THE WEST

GUADALAJARA: THE PEARL OF THE WEST

Guadalajara is the capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and the seat of the municipality of Guadalajara 

Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico and many citizens consider Guadalajara to be more of a center for Mexican culture then even Mexico City

Guadalajara Cathedral.

In colonial times, Guadalajara became the jewel of the west

Guadalajara's commercial activity is second only to Mexico City

Guadalajara is a mixture of modern and ancient

The city's economy is based on industry, especially information technology

Other, more traditional industries, such as shoes, textiles and food processing are also important contributing factors. 

Guadalajara is the 10th largest city in Latin America in terms of population, urban area and Gross Domestic Product. 

GUADALAJARA STREETS VERY CROWDED AND BUSY TRAFFIC

 

Guadalajara México Temple

Ouro Preto, City of Black Gold

Ouro Preto, City of Black Gold

Ouro Preto (from Portuguese, Black Gold) is a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Ouro Preto is one of the most popular travel destinations in Brazil. 

Ouro Preto also boasts a number of other fine churches and secular buildings such as the churches of Our Lady of the Pillar, the Rosário dos Homens Pretos, the Virgin of the Conceição, and the Virgin of Carmel.... 

However, the resources derived from mining, coupled with the talents of artists such as Aleijadinho and others, some outstanding architectural and artistic masterpieces are to be found.

Founded at the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto (Black Gold) was the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil’s golden age in the 18th century.

With the exhaustion of the gold mines in the 19th century, the city’s influence declined but many churches, bridges and fountains remain as a testimony to its past prosperity and the exceptional talent of the Baroque sculptor Aleijadinho.

This city played a leading role in Brazil's history in the 18th century. 

The town was shaped by the grouping together of small settlements (arriais) in a hilly landscape, where the houses, mostly single- or two-storeyed, seem to support one another, forming an irregular urban layout that follows the contours of the landscape. 

However, the resources derived from mining, coupled with the talents of artists such as Aleijadinho and others, some outstanding architectural and artistic masterpieces are to be found.

The Church of Saõ Francisco de Assis is considered to be a masterpiece of Brazilian architecture. 

The townscape of Ouro Preto is also noteworthy for its bridges and fountains, all blending into an urban and natural setting of great beauty.

Ancient Guatemala

Ancient Guatemala

Guatemala  is a country in Central America  

Central Park Square in Quetzaltenango

Banco de Occidente

Castillo de San Felipe de Lara: Cool Little European Style Castle

Tikal Temple V is the name given by archaeologists to one of the major pyramids at Tikal.

Laguna Petenchel - Lake near La Ponderosa, Petén

Xetulul is a beautiful award winning theme park known as the best in Central America

San Pedro Catholic Church

Seibal, known as El Ceibal in Spanish

Metropolitan Cathedral

Stella at Quirigua