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.