Wireless is the word for 2005
I'm just back from the massive Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where last week more than 2,400 manufacturers showed off the latest gadgets and technologies that will hit computers and electronics stores over the next year.
According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the hot technologies to watch in 2005 include media servers that deliver multimedia throughout the home; portable entertainment devices such as palm-size personal video recorders; smart kitchen devices; and online gaming and electronics embedded in cars that will download movies, games, and TV shows to your ride wirelessly.
Not surprisingly, the electronics industry is a big booster of HDTV. If you have money to burn and lots of room, you'll have a new lineup of pricey, eye-popping, flat-panel displays to choose from this year. Samsung dropped jaws at CES with an 80-inch model. LG's monster 71-inch MW-71PY10 will be available for a mere $50,000 later this year.
There was also some buzz at the show about "ultrawideband" technology. One rep described it as "Bluetooth on steroids." It's a short-range networking technology that's enabling wireless USB and wireless Firewire with the goal of reducing the tangle of cables consumers are currently juggling. Products that work via ultrawideband are currently in development.
Here's a roundup of some of the more interesting hardware and services that debuted, some now shipping, others expected out later this year, pricing to be announced.
Digital imaging
Kodak introduced the EasyShare One, a four-megapixel, WiFi-enabled digital camera that's meant to share as well as take photos. The back of the camera swivels out to reveal a 3-inch touch screen that lets you show off your photo collection on the move. The company says it'll store up to 1,500 photos. Expected to ship in June, the camera will go for $599, the WiFi card for $99.
Video
If you've been salivating over those tiny camcorders with the flip-out screens, good news. There will be more models to choose from in 2005. Several companies announced new tapeless units that will take still photos, record MPEG-4 video, and offer extras such as voice recording or MP3 playback. Sanyo's VPC-C4 can record up to an hour of DVD-quality video onto an optional 1GB SD memory card. Sony's upped the ante in its Handycam line, adding the ability to record in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Five new models ranging in price from $600 to $1,000 should show up by the spring.
Home Tech
Attention couch potatoes: The Spherex RX2 Media Chair ($1,599) features a 5.1 Surround Sound system embedded into the frame of the chair for gaming, viewing movies, and kicking back to listen to tunes.
Portable entertainment
Sony, which announced plans last year for the Play Station Portable, claims it will hit shelves in the United States in March. In addition to games, the PSP plays digital music and movies and has been touted as a possible iPod killer.
Sony's new digital Walkman, the NW-HD3 ($350), is expected to ship next month. It plays MP3 and ATRAC3/ATRAC3plus formats and the company says it will store up to "13,000 four-minute songs recorded at 48 KBPS." It connects via USB 2.0 and, of course, works with Sony's Connect online music store.
Streaming media
Philips showed a demo of its new Wireless Music Center (WACS700), a stylish system that can stream audio to up to five satellite stations from a base station. It can convert CDs into MP3 format and includes a 40GB hard disk for storage of up to 750 CDs. You can set it to stream the same music to the satellite stations or different selections. Expected to ship in April, the WACS700 will cost $999.
Satellite radio
Designed by Porsche and Eton Corp., two XM satellite radio receivers turned heads at CES with their sleek metallic design and top-notch sound. The line consists of the P7131, a desktop unit that includes a subwoofer, and the P7132, a portable unit with a backlit LCD. Sanyo's also offering a receiver, with an eye-catching design. The Sirius CRSR1-10 sports interchangeable faceplates as well as an FM transmitter.
Car tech
Pioneer's new multimedia center, the AVH-P5700DVD, has a 6.5-inch motorized touch screen; DVD, CD, and MP3 playback; iPod controls; and is XM or Sirius capable via an add-on. It's designed to replace an existing car radio and comes with a detachable face for security. Expected to ship in March, suggested retail is $1,200.
Michelle Johnson is a freelance writer. She can be reached at mijohn@mail-me.com.
