As bad as I want to go to CES 2012 this year, alas, I cannot. But, here’s a brief description of what is expected this year at the international innovation show.
Some 2,700 companies are expected to fill up the over 1.8 million square feet of show space to demonstrate their contribution to next-generation innovations. Although a closed show, over 140,000 tech executives and 5,000 reporters will be on hand to review the latest offerings and give the general public (us) a glimpse of what is to come.
Some of the bigger expectations this year include Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system. Microsoft will also be showing off the new Xbox720, which allegedly will boast better Kinect integration as well as better graphics, and the ability to run Windows 8.
Also expected is a large turnout of what are now called “ultrabooks”. These are thin, lightweight notebook computers that typically have long battery life and SSD hard drive technology. Kind of reminds me of the Apple MacBook Air.
Last, but likely the biggest displays at the show, will be the unveiling of extra-large televisions. Sharp, Sony, LG, and others are revealing these super-big displays this year, with some featuring sizes in the 80-inch class.
Super-thin organic LED televisions in large sizes are still in the $5,000-plus range, but such innovation drives the price down on smaller sizes like 32”-47”. Some 70-inch class models are even getting below $2,000 as a result.
CES 2012 starts Tuesday, January 10. Expectations are not as high this year for any unusually new technology, but the excitement remains for the show itself and for the innovations that have not yet been revealed.