The Next Big Thing

Android powered TVs, wireless streaming of your personal media content and super-cheap tablets for education are some of the big stars at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.

TV of the future has arrived (where’s my hovercar?).  The TVs at CES this year were packed with features for connectivity, streaming, 3D and super-thin.  They nearly disappear when viewed from the side.  Clearly these are meant to be wall mounted works of art integrated into your decor.  No longer will the TV be a necessary floor-hogging monster.  These are sleek and beautiful even when off.  They encourage being left on with a screen saver picture.

Save your pennies, the must-have item on this year’s Christmas list will be TV.

If you got an upgraded snazzy new smartphone or tablet for Christmas, here are the next great free apps; Shazam Player, Path and NBA Game.  Path is the new Social Media app that is intended for only those in your closest inner circle.  Path logs where you go, what you do, what you listen to, when you sleep and wake (I hope without pics) and generally can reconstruct your entire life day by day.  Clearly not information you want to share casually.  In fact, if you use this app, be sure to download and use a strong antivirus and wipe/recover software in case you lose your phone or it is stolen.

If you aren’t tech-savvy, make friends with a geek.  Your home is going connected soon.

Gadget Roundup

I love music.  The right song can lift you up from the lowest mood and inspire you when stuck at work.  But, there is no way that any set of earphones is worth $300.  I think the slim, light up cool factor of the Soul by Ludacris earphones is great and the sound may be superior, but $300?? With a national unemployment rate around 10%?  No way.  Please vote with your wallets and say no to this excess.  Expensive earphones do not make you money even if you are in the music business.  Great sound can be had for much less.

Love this slideshow on the coolest, almost Bond-like tech coming in 2012.  Samsung has a smartphone that is part tablet and LG presents a mouse that doubles as a scanner.  Pardon me if I take a pass at the personal 3D viewers.  By completely covering vision and hearing, this device is potentially a  public hazard.  Many will not use it wisely.  And, no, I will not pay for designer 3D glasses.  $300 and more to watch a movie at home?  Not happening.

But Sony shows once again that they are at the top of the cool list with the world’s thinnest camera, the Cyber-Shot TX55.  Thin, touch screen and 3D photos.  What more could you want? Maybe a Star Trek replicator or transporter to keep the food and transportation costs down so you can enjoy your tech.

Take your pick for holiday giving.  Or receiving.