By: iPadfanzz staff at January 6, 2013
This year’s biggest technology conference will showcase some of the best technology and gadgets that turn everyday items into connected, smarter machines. At the 2013 International CES, which will be held from January 8-11 in Las Vegas, there will be hundreds of companies peddling thousands of products, ranging from Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, LG, and longtime tech stalwarts such as Intel and Hewlett-Packard.
Besides products, the consumers will also take a look at the new trends you can pick out trends that will help set the tone for the rest of the year in the technology world. Just take a look back into 2012 and you might remember hearing a lot about connected TVs, ultrabook laptops and Android and Windows 8 tablets.
The 2013 CES will be hosted at a record 1.87 million square feet (170,000 square meters) of exhibit space, with some 3,000 exhibitors displaying gadgets for digital health, connected cars, smart home devices and a broad array of communications and entertainment gear. Attendance is likely to be the same as previous year’s record 156,000.
While for the bigger companies, all that is important is the narrative of their product launches, for smaller, newer companies, CES is invaluable. It gives them credibility by interacting with the press and potential partners all in one place. Let’s take a look at top five trends that you’ll se at CES 2013.
1. Ultra High-Definition TVs
Ultra HDTVs offer four times the resolution of HDTVs. UHDTV doubles the pixel count in both directions to 3,840 x 2,160, or four times the pixels in a 1080p signal. TV manufacturers like LG and Sony have already launched 4K sets, but CES 2013 will inevitably be their big arrival, in multiple screen sizes. Sony, LG, Westinghouse and others will be at the show with huge flat-panel TVs.
2. Smarter smartphones
Mobile phones will become smarter for your car, home and for office. In 2013, dozens of companies will be looking to do that. The new apps on your phone will extend your reach to your dashboard, such as Ford Sync and Livio Connect. Just like the Nest, using your phone to control things like lighting and heat will also see some display.
3. Wearables and other gadgets that pair with your phone
The CES 2013 is also expected to be all about the hardware devices that work with your mobile phone or tablet. A lot of speaker docks will be there. There will also be many wearable devices, like the FitBit or Jawbone Up, pair with your phone to tell you more about your fitness activity. Also do expect some smartphone watches.
4. Auto technology
Toyota and Audi have said that they plan to demonstrate their self-driving cars, and others like Ford are holding press conferences to talk more about their connected, in-dash technologies. Eight automakers will exhibit at the 2013 CES, the largest number ever, showing off "infotainment" technology, crash avoidance and other "smart" vehicle technologies.
5. Bluetooth Speakers, Lightning Connectors and Soundbars
The wireless will take the centerstage at CES 2012. The category is growing rapidly, so expect dozens of manufacturers showing wireless speakers at the show, all claiming to be convenient, fabulous looking and with amazing sound quality. There will be soundbars.