2012 International CES Sum-up Day 1

This week is already proving to be a big one with the start of a weeklong geek and gadget fest in Las Vegas at the 2012 International CES. The annual tech-stravaganza takes over the Las Vegas Convention Center and beyond for 5 days, filling our inboxes to the brim and giving consumers a chance to get their hands on the latest and greatest on everything from new televisions and computer tech to internet connected baby scales.

So instead of typing my fingers to the bone with each new press release, handout and booth babe accosting, we’ll try to give a quick paragraph to any stand-outs brought to our attention for the day. This page may be updated throughout the day, so reload a little later to see what you’ve been missing. Even though the show doesn’t officially begin until tomorrow, there’s plenty to talk about today.

That’s Trillion, With a T

The trade organization responsible for all this hoopla, The Concusmer Electronics Association, announced this morning that an estimated 20,000 new products are expected to be announced this week alone. That’s an average of 4,000 a day, from one very small city. Steve Koenig, CEA’s Director of Industry Analysis, expects much of the new growth in consumer electronics won’t come from the states: “this will be countered by strong growth in Latin America and the APAC region”.

Powered by key market drivers, smartphones and tablets (including 50 new ones expected to be introduced this week) Consumer spending on CE devices is expected to exceed $1 trillion in 2012. That’s 1/15 of our national debt folks.

VIZIO Courts the PC World

VIZIO, best known for their LCD HD TVs, has announced their entrance into the personal computing market. Part of their push into the V.I.A. (VIZIO Internet Apps) ecosystem is an integrated home theater experience that links branded TVs, Blu-Ray players, tablets and now desktop and laptop systems. Matt McRae, VIZIO CTO: “PCs are often associated with productivity and the workplace, routinely lacking the excitement that would be expected with what and how consumers want to use their PCs today – as an extension of their entertainment experience. VIZIO wanted to change that. Our new line of VIZIO PCs are truly high quality and consumer focused, delivering enhanced multimedia capabilities while upholding our high standards of performance, style and design.”

I’m not certain I agree with his outlook on PCs of today, but being an early adopter and having been involved in the HTPC revolution from way back, it’s hard to agree that my computers have been all work and no play.

Initial specs are unavailable, save for several Windows 7 based systems including 2 all-in-one computers, a standard notebook model and two thin + light model notebooks.

Finally, an Internet Baby Scale

From the “Someone actually asked for this product” department, French start-up Withings unveiled the world’s first internet connected baby and toddler scale. Amazingly, they’ve also been given the 2012 CES Innovations Award. Look, I’m not a parent, but as important as tracking a newborn’s growth is, I find it a bit excessive to want a scale and connected iTunes app with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The app is currently available, and free, but parents should expect to {gasp} manually enter their child’s weight until the Smart Baby Scale, “the next evolution in home baby and toddler weight tracking”, hits store shelves (Best Buy and Apple stores) in Q2.

Kinda Cool, Kinda Creepy

Sculpteo is launching the first 3D printing app for the iPhone. Now, of course it’s not going to to print a 3D object right from the phone, but users can take a profile shot of their face, for example, and send that up to the Sculpteo’s Cloud Engine to be printed as a physical ceramic object like a bowl, mug or vase. Users will have some manipulation options before being sent their custom keepsake.

Judging by the press images, I can’t decide if the final product is uniquely engaging or mildly disturbing. The vase in the photo has taken the profile shot and lathed it around a center axis, so that no matter which way you spin it, you always get that person’s profile. It’s not limited to human faces, only by what you can photograph with your phone. Which, come to think of it, means there are plenty of other disturbing ‘source’ images one could use.

Ew.

Flexible Storage

Verbatim has a new “why didn’t I think of that” offering in their Store ‘n’ Go Micro USB drives. The multi-color line of keyring USB drives use a unique tough, flexible flap that snaps over the drive’s contacts, effectively protecting it from dust, moisture and pocket lint. Starting at $19.99 for 4gb, the svelt little drives should be available in the next few months and I gotta say, I wouldn’t mind having one myself.

Guitar Super Hero

Peavey Electronics, best known for their line of musical instruments and equipment, not only announced the Xport: a USB interface that converts the standard 1/4″ guitar jack to USB for PC import, but also partnered with Jack Daniels and Marvel to produce a line of licensed products. Among the Marvel line are Captain America, Iron Man and Wolverine emblazoned Peavey Rockmaster electric guitars as well as a line of accesories like straps and picks featuring Marvel characters.

Frankly, the artwork isn’t much different than a guitarist who’s put a few stickers on his axe, but if it were, say, a Star Wars branded line, I would probably be tempted to have one just for the novelty of it, cuz I aint no Jimmy Hendrix.