CEA Applauds Obama Administration’s Move to Challenge China on Rare Earth Restrictions

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today applauded the Obama Administration on its plan to challenge China on rare earth minerals at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Since 2010, rare earth commodity prices have risen sharply when China took actions to control its supply, which represents more than 90 percent of global demand.

“CEA today welcomes the Obama Administration's announcement that it will challenge China at the WTO,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "If China wants to be a world player in trade, it needs to behave like one. For far too long our member companies, particularly small companies manufacturing here in the United States have been bearing the cost burden of China's unfair practices. We welcome this move and the goal of diversifying the sources of these important minerals used in consumer electronics products.”

CEA Objects to California Energy Commission Move to Regulate Consumer Electronics

Innovation, Not Regulation is Making Consumer Electronics More Efficient

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Arlington, Va., Mar. 14, 2012 - The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® strongly objects to the California Energy Commission (CEC) announced plans for a new round of regulatory standards for consumer electronics products including computers, displays, game consoles, imaging equipment, servers and set-top boxes.
“California should not distinguish itself as the enemy of innovation. We continue to be concerned about how regulations are being justified and supported by the California Energy Commission,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “The CEC’s approach, which focuses on setting artificial limits on consumer products, threatens to stifle innovation and economic growth within an industry already on the vanguard of energy efficiency. CEA supports programs defining energy usage consistently and conveying such information to consumers.
“Moreover, we embrace and sell the majority of products certified as meeting the voluntary standards of ENERGY STAR. Our nation’s need for innovation in leading areas like IT, the Internet, the cloud, entertainment and broadband may be threatened by technology mandates based on flawed justifications, as we have witnessed in three CEC rulemakings to date. We urge the state to work with us on proven approaches to sustainability, such as encouraging innovation in the field of eCycling, meeting green product standards, and educating policymakers and consumers alike on energy efficiency trends and savings opportunities.”
           

Keynotes from Qualcomm, Mercedes and Intel and Major Innovation Launch 2012 International CES

Las Vegas, Nevada, January 11, 2012 – Major product launches from more than 3,100 exhibitors and keynotes from the leaders of Qualcomm, Mercedes and Intel launched the 2012 International CES on Tuesday. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, the 2012 International CES, the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology, runs through Friday, January 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, delivered a State of the CE Industry address Tuesday morning. Shapiro projected that the U.S. consumer electronics industry will increase by 3.7 percent in 2012, exceeding $202 billion, and global spending on consumer technology devices will surpass $1 trillion in 2012. Shapiro cited innovation as the key to global industry and economic growth. "The cause of innovation is closely linked to the most important issue of our day – the health of the global economy,” said Shapiro. "We can't escape the news that many countries face tough economic times from government over-spending. These nations have three options for recovery: raise taxes, cut spending or grow the economy. Of these three, growth is the best path. Growth is the quest and it comes only from innovation.”

Ford First to Enable iHeartRadio App Inside the Car Using Voice Control

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Ford is first to launch iHeartRadio app with voice control using SYNC® AppLink™
• The new iHeartRadio, Clear Channel's industry-leading digital radio service, delivers more than 800 of the nation's most popular live broadcast and digital-only stations, plus user-created custom stations – all in one fully integrated service
• The SYNC-enabled iHeartRadio app is now available for download from the iTunes App Store and BlackBerry App World; it's coming soon to the Android Market
• iHeartRadio is the sixth app for SYNC AppLink that Ford is launching at the 2012 International CES
• iHeartRadio is one of the first broadcast radio apps to connect listeners through a native in-car system to Facebook Timeline

Ford (NYSE: F) today announced it is the first automobile company to give drivers easy in-car access to the popular iHeartRadio app using voice control through Ford SYNC® AppLink™.

The new iHeartRadio, Clear Channel Radio's industry-leading digital radio service, brings users a best-in-class customizable digital listening experience that combines the best of both worlds to deliver everything listeners want in one free, fully integrated service: more than 800 of the nation's most popular live broadcast and digital-only radio stations from 150 cities, plus user-created custom stations, which provide listeners more songs, better music intelligence, more user control and deeper social media integration.

Vuzix Wins Two Awards and Debuts SMART Glasses Technology at Consumer Electronics Show

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vuzix Corporation (TSX-V: VZX, OTC:BB: VUZI, FMB: V7X), award-winning manufacturer of video eyewear, announced today that it has won two innovation awards at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) the first for an advanced 3D capable pair of Video Eyewear, and the second for a new monocular see through HMD for the Industrial Augmented Reality solutions.

Vuzix is also showing its Augmented Reality (AR) and Mobile Video Eyewear Offerings, using the latest Wrap series Video Eyewear and maxReality software. Also being shown is the Wrap 1200 3D Mobile Video Eyewear with HDMI connectivity using the new HDMI Power Pak. The HDMI Power Pak allows for hours of operation with mobile devices like the Android phones and home HDMI sources alike.

CES 2012: PriceGrabber® Launches Local Deals Mobile Application DealGrabber for iPhone®, Allowing Consumers to Find the Best Deals on Daily Offers in Their Area

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PriceGrabber®, a part of Experian®, is making it easier and more convenient for consumers to find local deals in their area with DealGrabber, a new mobile application specifically dedicated to the local deals category, deals.pricegrabber.com. DealGrabber is available free of charge in the Apple® iTunes® store and is an excellent way for consumers to browse thousands of deals in their area from a variety of local deal Websites, including Groupon®, LivingSocial®, Restaurant.com®, Eversave®, Gilt City™ and many more. With more than 10,000 downloads already, the DealGrabber app has quickly become a go-to shopping app.

Instead of sorting through cluttered inboxes filled with daily deal emails, consumers are now able to efficiently sort through thousands of deals in one place. The app makes it easy to browse for deals using a map view, a list view or a hybrid of both. In addition, users can view detailed information like category, price, value, location and expiration date. Shoppers also can get their friends in on the fun and share their favorite deals on Facebook®.

XtremeMac Unveils InCharge Duo, X3 and X5 at CES 2012

Oakdale, MN – XtremeMac, a leading designer and manufacturer of accessories and audio solutions for Apple devices, is thrilled to unveil three new charging docks – InCharge Duo Plus, InCharge X3 and InCharge X5. Each multi-dock charger provides 10 watts per dock for quick and efficient simultaneous charging any combination of iPod, iPhone or iPad – up to five at a time with InCharge X5 charger. XtremeMac charging stations are perfect for the individual or a whole family of Apple devices.

 

MMT Intros Mobile Display for Apple Devices, Smart Phones, Tablets and Notebooks

Innovative Design Encases Apple’s iPad2 and works with other Mobile Devices

LAS VEGAS, Nev. and BOSTON, Mass. - CES 2012 - Mobile Monitor Technologies (MMT), innovator and maker of the world’s first mobile display, introduced a product at the CES 2012 Showstoppers Media Event that extends the share, work, and watch capabilities of portable displays beyond notebooks and PCs, across the universe of mobile devices.

Monitor2Go is a 15.6” LCD LED-backlit display that redefines the entire mobile monitor category. Monitor2Go boasts a 1600x900 HD+ screen that not only extends the displays of USB enabled notebooks and PCs, it also mirrors the displays of Apple devices (iPad, iPhone and iPod) and HDMI compatible smart phones and tablets, as well as carries, protects, and locks the iPad2.

“Our Field Monitor Pro, which launched and defined the world’s portable display category, was a huge success for business professionals and consumers alike,” said Larry Pensack, President of MMT. “It is used widely for business applications and general multi-tasking, while many also enjoy it for larger screen viewing of movies, videos, and photos. Now, Monitor2Go adds those benefits, and more, to mobile devices.”

Mimoco Expands Product Line at CES with Co-Branded MIMOMICRO™ Card Readers & Drives

Mimoco's New Versatile Miniature Storage Devices Feature a Sculpted Vehicle and Characters in Star Wars™ and DC Universe™ Form  

(Las Vegas, January 10, 2012) - Mimoco (www.mimoco.com), renowned makers of the MIMOBOT® line of character-based designer USB flash drives, has unveiled a new product line of fashionable personal data storage devices called MIMOMICRO™. The MIMOMICRO™ product line can best be described as a smaller, more versatile evolution of the MIMOBOT® collection. Not only can MIMOMICRO™ be used as a USB flash drive with interchangeable microSD memory cards, but it also functions as a microSD card reader to transport data between mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, digital cameras, and mp3 players to one's computer.

MIMOMICRO™ boasts three dimensional sculpted characters and the first in a series of vehicles. MIMOMICRO's cap-free design with flip-out USB plug also includes a built-in keychain and LED indicator light. Measuring a mere 1.6" H x 1.0" W in its compact form factor, MIMOMICRO™ lives up to its name.

2012 International CES Opens with Record Number of Exhibitors

More than 3,100 Companies Showcase Latest Innovations at World's Largest Consumer Technology Tradeshow; Microsoft's Ballmer Delivers Pre-CES Keynote  
 

Las Vegas, Nevada, January 10, 2012 – The 2012 International CES® opened its doors today featuring a record number of exhibitors, more than 3,100 companies on a show floor that will exceed 1.85 million net square feet of exhibit space. Pre-show media events with innovative product launches kicked off the 2012 CES, with cutting-edge products including ultrabooks, voice and gesture-based technologies, smartphones and OLED TVs. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association, the 2012 International CES, the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology, opens today and runs through Friday, January 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"With more than 3,100 companies showcasing more than 20,000 new products, the 2012 International CES is the world's largest hub for consumer technology innovation," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "The pre-show media events, which drew record numbers, created tremendous buzz as the world awaits the next generation of technology that is launching here at CES this week. From ultrabooks to digital health products to connected TVs, the innovation at the 2012 CES will be nothing short of amazing, as attendees witness ground-breaking products spanning one of the largest show floors in CES history.”

VIZIO Announces New CinemaWide and Theater 3D HDTVs that Deliver Award-Winn​ing Immersive Cinematic and 3D Experience​s

Irvine, CA and (CES) Las Vegas, Nevada - January 10, 2012 - VIZIO, announces the introduction of the first CinemaWide™ HDTVs with Theater 3D and VIZIO Internet Apps® (V.I.A.). The very first in the North American market with an ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio, CinemaWide HDTVs are the ultimate display for cinema enthusiasts to enjoy films as they were created for the movie theater, in the CinemaScope 2.35:1 aspect ratio without the black bars as seen on conventional HDTVs.

This uncompromising cinematic experience allows CinemaWide viewers to see each frame of the movie as the director intended, for a more immersive 2D and 3D movie and gaming experience at home. In addition, CinemaWide HDTVs feature V.I.A. functionality with the unique ability to allow users to view apps side-by-side with full-size and full HD resolution 16:9 programming."VIZIO CinemaWide provides the most accurate, broadest canvas for me to paint my film's vision," said award-winning cinematographer, Mauro Fiore, ASC. "Finally my films can be seen at home the way they were intended - in 21:9 aspect ratio."

Three CinemaWide sets are being introduced - the 50-inch XVT3D500CM, the 58-inch XVT3D580CM and the 71-inch XVT3D710CM. Each of these products will be on display at VIZIO's private showcase at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas during the Consumer Electronics Show, January 10 - 13, 2012.

"One of our most exciting introductions this year is our new CinemaWide HDTVs, which are a dream come true for movie lovers seeking that truly immersive theater experience which is only possible on a 21:9 aspect ratio display," said John Schindler, VIZIO VP of Product Management. "Our perception is that consumers will immediately embrace the CinemaWide concept as soon as they experience it for themselves, not only because it enhances their enjoyment of films and games, but because it also enables them to simultaneously enjoy VIZIO Internet Apps without compromise to 16:9 content."

Newer Technology Announces GripStand Station for Centralized Storage, Charging, and Syncing of Up to Eight Apple iPads

Companion Product to NuGuard GripStand Offers Convenient, Plug and Play Solution for Classroom, Office, Retail, Healthcare, and Other Multiple iPad User Environments

Las Vegas, NV — Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech®) http://www.newertech.com, the leading developer of PC, Macintosh®, iPod®, iPhone®, and iPad® performance upgrades and accessories, today announced the GripStand™ Station, the Plug and Play storage, charging and syncing solution for technologically savvy classroom, office, retail, healthcare, and other multiple iPad user environments. Designed specifically for use with NuGuard® GripStand 2 and GripStand protective iPad cases (sold separately), the GripStand Station allows iPad tablets to slide easily and securely into one of eight bays to store, charge and sync. The new, made in the USA GripStand Station and other unique Newer Technology products will be demonstrated in Other World Computing’s booth #5231, LVCC North Hall, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which begins tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Easy to Use for All Ages iPad users of all ages will find GripStand Station easy to use. Simply slide a NuGuard GripStand protected iPad into one of the eight bays until it connects to the installed Apple® Certified Dock Connector. Embedded cable channels on the back of the unit cleanly route the USB charging cables to protect them from bending, pinching or accidental removal and/or tangling. To begin charging, users simply connect the dock cables to the factory supplied iPad power adapter.

Stores Multiple iPads Securely in Minimal Footprint The GripStand Station's small footprint makes it easy to set up on a desktop, shelving unit or any other horizontal surface. Constructed from 100 percent recycled plastic, the unit is highly durable while non-skid rubber feet make sure it stays put. For added stability, pre-drilled anchor points enable the GripStand Station to be securely mounted to a flat horizontal surface or to additional GripStand Stations when stacked with included anchoring hardware. To prevent unauthorized iPad use or theft, an optional stainless steel security bar and boron-carbide four-dial combination/keyed padlock are available.

2012 International CES on Track to be Best in CES History

Every Major Tech Company at CES as Innovations Abound
 
Arlington, Virginia
With more than 100 products introduced at the CES Unveiled event last night and press day opening today, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® announces that the 2012 International CES will be the association’s second largest show in history when show floor opens on Tuesday. For a sneak peek at the show floor before it opens, visit CES’s YouTube channel and for a look at the innovation from CES Unveiled, click here.

The 1.851 million net square feet of show floor will open tomorrow, as more than 2,700 companies debut the next generation of innovative products across all sectors of the consumer electronics industry. The 2011 show welcomed 149,529 technology attendees and spanned more than 1.6 million net square feet of exhibit space. The largest CES was in 2008, with a record-breaking 1.857 million net square feet of exhibit space.

Consumer Health and Wellness Solutions are the Real Hot Topics of CES

Products and Solutions Designed to Help Consumers Expected to be Just as Popular as Tables, Smartphones and 3C TVs

Las Vegas - As an expected 200,000 attendees converge in Las Vegas for the 2012 International CES, products and solutions designed to help consumers manage their health and wellness are also expected to top the list of what's hot, according to the Digital Health Summit.

"Consumers drive the growth of most industries and there is no more appropriate industry than digital health that needs the power of the consumer behind it, not only to improve their own health but hopefully improve the healthcare system," said Jill Gilbert, Digital Health Summit Co-producer. "With consumer health and wellness apps now one of the top three growing categories in mobile apps, products and solutions developed to help consumers manage their health are just as popular and dare we say, more important, than some of the more commonly hyped consumer electronics and technologies."

Started in response to the incredible growth of the digital health category and growing interest to showcase the products, technologies and services that sit at the convergence of technology and healthcare, the Digital Health Summit has become one of the more popular summit's held in conjunction with CES. And, thanks to last year's over 300% growth in attendance, with standing room only and lines out the door, this year's Digital Health Summit is a two-day event.

"We are excited about this year's event because in expanding the scope to two days, it has allowed us to properly grow it to a venue that would cover all the topics that span this massively important umbrella which is Digital Health," said Gilbert. The Digital Health Summit and Exhibition is presented by Living in Digital Times, producer of the following summits and exhibitions addressing all lifestyles: Silvers Summit, Fitness Tech Summit, HigherEd Tech Summit, Kids@Play Summit, MommyTech Summit, Mobile Apps Showdown, and Last Gadget Standing.

For more information on speakers and panels visit the final agenda.
For more updates and news from the Digital Health Summit follow on Twitter at twitter.com/dhsummit

COINCIDENT ANNOUNCES SCREENSYNC TV TECHNOLOGY

New Solution Allows Companies To Create Interactive Experiences For Viewers That Synchronize Their Tablets With Shows They Are Watching On Their Televisions LAS VEGAS, 2012 International CES – January 9, 2012 – Coincident - the San Francisco-based technology company that powers the video web - today announced ScreenSync TV, a proprietary new technology that enables video providers such as cable companies, broadcast networks, content partners and technology companies to engage television viewers in an experience on a tablet that is complimentary to, and synchronized with, a television show they are watching. The ScreenSync TV technology makes it possible for companies to build deeply interactive viewing experiences such as offering bonus videos and photo galleries, serving-up relevant games and quizzes and sparking comments and conversation via popular social networks. Additionally, businesses can generate revenues by delivering more engaging advertisements or offering viewers the ability to shop for things they see on the show.   ScreenSync TV is unique in that it offers direct, synchronized control between a tablet and television set, allowing users to avoid the often problematic automatic content recognition feature embedded within competitive products in the marketplace. The solution provides enormous advantages to content owners, increasing viewer engagement, time spent viewing and transactions. For TV viewers, ScreenSync TV offers unprecedented access to contextual information as well as the ability to navigate through video experiences and always return to where they left off in their television show.  “ScreenSync TV is the future for video infrastructure providers, both with the companion app capability and with supplying the cloud-based systems that deliver the ancillary content,” said David Kaiser, Coincident founder and CEO. “We are currently engaging in talks with potential partners and expect full solutions for consumers powered by ScreenSync TV later this year.”  Coincident is offering demos of ScreenSync TV in a private suite at the Aria during the 2012 International CES. For additional information, please visit: www.coincident.tv. About Coincident: Coincident powers the video web with technology that enables content creators and distributors to easily design, manage and measure interactive video experiences across all digital platforms and on devices including TV’s, tablets, phones, consoles and set-top boxes. Nominated for an Emmy in 2010 for the Glee Superfan experience, the company was founded by an accomplished team of software executives, engineers and content producers. Coincident is based in San Francisco with regional offices in Los Angeles and New York.

Verbatim’s New Store ‘n’ Go Micro USB Drive Plus Delivers Rugged Portable Storage

Verbatim’s ruggedized Store ‘n’ Go Micro USB Drive Plus offers go anywhere storage in a compact size Complete line of storage solutions showcased during CES 2012

Las Vegas – January 9, 2012 – Verbatim, the global leader in data storage technology including portable hard drives, USB flash drives, CDs, Blu-ray discs and memory cards, announces its new Store ‘n’ Go Micro USB Drive Plus, a rugged portable solution perfect for storing music, videos, school projects or photos that conveniently clips onto key chains, binders, notebooks and more.

“The new Micro USB Drive Plus is an eye-popping way of carrying files while on the go,” said Mark Rogers, Verbatim Product Manager, Flash Memory Products. “Whether you are a student, businessman, photographer or road warrior, Verbatim’s Micro USB Drive Plus is the perfect USB for you – just clip it on your key ring and carry your files with you.”

Available in several storage capacities, from 4GB-32GB, this sleek and small USB drive is compatible with all USB ports, allowing Verbatim to offer its premier storage solutions to both Mac and PC users. The ultra-compact Micro USB Drive Plus features a USB 2.0 interface with a USB connector protected by a flexible cover built to withstand rough handling and comes in multiple color options.

French company, invoxia awarded the Best of Innovations by CES 2012 for its Smart Office Phone with incredible sound quality

invoxia Press Release / Las Vegas CES 2012, 8th January 2012

With this smart and communicating phone, invoxia revolutionizes the office phone by providing the first ever device which is set to have the same impact on the landline telephone as what the iPhone has done to the mobile telephone. This Smart Office Phone replaces multiple devices at the same time, such as: the conference phone, the IP office phone and a home audio system for IOS devices in one single and complete easy to use high quality device. Thanks to its 8 speakers, its 8 microphones and it’s in Vivo Acoustic technology, it revolutionizes the sound quality of conference calls which so it is just like listening to music. Furthermore, by using the interface of IOS devices, invoxia drastically simplifies the office phone by making it more user-friendly and converging it with the mobile phone which has never been done before. By recognizing invoxia with this award, CES (Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas) celebrates how invoxia is revolutionizing professional telephones and is setting a new international benchmark for office phones.

So far VOIP has been seen as a way in which to lower costs and it is possible to integrate this into both the home and the office. However, VOIP is also a possibility to drastically improve the audio quality of conversations by taking advantage of internet resources and new infinite calculation and storage capacities. By exploiting these new possibilities, invoxia completely disrupts preconceptions of the conventional office phone by combining a new high level of sound quality with a user-friendly design.

Biscotti TV Phone Named as 2012 CES Innovations Honoree

Biscotti brings easy HD video calling to the living room, transforming any TV into a high-definition videophone. Featuring interoperability with Google video chat, users can call anyone on any device with no monthly fees. 

CES, Las Vegas – January 9, 2012 – For its cutting-edge design and innovation in the marketplace, Biscotti - the world’s first high-definition TV phone - has received the prestigious distinction of International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree.

Biscotti TV Phone, which will be shown at International CES 2012, is a single device that sits discreetly atop a TV and allows users to make high-definition calls to anyone, anywhere in the world using only their HDTV and Wi-Fi. Biscotti can make free calls to other Biscotti, and to any computer, iPhone, iPad or Android device supporting Google video chat, including Gmail and Google Apps accounts. Thanks to Biscotti’s unique ability to pass through video from cable or satellite boxes, users can receive calls while watching TV – all without the need to switch inputs.

MartinLoganMotion® SLM Offers Low-Profile Power

The slimmest MartinLogan speaker ever features a multitude of install options and will change the perception of what is possible from a low-profile speaker. 

Las Vegas, NV – International CES 2012 – January 10-13 –Venetian 30-335 – MartinLogan, the world’s leader in electrostatic speakertechnology, proudly announces the slender Motion SLM, a wall-hanging or freestanding LCR speaker that is powerful enough to stand alone and detailed enoughto be used in conjunction with floor standing MartinLogan speakers. The newestfrom MartinLogan’s award-winning Motion Series line, the Motion SLM feature sdual four-inch, ultra-slim fiber cone woofers and dual four-inch high-velocity passive bass radiators, paired with a Folded Motion™ tweeter – all in anultra-slim profile designed expressly for super-thin TVs. 

Slim enough to complement the thinnest wall-mounted HD displays and even projection screens, the Motion SLM steps in whereunderpowered, unnatural sounding TV speakers fall short. The secret to theMotion SLM's larger-than-its-size performance is the dual ultra-slim fiber conewoofers and high-velocity passive bass radiators, which provide maximumcontrolled low-end bass extension from an ultra-slim profile combined with theadvanced resolution Folded Motion tweeter. The high-gloss black SLM cabinet isonly 1.45-inches thin, for a total wall protrusion of 1.83-inches when usedwith magnetic grille and included wall mount bracket. 

Consumer Reports: Five Trends to Watch for at CES 2012

Expect Thinner and Lighter Devices; More Cloud Content, Higher High-res Images

YONKERS, N.Y., Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Reports today announced its list of trends to watch for at The 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show, which gets underway this week in Las Vegas. The full article can be found at www.ConsumerReports.org.

CES offers an annual preview of the technologies that could come to consumers' homes, cars, or pockets in the near future.

Key trends that Consumer Reports will be following across the show's many categories and products include:

• Thinner yet stronger. In just about every category, hardware will be getting thinner—and likely lighter, with a bigger screen and beefier processor. The prime example: more examples of so-called ultrabooks, 11- to 14-inches thin and light laptops 
• More cloud connections. As in a greater multiplicity of options to store—or pull down-- content or applications stored on remote servers to mobile devices, including cars. 
• More computing power in just about everything. In phones, that will mean the first models with quad-core processors, but also expect more and faster processors in appliances, cars, and even toys. More voice activation. 
• More phones are likely to ramp up their voice activation, and also expect to see TVs that allow users to simply say the show they want to watch and more apps to let consumers use smart phones or tablets to control their TV, home, or car. 
• Less 3D, more enhancements to 2D. Three-dimensional imaging was arguably the technology of the 2011 CES. It will still be ubiquitous this year, including more demos of 3D TVs that don't require those geeky glasses. But the buzz will probably be more about new ways to deliver better 2D images, including 4K super-high resolution TV sets. 

"This year's CES promises to introduce products and services that allow easier access to content as well as some notable enhancements to make that content better, notably in in visual quality," said Paul Reynolds, Consumer Reports' Electronics Editor.

In addition to ultrabooks, he added, the hot categories at the show promise to include tablet computers, smart phones, and automotive electronics.