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.”