CES 2012 – Day 1 Recap

This is my first time covering CES, the Consumer Electronics Show.  With so many updates coming out, I am going to comment on the ones that interest me the most.  We’ll start with what was announced in the CES – Day 1.

Vimeo expands its mobile apps to include Android and Windows phones.  While also updating iOS app to include iPad.  I’ve never used Vimeo but I know it’s becoming popular as a video uploading service.  Not on par with Youtube, but a nice alternative.

Ubuntu TV – its an operating system alternative to Windows, so only makes sense that it would eventually make its way to TV’s.

AT&T Developer Summit – they’re hyping API Platform, API Catalog, and Availability.  API Catalog will involve options for payments, U-Verse and wireless, MMS/SMS, location, device capabilities and AT&T mHealth Alpha.  Twonky seems to be copying Google TV, with a Twonky Beam Browser that will recognize all web-connected devices, like U-Verse.  AT&T is really pushing their cloud services, even offering Enterprise for the cloud.  AT&T AppCenter, self-explanatory.

Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD.  I am thinking of upgrading from my iPhone 3GS to the Skyrocket, but now they want to announced an HD version coming out this year.  I’m not sure I can wait till later in the year for this one to be released.

Samsung Galaxy Note is trying to promote itself as a cross between a smartphone/tablet/netbook.  Not sure if people will want to carry a device that small, that isn’t a phone.

HTC Titan II will be the first LTE Windows phones.  Windows phones will start incorporating Windows 8.

Vizio to start producing desktops, laptops and tablets.

Samsung to do more than just put out hardware?  Now partnering with Verizon, DirecTV, Time Warner Cable and Comcast to offer content via Samsung N Service.  It looks like TV subscribers will be able to stream content onto their Samsung devices.  Reminds me of HBO Go, except it will be device-specific.  Not bad.

Samsung unveiling their slimmed-down, lightweight Series 9 laptops, along with Series 5 Ultrabooks.  Ultrabooks look to be in competition with Apple’s Macbook Air model.

Samsung to release TV’s using their Smart Interaction Technology.  Which allows users to control the TV by using voice or hand gestures.  Also TV’s for Samsung were announced including 3D, OLED, and VERY large screens (80 inches!!).

Playstation Vita was announced, but I don’t see the point in a handheld gaming device when so many people now play games on their smartphones and tablets.

OnLive, an online gaming service, is coming with a desktop app that will be available on tablets.  So a user will have the ability to pull up a desktop on their tablet, complete with Microsoft Office programs.  The desktop will be saved on the cloud.  This will give Enterprise users the option of carrying a tablet with them instead of a laptop.  Pricing will be free 2GB cloud storage, and a premium account of $9.99/month with 50GB of storage.

Microsoft Kinect officially coming to Windows February 1st (priced at $249.99).  Kinect is the Xbox 360’s motion-detecting hardware.  I wonder how Microsoft will allow Kinect to work with Windows machines.  Desktops and laptops already come equipped with webcams.

Timdogg

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE