International Consumer Electronics Show

The City of Sin was once again the host to the world’s largest gathering of consumer technology—the 35th annual Consumer Electronics Show. The idea is to give individual players in the consumer electronics industry a forum to do business, forge partnerships, and meet innovators from all over while showcasing their latest gadgets, as well as expanding and strengthening the industry as a whole. From entertainment companies to computer giants, vendors trotted from around the globe to share their wares at the Las Vegas Convention Center. From next-generation wireless phones and changeable cell phone plates available in every color under the sun to computer handhelds, this year’s CES allowed consumers a glimpse of the bright and dynamic future of workstyle and lifestyle technologies.

To kick off the electronic freak’s four-day wet dream come true, keynote addresses were given by two PC-industry leaders: Intel’s CEO and President, Craig Barrett, and Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect (That would be CSA.—MAX), Bill Gates. Barrett outlined his vision of the evolving role of the PC in consumers’ lives first as “a stand-alone device that has now become the core of the central nervous system for the entertainment system of the home,” aided by the popular Blue Man Group theatrical troupe. On the other hand, Gates focused his message on the concept of “extreme entertainment” and the digital lifestyle, unveiling Microsoft’s new XBOX gaming console. The industry knows what you, the consumer wants: products that are all digital, simple to use and inexpensive with total data synchronization, a human interface and input, and the ability for future upgrades. Sounds simple, right? But having to cover 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space only translates to one thing: a crapload of new products you can ooh and ahh over. Whether or not these products meet all the requirements listed above is one thing, but they definitely provided a lot of eye-candy.

The super tradeshow also addressed a topic near and dear to us MAXsters’ hearts—the future of automotive technology. The panelists of the Digital Car Revolution Supersession featured four of the industry’s top executives: David Acton of General Motors/OnStar; Patrick Lavelle of Audiovox Electronics; Jack Withrow of Daimler/Chrysler; and Albert Wong of Clarion. Discussing the impact of today’s technologies on consumers’ lives, and possible applications not yet realized by both the OEM and aftermarket automotive industries, the panel also identified key technologies and applications that could explode onto the automotive consumer market within the next five years. Among those listed were satellite radio and television, telematics, location-based e-commerce, and advanced obstacle detection and safety applications.

As for the 12-volt stuff you want to see here and now, you can bet your Hippo lighter that companies such as Audiobahn, Xtant, Pioneer, Blaupunkt, Alpine, Kicker, JL Audio, and Jensen were present to introduce the various subwoofers, head units, amps, and cables that will inundate the car audio market in the months to come. We’ve put our heads together and picked 20 products which we think will knock your socks off (Or not.—MAX). Until next year’s event, and without further adieu, welcome to the MAX world of mobile electronics.