CES 2013 Press Day
January 7, 2013, CES, Las Vegas—Press day at CES is a chance for exhibitors to capture some members of the press for a while, and make a pitch about their latest and greatest new gadgets. This event is an opportunity to package a message and put new releases into some perspective, in an environment more conducive to prepackaging than on the show floor.
Bosch talked about in-house electronics—appliances, security, energy management, environmental controls, lighting—solar energy, and automotive products. They emphasized their green credentials in all areas. The solar PV offerings include consumer financing options for systems that include Li-Ion storage. Environmental products include heat pumps and solar water heaters. Appliances are becoming connected as are all of the other interior products.
Casio is making a move into digital signage with some changes to their earlier stand-up silhouette products. Now the displays are just talking heads that use text-to-speech conversion and have animated mouths. They also announced some projection systems that can combine two images from separate projectors into a single image, and an optical correction system that allows projection on to curved surfaces.
FujiFilm had some production glitches during their presentation, which gave the sense that they didn’t practice enough for the big deal. Their main exhibit was a retro-styled viewfinder camera. They claim the latest cameras offer improved optical and operational performance. The aspheric, interchangeable lenses offer an interesting solution to smudges on the sensor, the sensor is in the lens.
Hisense released a number of TV displays with the requisite UHD offerings in 50-110 inch screens. They also showed off some short throw projectors and more “smart” products. Their new tablets can now talk to their smart appliances and air conditioner through a power-line communications hub.
LG didn’t understand the basic function of press day. The alternatives are to get a big room and allow everyone in, or a small room and restrict attendance to invitation-only guests. Someone in their events planning group tried open access in a small room, and over 1,000 press people were shut out, not even allowed to listen from the hallway. The only clear message they sent out is that they don’t really want to be involved with the press.
Samsung showed more TVs, under the banner of discover the world of possible. Multi-screen products and apps enable a smarter home, with connected appliances and the other usual suspects. As a result of the increasing content, they think the connected, interactive home needs total management through al devices. The desire for better navigation and discovery will be addressed by more intuitive interfaces, like gestures and voice. A smart hub and refined user interfaces allow search across all channels and sources. One nice feature is upgradable modules. Instead of buying another new TV, you can replace the control electronics module to get the latest generation features. A smart refrigerator can have a section be a refrigerator or a freezer under user control. In other areas, they offered a single lens 3-D camera for stills and movies.
Sharp mentioned some technology initiatives in addition to the plethora of new TVs. Partially due to their poor financial position they have joined with and got some invest from Qualcomm. One different technology is a change from amorphous silicon for the TFTs in LCD screens to a Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide. This synthesized material has better electrical characteristics and possibly lower manufacturing costs, both good for a company leading the charge in the race to the bottom in prices. Another tidbit is that they are the first flat panel manufacturer to move to Gen 10 glass, 100 square feet in size. The glass is a special from Corning with a high anneal point to handle the IGZO processing. New features for the new displays include integrated WiFi and the ability in some models to be used a digital picture frame in wallpaper mode.
Voxx, the maker of RCA, Acoustic Research, and Audiovox brands presented smart phone accessory speakers with NFC pairing, wireless speakers, and headphones. They also showed some RCA wallplate USB chargers, and a nightlight USB charger. A clock radio included a gesture-activated light. The Audiovox unit showed a number of interesting automotive after-market accessories.
