The biggest consumer electronics event of the year is about to start. And while certain major companies won't be there (we're talking to you, Microsoft and Apple), those that are will be showing off some exciting new gadgets, including 4K TVs, touchscreen displays, and next-generation smartphones and tablets. Here's what we're expecting, based on what we've seen so far.
Expect to see Razer showing off the new Sabertooth controller at CES. And expect it to be awesome. The Sabertooth, our first Must-have game controller, features six customizable buttons, an embedded display with multiple profiles, and super comfortable ergonomics.
LG's next-generation smart TVs have almost no bezel, a built-in webcam for Skype calling, a 240 Hz refresh rate. But the competition won't be sitting still. Expect new smart TVs from just about every major manufacturer.
Expect to see Razer showing off the new Sabertooth controller at CES. And expect it to be awesome. The Sabertooth, our first Must-have game controller, features six customizable buttons, an embedded display with multiple profiles, and super comfortable ergonomics.
LG's next-generation smart TVs have almost no bezel, a built-in webcam for Skype calling, a 240 Hz refresh rate. But the competition won't be sitting still. Expect new smart TVs from just about every major manufacturer.
If Bluetooth speakers aren't yet mainstream products, this year's CES is sure to change that. In addition to this JBL model, we've already seen new entrants from iHome, soundmatters, and others. With more options available at all pricing levels, there's never been a better time to look for the right speaker to pair with your smartphone or tablet.
More low-priced Android tablets will make their debut at CES this year, challenging budget leaders like the Asus Nexus 7 and Amazon Kindle Fire. Velocity Micro's new 10-inch tablets will start at $199, and will ship with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
While the market for kids' tablets hasn't exactly taken off -- most kids want a real iPad or Nexus like mom and dad instead of an underpowered, primary-colored clunker -- that hasn't stopped companies from launching new ones. The latest is this Polaroid-branded model with protective rubber bumpers, Android 4.0, and a $149 price tag.
There's no shortage of tiny Android PCs designed to bring the world of apps to your TV. But most require a keyboard or mouse (often wired), which makes them less useful for gaming and video apps. Archos' TV Touch Remote, which comes with the company's TV Connect box, seems like a better option, with multitouch emulation, gaming controls, and dedicated buttons for standard Android functions.
Will 2013 be the year of the Chromebox? Samsung has given last year's model a facelift, but the specs are still the same, and the price (in the UK, at least, where the product was first announced) still seems too high for a basic, cloud-based PC. But if more manufacturers join the Chromebox party and bring prices down and specs up, Google's boxes could start showing up in schools, libraries -- and next to your TV.
Also from Samsung: The latest addition to the company's NX interchangeable-lens compact camera series includes the ability to shoot in 3D. While earlier 3D cameras have bombed, most of those used two-lens systems, while Samsung's new model uses a single lens that can shoot both stills and video in 2D and 3D. With 3D TVs now common, expect more 3D gear from other companies at CES.