Often called the Super Bowl for tech lovers, the International Consumer Electronics Show has been the launching pad for some of the most sought-after gadgets over the last decade.
On Tuesday, the 2012 edition of this electronics bonanza opened in Las Vegas. Tech expert Marc Saltzman was there as one of the 140,000 attendees expected to be at the largest trade show in the Americas.
"There's some great technology -- some awesome stuff here," Saltzman told CTV's Canada AM on Tuesday.
Innovative trends and gadgets are in no short supply at CES.
From light, portable laptops to Smart TVs -- one of the major stars of this year's show -- consumers will soon see new products on the market that are more powerful and offer greater portability.
Here are four trends that are making big news:
The future of TV
The saying at this year's CES is "Thin is in." Many ultra-thin products will be featured, including the next generation of slimmed-down televisions.
Saltzman says today's new TVs are getting smarter and are able to do more.
The TV quality is also getting better, he says.
One the newest TVs attracting considerable attention CES is Sony's "Crystal" LED TV.
Sony's prototype Crystal has six million LEDs that are mounted to the front of the panel.
"That gives you contrast like you've never seen before," said Saltzman.
The Sony prototype also gives a wider colour gamut and faster motion.
"It's 10 times faster in response times, which is important in gaming and sports," said Saltzman.
Wireless connectivity
The Seagate GoFlex Satellite hard drive allows users to connect to it using all sorts of devices. It then lets those different gadgets view content saved on the hard drive.
"This wireless portable hard drive can stream three different high-definition movies to three different devices at the same time," said Saltzman.
"So, imagine you're on a road trip. Everybody's got a different phone or tablet. Maybe one is an Android, maybe one is an iPhone or a BlackBerry. It will stream three different movies to three different devices simultaneously," he said.
The device can fit 300 movies. It also works with music and photos, Saltzman added.
Gaming
Gaming is always a big theme at CES. But this year, gaming is getting more mobile and easier to use, according to Saltzman.
The PlayStation Vita highlights this new trend.
"This next generation hand-held video game system delivers console-like graphics and control in your hand," said Saltzman.
The PlayStation Vita allows consumers to play a game five different ways. For example, consumers can use the touch screen on the front or the touch screen on the back.
They can also use the regular key pads on the device or just tilt the device in certain directions, said Saltzman.
The PlayStation Vita allows consumers to download intense games like Call of Duty, which gamers usually play at home, and not loose any of the quality or gaming action.
The Vita will be released on Feb. 22 at an estimated price of $249.
One final note: Gaming devices are also becoming more social media friendly. This new generation of devices can play games and be used with social media apps.
Ultrabooks
The "Ultrabooks" featured at this year's CES represent a new breed of laptops that are thinner and faster.
There are approximately 75 new Ultrabooks on display at the 2012 CES. These thinner laptops have a longer running time when running from a battery charge. They also have no DVD player. That's just a sign of the times, said Saltzman.
"We're moving away from buying DVDs and moving towards a future where things are saved in ‘clouds' or where you watch your videos online," he said.
One Ultrabook to note is the HP Envy 14 Spectre. Set to launch in February for approximately $1,300, the Envy 14 is just 2 millimetres in width.
"If you tap a smartphone on it you can exchange information. You can also wirelessly send audio to four different devices at the same time," Saltzman said.
