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Q4 Is Open Source Software a Viable Alternative? 133

So
what? New from CES 2014

What’s new in hardware? It’s the Consumer Electronics Show
(CES) held in Las Vegas every January: 3200 vendors, 50,000
exhibitors, 150,000 hardware-gawking-attendees whipped to
frenzy by loud music, screaming video, and hyperventilating
media. It’s a show that only Las Vegas can do!
What’s hot this year? How about:
1. Curved Ultra HD TVs: New TV developments are a perennial
CES favorite. Why? Everyone watches TV and hardware geeks
are prime buyers, spending big money for the latest gee-whiz
features. Computers have taken resolution from SDTV (Standard
Definition Television) to HDTV (High Definition Television) to Source: Koya979/Fotolia
the new UHDTV (Ultra High Definition Television).
UHDTVs display 4K (2160p) and 8K (4320p). That’s 4 times
to 16 times more pixels than your current HDTV. They can also
have curved screens that provide better viewing for everyone
in the room. Want to show 4K of the latest of whatever you do?
Pick up the $2,000 4K Sony camcorder, and watch you and duration and automatically syncs with your smartphone. The
your friends in full 4K glory! Kolibree points out weaknesses in your brushing routine and
2. Wearables: Wearable computing devices are in with the can give you summaries of your family’s brushing habits. And it’s
geeks! This year, Pebble Steel Smartwatch was a monster hit. not ethical to pay your little sister to run your brush.
It’s a smartwatch that looks dumb, like a regular watch. The Other smart devices at CES 2014 included 94Fifty’s
Razer Nabu wristband combines the features of fitness bands basketball, the Babolat Play Pure Drive’s tennis racket, the
(like Basis Band, Fitbit One, and Nike FuelBand) with those Impakt Protective’s Shockbox football helmet, and a litany
of a smartwatch. There’s even Voyce, a smart dog collar that of smart devices for your home. Wanna compare brushing
records your dog’s heart rate, activity, and calories burned. Sit habits, baby?
on the couch, eat chips, and check Fido’s health from Voyce
dog trend data! (You had to be there.) Questions
3. 3D Printers: You think AllRoad is the only company thinking
about 3D printing? No way: 3D printing has moved out of the 1. What trends do you see pushing innovation in televisions?
domain of techies, hobbyists, and specialized manufacturers. Why are these important to consumers?
Today’s 3D devices are not the small, high-cost, difficult-to- 2. Why has there been such emphasis placed on wearable
use-correctly devices of yesterday. The Makerbot Replicator is computing devices?
reliable, easy to use, and user friendly. At $2,899, you can print 3. Why are 3D printers a potentially disruptive technology to
objects up to 9.9 x 7.8 x 5.9 inches. The ability to print parts manufacturing?
quickly, easily, and cheaply will broadly affect innovation,
manufacturing, supply chains, and your personal life. Move 4. How could inexpensive 3D printers affect innovation,
over, AllRoad! prototyping, and new product development?
4. Internet of Things: At CES, everything (except the consumer?) 5. How many things in your house could you print with a 3D
is smart. That means everyday objects contain sensors, have printer? Could a personal 3D printer affect your purchases?
network connectivity, and talk to each other. Need a connected 6. What other devices do you think could benefit from becoming
toothbrush? The Kolibree records your brushing start time and “smart” devices? Why?