07 January 2009

The Consumer Electronics Show must go on

Taking place on 7th January in Las Vegas, the annual Consumer Electronics Show is expected to showcase some of 2009's top gadgets. Despite the recent economic downturn, a large attendance is expected from interested individuals and businesses alike - who are seeking innovative products that might just provide them with the cost-cutting solutions they crave.

In 2008, the total attendance for the popular event was 140,000; and despite the effects of the economic downturn, the Consumer Electronics Show for 2009 is expecting to attract a similar crowd of around 130,000. In all, across the exhibition space of 1.7m, there will be more than 2,700 companies displaying their products.

The opening keynote has in previous years been delivered by Microsoft founder Bill Gates; however, the show in 2009 will be opened by Microsoft chief executive, Steve Ballmer. In light of the expected layoffs within the Microsoft team, the head of the Consumer Electronics Association, Gary Shapiro, predicts the technology industry will survive the latest downturn, considering they have managed to do so on many occasions in the past.

His case is perhaps helped by the fact that businesses who spearhead their industry are constantly on the look-out for the latest technological advances - whether it be in the form of hardware or software - which can help improve and change how their business operates. This is most often in the form of reducing any unnecessary workload for their employees.

As with every year at the Consumer Electronics Show, there are always a number of themes that are likely to dominate and win over the crowd. This year, those products created with sustainable development in mind are one particular focus, as companies attempt to place more effort into tackling green issues.

However, the most popular products are those related to using the internet on the move - making mobile technology a specifically strong focus for 2009. In this respect, products in the form of mobile video and broadcast technologies for cars should prove popular. New technologies that have been designed with the intention of making familiar products easier to use could also prove to be popular - which could mean good things for productivity.

In addition, display technologies have consistently made popular appearances at the Consumer Electronics Show, with many Organic LED screens expected to be on display in 2009.

In the face of current economic problems, you can still expect to see innovative technological developments at this year's Consumer Electronics Show - many of which could have a positive impact on today's struggling businesses.

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