Now that the huge Consumer Electronics Show is over, it’s time to review the most important new products and announcements. In a departure from my usual IT Project failures fare, I spoke with Canada’s Sun News Network about CES 2012 highlights.
Here’s that video report:
Although not actually in Las Vegas, I followed certain announcements carefully. In response to a question about innovation, I referred to this show as being an “extension year” rather than a blockbuster hit: the products displayed enhance existing ideas but did not introduce new categories that will change our world.
Mirrorless cameras were one area of genuine interest. Manufacturers such as Fujifilm, Sony,Canon, and others discussed existing products and plans for cameras that combine high-quality image sensors into small bodies. Unlike traditional digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, these new designs use an electronic viewer finder instead of a large prism and mirror to display the subject when taking a photo. This technology enables the manufacturers to reduce the size and weight of cameras and lenses by a substantial amount.
Also read:
Nikon Rumors
Photo Rumors
Mirrorless Rumors
Fuji Rumors
Sony Alpha Rumors
For serious photographers, the important innovation is using a large sensor inside these mirrorless designs and building high quality interchangeable lenses. Although cell phones and ordinary point-and-shoot cameras are also mirrorless, the sensors are small and the lenses are fixed. The new cameras will likely disrupt the DSLR market during the new few years.
This was Microsoft’s last year as a CES headliner. When asked whether Microsoft’s departure is significant, I responded, “Eh, is Microsoft still relevant.” What do you think?
(Cross-posted @ Between the Lines Blog RSS | ZDNet)
Is Microsoft still relevant? I would answer a resounding: Yes. Is Microsoft still relevant to CES, and is CES relevant to Microsoft…probably not. I couldn’t agree with your overall sentiments more though. This year’s CES was about evolution of existing technology rather than revolutionary technologies. That’s okay with me, we can’t reinvent the wheel every year right? I mean, I would have loved to have gotten a peek at the new generation of gaming consoles, but otherwise it was a great show. My favorite announcement was actually from my employer, DISH. I (like a lot of other customers) have been hoping that DISH would come out with a whole home DVR for a while now. It’s been the only thing missing in a great lineup of technology. And now that the Hopper is on the horizon, well, it looks to be a big evolutionary step in DVR technology. The PrimeTime Anytime feature is a intriguing concept. The ability to record the four major broadcast networks every night during primetime, automatically, while leaving two tuners free to record other programs is brilliant. I would estimate that’s going to resolve 75% or more of my scheduling conflicts right there.