Technology and innovation represent the best hope for our economy, which means the International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, has special value. With some 20,000 new products launched at each CES, we see firsthand the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.   

The array of technologies on display at CES, including many innovations in home appliances, is truly astounding. When CES first opened its doors in 1967, phonographs, radios, and televisions were the devices attendees flocked to see. The 2010 CES features 30 categories of CE technologies.

Televisions will be larger, thinner, and more interactive than ever, with new ways to manage, view and “sling” content. Not only are TVs going interactive, but they are three dimensional, too. 3D TV looks to be huge at this year’s show with a focus on the use of 3D glasses. And innovation is spreading from the living room to the kitchen. From refrigerators that automatically update your shopping list when items run low to broadband-enabled appliances to smart grids that tell the clothes washer when electricity is cheapest, the next generation of technology is improving lives at home. Visitors to the new Smart Home display at CES will not only see televisions inside, but also the next generation of appliances and building products for homes of the future.

For the first time in its history, CES will have a dedicated area for all things “i.” The iLounge Pavilion will feature the hottest iPod, iPhone, and Mac related products and technologies. As companies seek to leverage the success of products like the iPhone and Palm Pre, we should see major announcements coming from the mobile phone sector.

Beyond the phone, CES will be the place to see the latest in other portable devices. Netbooks, a rapidly evolving segment of mobile computing that blurs the lines between laptops and smart phones, will be front and center with a dedicated Netbooks TechZone at the 2010 CES. And there’s no need to read between the lines when it comes to eBooks, a device that allows consumers to carry thousands of books, newspapers and other media at their fingertips. Our eBooks TechZone will feature the most advanced products and services in this category.

And 2010 is really just the beginning for applications design and engineering. The app is emerging as a preferred way for consumers to access and interact with content anywhere at any time. This will be a huge trend across the 2010 CES show floor, with an all new Mobile Apps Showdown that allows our exhibitors to duke it out to claim the title of the Best Mobile App at CES. We are also hosting our 33rd annual CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards program that honors outstanding design and engineering in 36 consumer electronics categories, including home appliances and home networking. Last year we had some incredible innovation come from these categories, such as the LG Steam Laundry Pair: a top of the line steam laundry system featuring an industry-first allergen-reducing cycle, and Samsung’s 29 cu. ft French Door Refrigerator with 7-in. LCD screen.

CES will also offer a twist on the traditional exhibit space with our Living in Digital Times Spotlight. This dedicated area will focus exclusively on technology relevant to consumers’ lifestyles. Attendees can experience The Digital Health Summit, with its focus on consumer-based digital health and wellness devices; HigherEd Tech, geared toward trends, products and services for students; Kids@Play, focused on technology for kids; Mommy Tech, designed to empower moms with technology; and finally, Silvers Summit, showcasing products and services that keep boomers engaged, entertained, connected, and healthy.

Another huge trend is green technology, as evidenced by Regen’s win at this year’s iStage competition for their ReNu solar energy system. Consumers are looking for more from their devices on the go and they need new power that can keep up with those demands. Green technology will be on display at this year’s Sustainable Planet TechZone.

As in the past, expect CES to emerge as the platform for new products that were once just figments of one’s imagination.