There were no big new technologies introduced this year, but it did more clearly define 4 trends in the convergence between technologies and the way we will communicate.

• 3D: Manufactures continue to push 3D into people’s homes, when it is not gaining traction.  There were 3D tablets, which are currently only available in China.  Good news is glasses were not required.  SONY (PlayStation) and Microsoft (XBOX 360) showed new games that are in 3D.

• Size of TVs: A TV maybe a TV, but the 60-inch screen will be a second thought a year from now.  Samsung and SHARP both showed 70 and 80-inch TVs at the show.  Expect your friend or family member who bought that 60-inch few years ago to have a 70-80 inch by next football season.

Photo by: Clair Wyant - A SMART TV presented CES

• SMART TVs/Internet Connected TVs:  Most of you already have this feature on your TV, but do not realize it. Per a YAHOO! Connected TV representative I spoke to at CES, a million are using it, out of 9 million who current have the product.  It is getting more common, and more known mainstream.The number of apps (apps like on smart phones) is rapidly expanding, so is the amount streaming media services.  Some have a Netflix button on the remote.
  Social media integration is increasing, and interactivity, such as polling, is increasing.
  Web browsing is new this year. Since most will be flash enabled, you will be able to watch your favorite illegal feed on TV without the computer hook up.
  In my opinion, this will have the biggest impact on the average consumer next few years.  This was one of many items at CES where if you saw one, you saw them all.

• Microsoft in the Cell Phone Space:  Microsoft made their final appearance at CES this year.  They were not only pushing the new Windows 8, but also their mobile operating system.  It is expanding to more phones, including Nokia.  Look for them to be a bigger player in a year.  On a side note, BlackBerry was promoting their new operating system, with an expanding apps store.  It was obvious playing catch-up, and the long-term stability of the company is still in question.

It was easy to attend CES and be amazed with the technology available these days, but how much of it do we really need? SlingBox and DISH Network showed products where you will be able to watch live TV on the go, such as your laptop or tablet.  What if you are stuck at an airport with a device low on battery power, but see few power plugs.  All that new technology sure helps!

Technology maybe a novelty, but from how quickly it is progressing, it be nice if we get back to basics, like powering our devices (power plugs??).  Then again, do we really need all of this?