Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

CES announces award nominees

The CNET Best of the Consumer Electronics Show 2009 nominees were announced today. The CNET Best of CES are the official awards of the show. Awards are given in 10 categories: car technology, cell phones and smart phones, computers and hardware, digital photo and video, gaming, GPS, home audio, home video, MP3 and video players and TV. Winners will be announced Saturday morning at CES. Visit this Web site to vote for the Best of CES 2009 People’s Voice Award.

Car Technology

Gracenotes CarStars

Gracenotes CarStars looks like the average dashboard media player but the system scans your iPod or MP3 player to figure out your favorite artist.

Ford Sync 3.0

Ford has partnered with Microsoft once again to bring drivers the next generation of Sync. Sync 3.0 will feature the cell phone and MP3 connectability that previous Sync versions had, but Ford is adding real-time traffic information, turn-by-turn directions and information services, such as business listings, maps and weather information, all activated through touch or voice commands.

AT&T CruiseCast

AT&T CruiseCast brings drivers continuous, satellite TV right to their vehicle. The channel line-up includes the Disney Channel, Disney XD, Discovery Kids, Animal Planet, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network Mobile, USA, Comedy Central, MSNBC, CNN Mobile Live, and CNBC.

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Motorola Surf A3100

Cell phones and smart phones

Motorola Surf A3100

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LG Watch Phone

The new Motorola Surf A3100 will run on Windows 6.1 with Bluetooth and touch-screen capabilities, a 3 megapixel camera, Google Maps, WiFi-integrated support, e-mail, messaging and even video conferencing.

LG Watch Phone

The LG Watch Phone is exactly what it says it is: A wristwatch and a phone. Paired with a Bluetooth headset, the device acts as a phone with the convenience of a watch. The touch-screen measures in at only 1.43 inches diagonally with messaging, music and a camera feature.

Palm Pre

Tech critics are calling the Palm Pre the breath of life Palm needed. Pre uses the Palm Synergy feature to bring your Outlook, Google and Facebook calendars together in one view. The Pre connects through WiFi hot spots and features an in-phone GPS.

Computer and Hardware

D-Link Extreme N450

The N450 will be 150 megabites per second faster than average wireless routers. The router is certified “D-Link Green” since it will only power ports that need to send and receive data.

Sony Vaio P-Series Lifestyle PC

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Sony Vaio P-Series Lifestyle PC

Sony chief executive officer Sir Howard Stringer introduced the 8-inch PC at his keynote Thursday morning. The Vaio Lifestyle PC includes a 3G mobile broadband antenna, 802.11n WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth, with mobile broadband service provided by Verizon.

HP Firebird

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HP Firebird

Two versions of the Firebird became available Friday, Firebird 802 priced at $1,799 and the Firebird 803 for $2,099.

The specs for both:

Firebird with VoodooDNA 802

* Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit

* 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 with 6MB L2 cache

* Nvidia Nforce 760S chipset

* 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM

* (2) 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9800S graphics cards

* (2) 250GB 5,400rpm hard drives

* Dual-layer DVD burner

* Gigabit Ethernet

* Integrated audio

Firebird with VoodooDNA 803

* Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit

* 2.83GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 with 12MB L2 cache

* Nvidia Nforce 760S chipset

* 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM

* (2) 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9800S graphics cards

* (2) 320GB 5,400rpm hard drives

* Blu-ray drive

* Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11 b/g/n wireless

* Creative Labs X-Fi Mini PCI audio card

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Casio Exilim EX-FC100

Digital Photo and Video

Casio Exilim EX-FC100

The Casio Exilim FC100 version is a 9-megapixel camera that has a 5X zoom lens and sensor-shift optical stabilizer. The model is set to hit stores in March for $400.

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Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V

Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V

The new Sony Handycam shoots in high definition with a 15X zoom lens, features a 240GB or 120GB hard drive (depending on the model) and will now come with a GPS, a first for Sony camcorders.

Sony Cybershot DSC-G3

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Sony Cybershot DSC-G3

The 10-megapixel, 4X zoom Sony Cybershot DSC-G3 includes 4GB of storage and a 210ppi 3.5-inch touch-screen display with WiFi connectivity that allows you to wirelessly upload photos and video. It includes free AT&T WiFi access to Sony's Easy Upload Home Page until Jan. 31, 2012.

Gaming

Nyko wand

Nyko is calling the Nyko wand “the most advanced Wii controller yet.” The Nyko wand can output commands and vibrations through the controller's port at the bottom of the device. The device is set to hit stores in April but no price has been set.

Nvidia GEForce 3D Vision

For $200, these 3D, battery operated glasses will immerse gamers fully into their favorite games. The glasses will be compatible with upcoming games like "Call of Duty: World at War" and "Rise of the Lich King."

Psyko 5.1 headset

The Psyko 5.1 headset provides gamers with 3D sounds with subwoofers built right into the headband. The headset is only available for the PC but Psyko assured gamers it will be coming soon to gaming consoles.

GPS

TomTom GO 74Y

The TomTom Go 74Y will feature turn-by-turn directions like most GPSs but also up-to-date information like Google Local Search, fuel-price information, weather and local business information all through built-in SIM card and modem.

Dual XNAV43HD

The new Dual GPS offers a feature that no other GPS does: HD radio, bringing real-time traffic info right to the screen. The Dual XNAV43HD is expected to be available in the spring.

Garmin ecoRoute

The Garmin ecoRoute adds a new feature for drivers with the option to select the most fuel-efficient route. There is also a feature that gives drivers fuel and mileage reports. EcoRoute is now available as a free software download of off Garmin’s Web site.

Home Audio

Samsung HT-BD7200

The HT-BD 7200 supports streaming Netflix movies online and Pandora music. The system includes an iPod docking station and has Bluetooth technology to connect from music phones. The HT-BD7200 also includes a “green-friendly" kelp-based subwoofer.

Panasonic SC-TZ1

The wireless SC-TZ1 has skinny, wireless design but lacks a subwoofer and is available this spring. No price has been set.

Pioneer VSX-819H

The Pioneer VSX-819H features two component video inputs, three digital-audio inputs, auto level control (keeps commercials from being louder than programs), connects with your iPod via USB and is XMSirius-ready.

Home Video

Dish Network ViP922

The Dish Network ViP922 will allow users to connect their TV to any broadband PC or 3G smartphones, along with DVR capabilities that most boxes already have. The Dish Network ViP922 is only available for Dish Network subscribers right now.

LG BD390

The LG BD390 Blu-ray player allows users to stream Netflix, YouTube and CinemaNow videos right to their TV. The system also features WiFi and 1GB of storage. Official prices have not been released, but LG said the LG BD390 should hit shelves at around $400.

Panasonic DMP-BD15

The Panasonic DMP-BD15 is the first portable Blu-ray player. The model features an LCD screen, three-hour rechargeable battery, an optional headrest-mounting bracket for car use and access to Viera Cast Internet content, including Amazon Video On-Demand.

MP3 and Personal Video Players

Samsung P3

The new Samsung P3 shares many of its predecessor's features, including a 3-inch touch screen, audio and video playback, photo viewer, FM radio, voice recording and Bluetooth capabilities. The new version however has a new feature called “EmoTune” that allows more personalization.

Song W-Series Walkman

Unlike more MP3 players, the W-Series Walkman features no screen. The 2GB player is built right into the headphones. Music plays in shuffle mode by default but Sony offers a feature called Zappin that lets you browse through tracks with a clip of the song.

iRiver P7

The iRiver P7 plays video, music, photos and also has a built in FM tuner, so you can listen to your favorite radio station, on top of that there is a built in voice recorder.

TVs

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Panasonic G10 series

Panasonic G10 series

The G10 series of plasmas comes in four screen sizes. The 42-inch TC-P42G10, the 46-inch TC-P46G10, and the 50-inch TC-P50G10 will ship in March, while the 54-inch TC-54G10, a new screen size for the company, will ship in May. Prices have not been announced.

LG PS80 series

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LG PS80 series

The LG PS80 series will feature Netflix and a host of other broadband content options. The two sizes in the PS80 series include the 50-inch 50PS80 and the 60-inch 60PS80. Both are available in June.

Vizio VF551VXT

Compared to Samsung and Sony TVs, the Vizio VF551VXT represents the lower priced end of the market. This 55-inch HDTV will cost a $1,999 when it hits store shelves in June.

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