CES 2009: CES 2009 News
At the world's biggest tech event, the Consumer Electronics Show 2009, a host of new products from laptops, cameras and TVs to 3D watches, webcams and digital sewing machines were showcased.
Which? reporters went to Vegas to bring you the latest exclusives from press conferences and the floor of the convention centre itself.
Here's a round-up of what they saw.
To see more pics from our time at CES 2009, check out the Which? CES 2009 photo gallery on Flickr.
Video update on LED TVs from the Which? technology team at CES 2009
Sony OLED TV
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Latest launches from CES 2009
Sony's wearable MP3 player
MP3 players launched at CES 2009
Sony’s new X Series of Wi-Fi 3-inch touchscreen MP3 players also boasts OLED displays, and comes in 16 and 32GB capacity options.
Sony was also showing its wearable MP3 player – the 2GB NWZ-W202, which has the music player actually built into the headset – ideal for joggers.
We also had the chance to try out Samsung’s new P3 Pulse MP3 player, with added widgets. This video-capable 3-inch touch-screen model looks set to rival the iPod Touch, albeit with Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi connectivity.
Find out more about these new gadgets on the CES 2009 MP3 players page.
New accessories at CES 2009
Kodak displayed a 7-inch wireless digital photo frame, based on cutting-edge OLED technology which gives sharp definition and excellent colour reproduction.
The US price of US$999 (around £655) means this isn’t mass market just yet, however.
The SD Association has unveiled the next-generation SDXC (eXtended Capacity) memory card, giving even greater capacity than existing SD and SDHC cards.
The SDXC specification gives up to 2 terabytes (TB) storage, and read write speeds maxing out at 104MB/s.
See the CES 2009 accessories page for details.
Kodak's latest pocket camcorder
Camcorders from Canon and Kodak at CES 2009
Canon unveiled its new flagship HD camcorder, the Canon Legria HF S10, which boasts an 8.58Mp CMOS image sensor, which Canon claims will offer a superior performance in low and indoor light, 10x optical zoom, and 8Mp still image capture to its 32GB memory.
Canon also updated its HD and SD camcorder ranges with the HF20 and FS200.
Kodak’s new Zx1 pocket camcorder improves on the design of the popular Kodak Zi6 model and has a water and shock-resistant rubber casing. You can record video in high-definition 720p resolution, at either 60 or 30 frames per second, to SD memory cards.
To find out more about these new camcorders, go to the CES 2009 camcorders page.
The latest printers and phones at CES 2009
The new HN PP100 compact printer from Sharp not only prints digital photos, it can also be linked directly to a TV to display a slideshow of pictures on screen, with the option of playing background music too.
See the CES 2009 printers page for more.
Palm’s latest mobile, the touchscreen Pre boasts the innovative new Palm OS, wireless charging, and a ‘Think Ahead’ function which anticipates what you want to do.
Want to know more? Check out the CES 2009 phones page.
The Olympus superzoom digital camera
Snappy new digital cameras at CES 2009
Olympus has launched the SP590 26x superzoom 12Mp digital camera, with a range from 26-676mm – the largest zoom we’ve seen on a bridge camera.
Sony announced the world’s first Wi-Fi digital camera – the 10Mp Cyber-shot DSC-G3 – which can connect wirelessly to any public hotspot making it simple to upload photos and videos to photo sharing sites without having to use a computer.
Find out more about these cameras on the CES 2009 digital cameras page.
TV developments at CES 2009
Hitachi showed off its prototype gesture-control TV, whose unique interface does away with the need for a remote control and instead allows you to operate the TV simply by moving your hands.
Find out more on our CES 2009 TVs page.
Sony
Sony camcorders
The Sony stand showcases its Webbie range of simple pocket HD camcorders designed for the YouTube generation. They can capture footage in 30 frames per second high definition, and are designed for simple uploading to videosharing websites.
Sony’s Webbies are designed to compete with models like the Flip Ultra, Flip Mino and Kodak Zi6. We’ve reviewed similar pocket camcorders, and found that such models struggle to match the performance of larger camcorders, but be sure to check our comparison of the Kodak Zi6 and Flip camcorders.
Find out more on our CES 2009 camcorders page.
Sony Vaio laptops
Sony took to the stage at CES 2009 to unveil its stylish P-series Vaio laptop, a slim, portable device that’s about the size of a business envelope and as thick a mobile phone.
Stan Glasgow, president and chief operating officer of Sony Electronics, pulled the P-series laptop from his jacket pocket to show just how portable it is.
The device weighs only 0.7kg, but it has a full Windows Vista server, is compatible with 3G mobile broadband and also features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless networking.
Find out more on our CES 2009 laptops page.
Samsung
Samsung camcorders
Samsung has unveiled its new flagship HMX-H106 HD camcorder featuring an unprecedented 64GB solid state drive (SSD), enough for recording 12 hours of HD footage.
As an SSD has no moving parts, it is much less liable to mechanical fault or damage from shocks and extreme temperatures.
We’ll be keen to test Samsung’s claims when the HMX-H106 becomes available this April.
Find out more on our CES 2009 camcorders page.
Samsung TVs
Samsung also revealed its new Luxi LED range of high-definition TVs at CES 2009.
LED is an alternative format to plasma or LCD, and is said to produce clearer, brighter and more detailed pictures, plus Samsung claims that the TVs use 40% less power than an equivalent-sized LCD TV.
They’re also built without mercury or lead, making them more environmentally sound in terms of production and eventual disposal.
Find out more on our CES 2009 TVs page.
World's slimmest Blu-ray player
Samsung’s new BDP-4600 is claimed, at 1.5 inches thick, to be the world’s slimmest Blu-ray player.
It's so thin you can mount the BDP-4600 on a wall or tilt it on a stand.
Find out more on our CES 2009 Blu-ray & DVD page.
Panasonic
Ultra-thin Panasonic TVs
Panasonic’s TV headline-grabber is the ultra-thin Z1 54-inch plasma that’s just 1 inch thick.
Find out more on our CES 2009 TVs page.
World's first portable Blu-ray
Panasonic also presented the world’s first portable Blu-ray disc player, with a claimed three-hour battery life.
The DMP-B15 has a high-quality 8.9-inch LCD screen, but this is not the most ideal way to appreciate the extra detail of high-definition content, but fortunately the DMP-15 can also be used as a standalone Blu-ray disc player.
Find out more on our CES 2009 Blu-ray & DVD page.
Panasonic headphones
Headphones aren’t the most sexy of tech products, but that hasn’t stopped Panasonic launching two top-of-the range sets of headphones at CES.
The more exciting of the duo is the RP-HJE900, which it claims are the world’s first high-fidelity in-ear headphones made of Zirconia.
Find out more on our CES 2009 accessories page.
Panasonic camcorders
Panasonic’s 2009 camcorder line-up includes two standard-definition hard disk drive (HDD) models and one SD Card model.
Panasonic's new camcorders, including the H80, have the world's most powerful zooms
All three feature the world’s first and most powerful 70x optical ultra-zoom lens – perhaps best used with a tripod, rather than relying on the advanced optical image stabilisation.
Panasonic has also expanded its high-definition (HD) camcorder line with six new full-HD models, ranging from entry-level to semi-professional.
All six new models mark Panasonic’s first foray into camcorder touchscreens. Chris Christoforou, Which? camcorder expert said, ‘Sony has offered touchscreen technology on its camcorders for some time, so it will be interesting to see how Panasonic’s system measures up.’
Find out more on our CES 2009 camcorders page.
HP
HP has announced its first Wi-Fi enabled digital picture frame – the HP SD828A1 – which can grab images from popular web sites like Facebook, MySpace and Flickr.
The frame will even monitor these sites and alert you when photos have been updated. This wireless functionality is pretty unusual – of the 20 digital photo frames we recently tested, only the eStarling WPF-288 offers anything similar.
Find out more on our CES 2009 accessories page.
LG
LG Blu-ray
LG chose CES 2009 to reveal its latest range of internet-capable Blu-ray players.
LG is expanding on the potential of internet-compatible Blu-ray players with the upcoming BD370 and BD390 systems, which follow its current BD300 model by offering ‘BD-Live’, which enables users to access additional bonus materials, games and forums on compatible discs.
LG also announced that it will be releasing three Blu-ray home entertainment systems in 2009. These will allow consumers to fully enjoy the surround-sound audio recorded on high-definition Blu-ray discs, with a bespoke multi-channel system.
Find out more on our CES 2009 Blu-ray & DVD page.
LG Watch Phone
LG’s much-hyped Watch Phone debuted at CES 2009, and wraps an amazing array of features around your wrist. This sleek black watch gives you the power to make and receive calls and play music, though the novelty may take some getting used to.
Find out more on our CES 2009 phones page.
Sony Ericsson has launched some new mobile phones, including the C510
Sony Ericsson
Meanwhile, over at the Sony Ericsson CES stand, there are a couple of new mobiles:
The C510 is positioned at the lower end of the Cyber-shot line, but offers a reasonable array of features at a more affordable price than other Cyber-shot handsets such as the C905. The 3.2 Mp camera has face detection, smile shutter and some editing features.
Sony also showed the W508 Walkman handset – a clamshell model that allows you to control the music player even when the phone is closed.
Find out more on our CES 2009 phones page.
JVC
JVC’s headline products are its 2009 Everio range of digital camcorders. The company says these camcorders will make it easier to watch footage on Apple iPods and iPhones, and include a one-touch export button to transfer video to iTunes. A one-touch video upload feature allows video to be directly uploaded to sites such as YouTube.
The 2009 JVC Everio range includes three high-definition camcorders that all record 1920x1080 Full HD video, and feature a 3.05Mp CMOS image sensors and JVC’s Genessa processing technology.
JVC says that, for the first time, high-definition models in the range have the same dimensions as standard definition models. Plus, the camcorders will be available in a range of six colours.
Find out more on our CES 2009 camcorders page.
Toshiba
Toshiba's 19-inch TV/DVD combination
Toshiba has unveiled its full range of LCD TV/DVD combination players.
Designed to provide a convenient all-in-one entertainment experience, each of Toshiba’s new models is thin, has hidden speakers, and a 16:9 widescreen LCD.
Find out more on our CES 2009 TVs page.
Toshiba's new DVD players and recorders
Toshiba also showed off its full range of new DVD players and recorders. First up was a 9-inch portable DVD player, which has a striking white finish and a 180-degree widescreen LCD swivel screen.
A smaller version, the 7-inch SDP72S, was also revealed.
Toshiba also showed off two in-home players and four DVD recorders.
Find out more on our CES 2009 Blu-ray & DVD page.
To see more pics from our time at CES 2009, check out the Which? CES 2009 photo gallery on Flickr.
Novo Minoru 3D Webcam
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You can take 3D pictures and video, and even upload the results to YouTube with the cute British-designed Minoru 3D Webcam which has two bulbous eyes, and arms that drape over your monitor.
It has attracted a huge amount of attention since it won last year’s Consumer Electronics Association’s Fans' Favourite award.
The design has a purpose beyond just looking cute. The two eyes are roughly the same distance apart as a pair of human eyes, which allows the camera to capture images in three dimensions. Viewers wear special coloured glasses to see the 3D image.
Find out more on our CES 2009 accessories page.
Powermat wireless charging
The slim, neat Powermat range can wirelessly charge mobile phones, iPods, laptop computers, digital cameras, mobile games consoles and even rechargeable batteries using magnetic induction.
You can charge more than one device at a time, and the only wire you’ll need is the one which connects the Powermat to the mains.
Find out more on our CES 2009 accessories page.
Fuji EnviroMax batteries
Fuji unveiled its new range of EnviroMax batteries made entirely from recycled materials and that safely biodegrade once used. As they contain no cadmium, mercury or PVC, no special disposal methods are necessary.
Fuji said that these non-rechargeable alkaline batteries could hold their own with rival brands in terms of performance. Although the EnviroMax batteries are disposable, Fuji told us that they have no plans for developing EnviroMax rechargeable batteries.
Find out more on our CES 2009 accessories page.
Blaupunkt internet car radios
We’ve also caught a first glimpse of the world’s first in-car internet radios, which connect to the web via a mobile phone and Bluetooth.
Blaupunkt’s New Jersey and smaller Hamburg models give you access to thousands of stations from all over the world.
Find out more on our CES 2009 cars page.
Sony Vaio laptop
Sony has released details of its P-Series Vaio netbook – which weighs a shade over 600g and features built-in 3G mobile broadband and an 8-inch screen.
In our laptop report there are currently 28 models on test – including four Sony Vaios. Only one of the four laptops, however, impressed our researchers enough to be awarded the Which? Best Buy status.
Find out more on our CES 2009 laptops page.
To see more pics from our time at CES 2009, check out the Which? CES 2009 photo gallery on Flickr.
Kodak Z980 digital camera with powerful 24x zoom
The news from Kodak that a digital camera with a staggering 24x optical zoom will be showcased at CES 2009 is sparking excitement throughout the camera world.
The largest optical zoom on any camera that we have tested is currently18x, and can be found on the Panasonic FZ18 and FZ28. Both models have been awarded Best Buy badges.
Of the 20 or so Kodak cameras that we currently have on test, only one has made the Best Buy grade. There are currently around 260 digital camera reviews in our report with a further 35 DSLR models for the more demanding photographer in our digital SLR report.
Check out Which? Compare for the best deals on cameras
Brother QuattroT 6000D sewing machine
Oh Brother! In the light of the credit crunch, sales of sewing machines have soared as consumers would rather mend and make do, than fork out on a new pair of jeans every time they get a hole in a pocket.
We took a look at a basic sewing machine from John Lewis in a recent report as well as a slightly more advanced sewing machine from Singer. Our researchers felt that they could be effective little money savers for the occasional jobs, or ideal models to start out on if you're looking for a new hobby.
The QuattroT 6000D, however, is much more than a hobbyist's toy; it's a serious piece of kit. With a camera mounted above the needle, you'll be able to watch your stitching in glorious high definition. There's no news yet on the price of this machine, but we don't expect it to be cheap.
Samsung S8300 - 8Mp mobile phone
Rumours have been circulating about this 8Mp cameraphone from Samsung, and recent speculation suggests that it may be ready for showing at CES 2009. As soon as the doors open we'll head straight for the stand to find out.
It will take Samsung's tally of 8Mp mobile phones to three, along with the existing Innov8 and Pixon mobiles. In the light of a recent spate of 8Mp cameraphones, we published a special report on the devices. Alternatively, if you're after more in-depth information, visit our mobile phone reviews featuring reports on more than 150 models.
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