Every year, the Consumer Eletronics Show (CES) has its debut in Las Vegas, showcasing all the fantastic geeky innovations for the upcoming years. Although it's a bit late to talk about CES 2010 - more than a week after its closing - I feel compelled to make a statement about this year's CES. CES 2010 showcased nothing more than mediocre development.

In the world of portable audio, Etymotic displayed their new HF3 in-ear-monitors, which include a 3-button inline controller that adds playback and voice functionality as well as volume adjustment compatible with the iPhone. Although nothing is new to a company releasing "iphone-friendly" IEMs, such addition does show the effect and resonance Apple creates in the overall market. Early reviews of the HF3 report that contrary to the house signature of Etymotic IEMs, that being on the colder side, the HF3 boasts a warmer sound signature with a slight push on the bass and lower mids. The Etymotic HF3 are priced at $150.


Etymotic HF3 Ruby Red


Talking about audio and technology, perhaps the new QBD76 DAC from Chord Electronics best exemplifies the combination of computer and hi-fi audio. With amazing audio signal conversion and bluetooth receiving capability, you can now play your favourite music wirelessly and without any degrade in sound quality.


QBD76 External and Internal



When it comes to portable computing, the smaller the better. Today, it appears that even for stationed computing, the smaller the better. Zotac displayed their mini desktop series - the Zotac MAG ION Nettop. The MAG ION combines Intel Atom 330 with Nvidia ION platform to provide a great power-size balanced output. The best part is, the MAG has a MSRP of only $330. It is a perfect addition to the option for a HTPC.


Zotac Mag standalone and mounted


Intel had the largest booth at the event, and, in fact, it did have the most to show. In addition to the 6-core Intel Core i9 processor due to release in March of 2010, the company also showcased a giant 7 foot Infoscape HD Wall. The Wall is essentially a giant multi-touchscreen powered by the new Intel Core i7 with support by Intel HD graphics. The wall can simultaneously show multiple information while processing them through one interface. While this will definitely not become a consumer product any time soon, its uses for replacing tradtional paper and static based information outlets, such as tour booth, public transportation schedule, mall and store sales directory, seem viable.





Since the debut of Nvidia's 3D capable hardware in a consumer package last year (2009), the innovative trend seems to have been somewhat stalled. In fact, even the Best of Show Award went to Panasonic's 3D-capable HDTV TC-PVT25. This simply reminds us that consumer-friendly 3D technology is so last year.


Editorial by Cecil Lau, Editor in Chief.