Technology companies always strive to assert themselves by launching products that surpass their previous releases. The following five devices are expected to attract significant attention at the upcoming CES exhibition in Las Vegas, USA next month.
Nokia N91 Music Phone
With its outdated design, limited data transfer speed, and modest music storage capacity (100 songs), Motorola’s Kokr E1 ($150 with a 2-year service contract) has disappointed those hoping for a high-end, elegant, and attractive converged device.
At the beginning of next year, the Finnish phone manufacturer is determined to accomplish what Motorola couldn’t. What makes the Nokia N91 stand out is its integrated 4 GB hard drive, capable of storing up to 3,000 songs. The Nokia N91 is also a complete smartphone, allowing users to store information, schedules, and sync with their PC. The price and market release date are yet to be determined.
iRobot Scooba Vacuum
Some new products are mesmerizing at first glance, like the Electrolux Trilobyte automated system, but its price can reach $1,800. Now, iRobot’s Scooba goes beyond just being a floor-cleaning robot. It has the ability to mop and dry floors without any user intervention other than pressing the start button. Scooba is particularly useful in multi-story buildings and homes with children who tend to create messes. Moreover, Scooba will only cost $400.
Celestron SkyScout Telescope
You don’t have to be an astronomer or have any specific knowledge to identify constellations like Sagittarius or Taurus. Everything becomes much simpler with Celestron’s SkyScout.
SkyScout, set to launch in January, is a handheld device that allows users to point at any star in the night sky, press a button, and hear information about it. They can also select which celestial object they want to observe, such as Capricorn, and SkyScout will instantly point to that star’s location.
Tao Wireless Media Player
Digital cameras from Canon, Kodak, and Nikon have been equipped with Wi-Fi technology, so it’s only natural that music devices should feature this capability as well. The American company Tao, recently known for its XM2Go satellite radio device, has designed a wireless MP3 player priced at $350.
The Tao Wireless Media Player has a capacity of 20 GB and is compatible with the 802.11b standard. The product can operate within a hotspot to download music, audiobooks, and many other programs.
Sony PlayStation 3 Gaming Console
No product set to debut at CES 2006 has been discussed as much as the PlayStation 3. Sony’s next-generation gaming console, launching this spring, is expected by experts to “revolutionize” the way people play video games. With a 3.2 GHz processor and an Nvidia graphics chip, 256 MB, the PlayStation 3 is advertised to deliver “life-like” graphics.
The PlayStation 3 serves as both a game console and a home entertainment device. It is equipped with a Blu-ray drive, allowing users to watch high-definition movies (1920 x 1080).
Hai Nguyen
