Guides

CES 2012 Roundup: The best of what's new in technology this year

Check out the highlights, news, and trends from this year's CES

by Barb Dybwad | Last updated 5:49PM EST on January 16, 2012

Filed under: Guides | Computers

Each year over a hundred thousand industry professionals and intrepid journalists brave the teeming hordes of gadget lovers at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in sunny Las Vegas, Nevada. It's always safe to expect big announcements from major companies amidst lots and lots of spectacle, setting the stage for the trends that will dominate consumer electronics in the year to come — and this year was no different.

CES 2012 Roundup: The best of the best at CES

CES 2012 Best of Show: The top 5 gadgets worth watching for this year [Video]

CES 2012: Tecca editors make their picks of the show

Mobile and on the go: Smartphones, cameras, and car tech
Everything at home: TVs, audio, and smart appliances
Computers, ultrabooks, and tablets
Gaming, toys, and 3D printing
Lifestyle tech: health and fitness, shopping, fashion, green, and parenting

Mobile and on the go: Smartphones, cameras, and car tech

The top 5 phones from this year's CES [Video]

By Barb Dybwad
Windows Phone and Android both impress at the annual CES.
News

CES 2012: The top 5 digital cameras at this year's Consumer Electronics Show [Video]

By Barb Dybwad
Cameras with wifi for easy photo-sharing were a big hit at this year's event.
News

CES 2012: Hands-on video with the Lumia 900, Nokia's Windows Phone sharpshooter

By Taylor Hatmaker
Nokia's Lumia 900 has a powerful lens and will be AT&T's first LTE Windows Phone handset.
Pictures

CES 2012: The top 10 hottest cars on the show floor

By Mike Wehner
It wasn't all smartphones and USB drives in Las Vegas this year.
News

CES 2012: The Aurasma iPhone app takes augmented reality to a whole new level [Video]

By Barb Dybwad
Image recognition triggers a futuristic interactive multimedia experience on your phone.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Sprint to carry Galaxy Nexus, roll out 4G LTE to four cities
  
  By Mariella Moon
  Galaxy Nexus included among Sprint's first LTE devices.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Hands-on video with the HTC Titan II 4G smartphone
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  This 16-megapixel LTE cameraphone wunderkind runs Windows Phone, impresses.
- Pictures
  
  CES 2012: Nokia's Lumia Windows Phone line, a hands-on family portrait
  
  By Taylor Hatmaker
  With the Lumia 710, 800, and 900, Nokia is on track to shake up the smartphone world.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Hands-on video with the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx
  
  By Emily Price
  Motorola's new thin smartphone takes battery life to the max(x).
- Columns
  
  CES 2012: The top 7 phones at this year's Consumer Electronics Show
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  It's all about Windows Phone and Android at this year's event.
- Pictures
  
  CES 2012: The LG Spectrum in pictures
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  Dolby Digital audio and exclusive sports content differentiate this Android handset.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Note, a tablet phone for doodlers [Video]
  
  By Taylor Hatmaker
  The Samsung Galaxy Note is a compelling 5.3" mobile tech experiment, but can it catch on?
- News
  
  CES 2012: Hands-on video with the Motorola Droid 4
  
  By Emily Price
  This slider smartphone with a full physical keyboard runs on Verizon's LTE network.
- Pictures
  
  CES 2012: The story of Microsoft's last CES keynote, in pictures
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  Steve Ballmer and company tout Windows Phone, Windows 8, and Xbox with Kinect in the CES opener.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Motorola's Smart Actions make the Droid Razr and Razr Maxx even smarter
  
  By Emily Price
  Smart actions streamline some of the things you do on your phone everyday.
- News
  
  CES 2012: LG gets smarter with new smart TVs, appliances, and a new smartphone
  
  By Emily Price
  LG's CES 2012 announcements include a refridgerator that keeps track of what's inside.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Line 2 can give your iPhone or Android handset a split personality, and add voice calling to iPad
  
  By Mike Wehner
  A VoIP program that works over 3G, 4G, and wifi could make you want to cancel your carrier's plan.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Motorola's Droid 4 is the world's thinnest QWERTY smartphone
  
  By Emily Price
  The Android handset is headed to Verizon later this month.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Nokia's first LTE Windows Phone is headed to AT&T
  
  By Emily Price
  The Nokia Lumia 900 will be Nokia's first LTE Windows Phone in the U.S.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Robotic ball Sphero dashes about with the help of your smartphone [Video]
  
  By Adam Holisky
  Turn your iOS or Android phone or tablet into an amazing robotic controller.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Polaroid announces an Android-powered Smart Camera
  
  By Emily Price
  The SC1630 can run apps you purchase from the Android Market.
- News
  
  CES 2012: The Canon G1X brings DSLR quality to a point-and-shoot camera
  
  By Emily Price
  The fixed-lens camera has a number of features you typically might only find on a DSLR.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Fujifilm's new cameras won't leave you in the cold
  
  By Emily Price
  The FinePix XP150 and FinePix XP100 are designed to survive cold temperatures, moisture, and falls.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Sony's newest Bloggie shares the videos you record live
  
  By Emily Price
  The Bloggie Live can stream high definition video that can be viewed on smartphones, tablets, and more.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Ford unveils 2013 Ford Fusion Energi as official car of the show
  
  By Mike Wehner
  Ford's new Fusion is its greenest yet.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Eton Ruckus blasts tunes while solar charging your gadgets
  
  By Mike Wehner
  Gadget multitasking goes green with this boombox of the future.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Charge your smartphone with the power of the sun thanks to Eton
  
  By Mike Wehner
  For $79.99 you can avoid being stuck with a dead battery, as long as the sun is out.
- News
  
  CES 2012: The Kodak EasyShare M750 uploads pictures to Facebook
  
  By Emily Price
  The compact camera can upload photos to the web, even when you're away from a hotspot.
- Pictures
  
  CES 2012: The iLuv Kindle Fire speaker dock and new iPad/iPhone accessories in pictures
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  Convenience and travel are high priorities in iLuv's 2012 lineup.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Hands-on with Bloggie Live [Video]
  
  By Dan O'Halloran
  Publish your HD videos live to the Internet with no PC necessary.
- Pictures
  
  CES 2012: Stand-out mobile accessories of the show
  
  By Dan O'Halloran
  See the many unique ways to accessorize your favorite mobile phone or tablet.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Kogeto's Dot brings panoramic video to your smartphone
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  At CES 2012, the company announced new Android cameras and video editing options.
- Pictures
  
  CES 2012: Our favorite CES cameras for shutterbugs
  
  By Emily Price
  CES was home to an Android-powered camera and several new cams that can connect to your smartphone.
Show More

Everything at home: TVs, audio, and smart appliances

The Top 5 TVs at this year's CES [Video]

By Barb Dybwad
Huge OLEDs, 4K resolution, touch interaction, and smart TVs topped our list.
News

CES 2012: Samsung Smart Window is a glimpse into the future

By Barb Dybwad
Fortunately, the future will be on the market pretty darn soon.
News

CES 2012: Hands-on with the Nest Learning Thermostat [Video]

By Dan O'Halloran
Tecca TV goes hands-on with the thermostat of the future.
News

CES 2012: LG Magic Remote new features video demo

By Barb Dybwad
LG beefed up its smart TV remote with voice control, gestures, a scroll wheel, and 3D conversion button.
Pictures

CES 2012: 7 hot headphones that look as good as they sound

By Taylor Hatmaker
Why sacrifice sound quality for style? These CES show floor picks combine style with substance.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Hands on with Sony Walkman Z [Video]
  
  By Dan O'Halloran
  The iconic portable music player makes a comeback as a Android-run media device.
- News
  
  CES 2012: The Qooq is a splash-proof tablet for your kitchen [Video]
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  Cooks, chefs, and foodies alike may find this $399 Linux device a godsend in the kitchen.
- News
  
  CES 2012: LG's brainy new smart appliances
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  These smart appliances do everything but cook your meals and fold your clothes.
- News
  
  CES 2012: MySpace piggybacks on Panasonic for social TV, still falls short of relevancy
  
  By Mike Wehner
  Can Panasonic help rescue a social networking brand near death?
- News
  
  CES 2012: Sculpteo app lets you print custom 3D objects
  
  By Dan O'Halloran
  Innovative 3D printing firm gets personal with new product line.
- News
  
  CES 2012: LG gets smarter with new smart TVs, appliances, and a new smartphone
  
  By Emily Price
  LG's CES 2012 announcements include a refridgerator that keeps track of what's inside.
- News
  
  CES 2012: The Sonomax eers system makes custom-fitted headphones at home
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  This DIY silicone kit lets you make custom-fitted earphones at home without a visit to the doctor.
- News
  
  CES 2012: House of Marley brings the '80s boombox to the digital age
  
  By Dan O'Halloran
  Bag of Rhythm plays iPhone tunes on the go.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Eton Ruckus blasts tunes while solar charging your gadgets
  
  By Mike Wehner
  Gadget multitasking goes green with this boombox of the future.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Guitar Apprentice turns your iPad into a full-sized instrument, mullet not included
  
  By Mike Wehner
  If Guitar Hero leaves you wanting more, consider this app-based tutor from the makers of the iCade.
- Guides
  
  9 gadgets for music lovers from CES 2012
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  There was plenty for audiophiles to love at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.
Show More

Computers, ultrabooks, and tablets

The top 5 tablets and ultrabooks at CES [Video]

By Barb Dybwad
These two classes of mobile computing device dominated at this year's CES.
News

CES 2012: Samsung tablet running Windows 8 [Video]

By Barb Dybwad
This Series 7 slate was shown off with a developer build of Microsoft's upcoming OS.
Pictures

CES 2012: The super-slim Toshiba Excite X10 in photos

By Taylor Hatmaker
At .3" thick, and 1.2 lbs, Toshiba's new Android tablet is the trimmest in town.
Pictures

CES 2012: Hands-on with the glassy HP Spectre, the ultimate ultrabook eye-candy

By Taylor Hatmaker
HP's glassy new notebook incorporates a few twists that set it apart from the pack.
News

CES 2012: Hands-on with Samsung's striking Series 9 ultrabook [Video]

By Taylor Hatmaker
Samsung's sleek new laptop is a featherweight 2.5 lb. with a strikingly bright matte display.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Playing Skyrim on the Asus Transformer Prime [Video]
  
  By Taylor Hatmaker
  At NVIDIA's booth, we caught a glimpse of Asus's hot new Android tablet running our favorite epic RPG.
- News
  
  CES 2012: This tiny USB drive packs a whopping 1TB storage into the size of a Swiss Army Knife
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  All that secure compact storage won't come cheap, though.
- News
  
  CES 2012: HP Envy 14 Spectre ultrabook video hands-on
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  Innovative design and a unique featureset make this laptop stand out from the pack.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Hands-on with dual-screen Sony Tablet P [Video]
  
  By Dan O'Halloran
  The new foldable touchscreen tablet makes its U.S. debut in Las Vegas.
- Pictures
  
  CES 2012: The LG Z330 and Z430 Super Ultrabooks in pictures
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  This pair of thin and light laptops runs Windows 7 and boots quickly.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Note, a tablet phone for doodlers [Video]
  
  By Taylor Hatmaker
  The Samsung Galaxy Note is a compelling 5.3" mobile tech experiment, but can it catch on?
- Pictures
  
  CES 2012: The iLuv Kindle Fire speaker dock and new iPad/iPhone accessories in pictures
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  Convenience and travel are high priorities in iLuv's 2012 lineup.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Hands-on with Toshiba's sliver-thin Excite X10 tablet [Video]
  
  By Taylor Hatmaker
  Toshiba's newest 10" featherweight tablet is slimmer than the iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1.
- News
  
  CES 2012: WikiPad is a $200 3D tablet designed for gaming
  
  By Emily Price
  The glasses-free 3D tablet will have an optional $50 dock available with gaming controls.
- Pictures
  
  CES 2012: The story of Microsoft's last CES keynote, in pictures
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  Steve Ballmer and company tout Windows Phone, Windows 8, and Xbox with Kinect in the CES opener.
- News
  
  CES 2012: The Qooq is a splash-proof tablet for your kitchen [Video]
  
  By Barb Dybwad
  Cooks, chefs, and foodies alike may find this $399 Linux device a godsend in the kitchen.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Guitar Apprentice turns your iPad into a full-sized instrument, mullet not included
  
  By Mike Wehner
  If Guitar Hero leaves you wanting more, consider this app-based tutor from the makers of the iCade.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Line 2 can give your iPhone or Android handset a split personality, and add voice calling to iPad
  
  By Mike Wehner
  A VoIP program that works over 3G, 4G, and wifi could make you want to cancel your carrier's plan.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Targus reveals iNotebook, a transcribing pen that shoots text straight to your iPad
  
  By Mike Wehner
  Taking hand-written notes can yield digital results with no special paper required.
Show More

Gaming, toys, and 3D printing

Razer's Project Fiona gaming tablet is powered by black magic and awesome

By Mike Wehner
PC gaming on a tablet can be awesome after all.
News

CES 2012: Playing Skyrim on the Asus Transformer Prime [Video]

By Taylor Hatmaker
At NVIDIA's booth, we caught a glimpse of Asus's hot new Android tablet running our favorite epic RPG.
News

CES 2012: Head-on with Sensics Smart Goggles virtual reality headset [Video]

By Taylor Hatmaker
This futuristic virtual reality headgear runs on Android and offers immersive 3D gaming.
News

CES 2012: WikiPad is a $200 3D tablet designed for gaming

By Emily Price
The glasses-free 3D tablet will have an optional $50 dock available with gaming controls.
Pictures

CES 2012: The story of Microsoft's last CES keynote, in pictures

By Barb Dybwad
Steve Ballmer and company tout Windows Phone, Windows 8, and Xbox with Kinect in the CES opener.
- News
  
  CES 2012: New game gear gets the spotlight at CES Unveiled
  
  By Dan O'Halloran
  The latest in video game innovation from CES 2012.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Robotic ball Sphero dashes about with the help of your smartphone [Video]
  
  By Adam Holisky
  Turn your iOS or Android phone or tablet into an amazing robotic controller.
- News
  
  CES 2012: SpnKix electric skates will hit the streets in March
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  Don't walk, glide with these high-tech electric skates.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Casio creates wild art images with 3D printing
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  Turn your 2D images into 3D art with Casio's 3D painting technology.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Makerbot Replicator prints large 3D objects in two colors
  
  By Mariella Moon
  The company unveiled the successor to its Thing-O-Matic 3D printer at CES 2012.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Cubelets turn robotics into child's play
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  These smart building blocks may be fun, but they're also a teaching tool.
- Columns
  
  CES 2012: Weirdest tech and gadgets of the show
  
  By Jennifer Jolly
  "Awesome" weird or just plain weird? You be the judge...
Show More

Lifestyle tech: health and fitness, shopping, fashion, green, and parenting

The BodyMedia Fit captures health data and coaches you to weight loss

By Barb Dybwad
A wearable armband paired with health-tracking software helps you meet fitness goals.
Pictures

CES 2012: The BodyMedia Fit system in pictures

By Barb Dybwad
Meet your fitness and weight loss goals with this wearable armband combined with tracking and recommendation software.
News

CES 2012: Hands on with the Origami power-folding stroller [Video]

By Dan O'Halloran
Self-recharging baby accessory folds and unfolds with a touch of a button.
News

CES 2012: FaceCake Swivel is a socially-enabled virtual dressing room [Video]

By Barb Dybwad
This Kinect-powered system lets you try on clothes and accessories and share your new look with friends.
News

CES 2012: Health gadgets go high-tech

By Elizabeth Harper
This year in Las Vegas, a wave of electronics aim to help you get fit and stay healthy.
- News
  
  CES 2012: I'm Watch lets you email, tweet, and make calls from your wrist
  
  By Emily Price
  The smartwatch has a built-in speakerphone, can play music, and can run a number of popular applications.
- News
  
  CES 2012: The Basis wristband tracks a myriad of health data
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  The Basis B1 tracks all of your stats and syncs them to the web.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Fitbit adds weight and BMI tracking with the Aria Wifi Smart Scale
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  The Aria syncs automatically to your Fitbit profile, making tracking your weight information simple.
- News
  
  CES 2012: The PowerTrekk generates green power on the go using water
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  If you're going off the grid, the PowerTrekk's fuel-cell technology can power your gadgets.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Parenting goes high tech at Digital Experience
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  Useful tools for the tech-savvy parent.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Tagg Pet Tracker is a high-tech way to help your pets find their way home
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  Locate your lost or runaway pets with your smartphone using Tagg's tracker and app.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Kinomap Trainer lets you bike around the world without leaving home
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  Create, share, and watch biking videos from exotic (and non-exotic) locales.
- News
  
  CES 2012: Cubelets turn robotics into child's play
  
  By Elizabeth Harper
  These smart building blocks may be fun, but they're also a teaching tool.
Show More

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About Barb Dybwad

Barb Dybwad is the VP of Content and Executive Editor of Tecca. She's been soaking in the new media world for the past decade, sporting a patchwork career path from web development to professional blogging to managing virtual teams.