10 Innovative Products at CES 2009 (Um...OK)

I wasn't able to attend the CES 2009, but I still like to find out what's happening there.

CEPro magazine has published a list of 10 so-called innovative products that are being revealed at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. I have a lot of respect for CEPro, as their reporting on the Home Automation industry is outstanding. However, I find this list of "innovative" products not to be so "innovative" in my opinion, although I do find a few of the products to be interesting to some degree. (I think the Geek News Central coverage to be much better)

Anyhow, here's my take on some of the "innovative" products (Remember, this is only my opinion)

LG Watch Phone

A combination watch, phone (with bluetooth) and MP3 player may sound cool to some, but a 1.4" touchscreen? On one hand, that's a big watch to have on your wrist. On the other hand, it seems awfully small to be a usable touchscreen. I could be wrong, though. I used to want a Dick Tracy watch when I was a kid.

Panasonic Portable Blu-Ray Player

With Blu-ray taking the country by storm, a portable player was bound to hit the market. Face it... We've had portable CD and DVD players for years. Usable? Yes. Desirable? Yes. Innovative? Hardly.

Hitachi Gesture TV

At first glance, this looked pretty cool. No need to look for the remote... Just wave your hands...Yeah! Then, my wife handed my pain medication for my shoulder and I suddenly realized how much this cool gadget would hurt. But, Hey !!! If you're young and healthy, this could be great.

LG TVs with Built-in Control4 Automation

This TV is the first to have Control4 Automation built in, allowing one to interface to home automation systems. I have to study up on the Control 4 operating system, but this intrigues me. I have a keen interest in automation systems, particularly home automation. I'm seriously considering adding home automation systems to my business. I have a strong background in industrial automation, but those systems are way too complicated and expensive for the average home.

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There you have it...my opinion. But don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. I wish I could have gone this year, but alas I couldn't. Surely there must have been some more interesting new products there, maybe even "innovative". Oh well, maybe next year.