Part 2
Last week, we mentioned the whys and wherefores of CES – the Consumer Electronics show. This week I share a few more of the interesting things I found there. One thing that fascinated me was the inflatable rooms that were available. These are basically clear or opaque high strength plastic bubbles with wood floors that you can place on your lawn or other places you like. They have solar power options or can be hooked to the grid. The one I looked at had a section that was clear and one that was private, computers and other electronics, sound and video. I liked that you could set it up in your back yard or out in the woods if you prefer. You can use it as a greenhouse during the winter. You can even use it as an office or show room. Most locations don’t require building permits as these are considered tents. They come in sizes from 11 to 26 foot diameter and can be linked together to make larger structures. I think I would enjoy this, but it is a little out of my reach financially. Prices run from a few thousand up to nearly $20,000 for the large connected units, but they are portable and cost a lot less than building something. The company is called CasaBubble.com
The next thing that caught my eye was the proliferation of low and high priced 3D printers. These use multi color resins to create 3D models of anything you can design with a CAD/CAM program. There are 3D scanners that can map anything from your face (to create a very accurate bust) to toys, vases, sculpture and even replacement parts for equipment that needs repairs. If you need metal parts, there are 3D printers that are available for that as well – though the cost goes up significantly. Most of the plastic/resin printers are over $1000 and the filament reels for them are about $40 each, but they are very cool to watch as they build your ideas gradually into reality. I even saw a low cost 3D chocolate printer that made very interesting desserts/candies.
Smart watches are coming from everywhere. Dick Tracy would be proud. They usually use Bluetooth technology to link to your smart phone and can display caller ID while you talk with people instead of having to fish your phone out of pocket or purse. Many versions have video capability to look at the person or even to view video content such as Netflix and other downloadable products. Many also have voice recognition so you can tell it to “Call Mom” or “text office” so that you don’t have to try to dial while you are driving or doing other things that would be difficult or dangerous while you stay in contact with the world. Prices are generally around $200, some less and some fancy ones significantly more.
Robots and remote control drones were much in demand and pretty fun to watch. There are lots of cleaning robots, dancing robots, programmable robots (for the hobbyist) and various types of flying robots (drones). Many have cameras that you can link to. There is even a unit that looks like a camera enabled tablet at eye level enabled by a wheeled base that can move around under your remote control. It is used for remote work or work from home. You can interact with people and go to various offices on your floor or rooms in your home and talk with people face to face from the comfort or home, office or vacation spot. Not good in elevators or on stairs.
It is indeed a brave new world and some of the new technology is very fun and functional. Enjoy the new toys
and always remember to back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 23 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or his website www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.