The International Consumer Electronics Show, taking place this week in Las Vegas, is now so big that you don’t even have to attend it to get the almost-full effect. And while the latest 3-D TVs, coolest headphones and most of the Microsoft 8 announcements probably won't impact your business, there are a few products that address a business need that many small business owners could find useful. Here are a few products that you might want to consider.
One product that caught my eye in the robotics category was Sphero, created by Orbotix. (Yes, it appears to be a toy right now, but who expected the iPhone and iPad to be applicable to so many different things so quickly?) This robotic ball, controlled by your smartphone, will follow the path of whatever shape you draw or however you move your iPhone or iPad. People can now fly remote control airplanes, DIY drones and more with their iPhones. I’m sure there are medical and surgical apps in development, as well. Here's a great review by Engadget.
From construction to gadgets, the Consumer Electronics Show is a misnomer. You'll find ideas applicable to your business throughout the convention.
In the Sustainable Planet area, you can find practical items, like sustainable packaging, better batteries and solar-powered devices. Among them is a solar Kindle cover from Solarmio and Eco Alkalines, or certified carbon neutral batteries, by LEI Electronics. If you're interested in eco-packaging for your electronics, take a look at MWV's Natralock, which offers sustainable and secure packaging and works with you on strategy and design.
A growing need for small businesses is 3-D printing, used for rapid prototyping and manufacturing. You can mockup a product in a CAD program and then print out a sample. Check out fun, up-and-coming tech like the MakerBot 3D printers.
Mobile is an area that many small business merchants want to know more about. Intuit debuted its cool new GoPayment mobile payment device. Take a look at Engaget's review.
If you're looking for a fast, lightweight scanner to manage business cards and receipts, check out Neat’s Receipt scanner.
Another cool gadget is the iPhone case from Kensington. It alerts you whenever your phone is separated from the "keyfob" that it's attached to.
If you’re looking for a new portable computer, the new Ultrabook type machine is the slick new name for a laptop that doesn’t break your back or your bank account. Here's a Slashgear Ultrabook roundup that includes LG, Lenovo and Acer.
There are opportunities to advance your business knowledge and vision by visiting CES, in person or just via the web. Don’t miss the chance to learn about the latest innovations that impact your industry. The Consumer Electronics Show is not only for consumers.
Photo credit: Courtesy Orbotix