CES 2012: Top Five Innovations

The ongoing Consumer Electronics Show 2012 is witnessing a series of game-changing trends. Here's a recap of top five innovations that have been unveiled so far.

Windows Phone

Microsoft and Nokia have jointly presented the first high-speed Windows Phone for AT&T. The Lumia 900 is set to become the first Windows-based gadget to employ the innovative technology called long-term evolution, or LTE. Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said: "The Lumia 900 is not only about a great device, but it's also about inspiring a great ecosystem. An ecosystem is more than just the apps. It's more than the device. It's more than the operating system."

MySpace TV

Taking social networking to the next stage, MySpace has unveiled a significant tie-up with Panasonic to combine television viewing with social networking. The new MySpace app, which will be available on the next generation of Panasonic VIERA Connect-enabled HDTVs, will enable users to share their views on TV screens while remaining in separate living rooms. The app was unveiled jointly by MySpace CEO Tim Vanderhook and co-owner Justin Timberlake.

Timberlake said: "This is the evolution of one of our greatest inventions, the television. And, we no longer have to crowd around the same one to experience it together.

"We're ready to take television and entertainment to the next step by upgrading it to the social networking experience. Why text or email your friends to talk about your favorite programs after they've aired when you could be sharing the experience with real-time interactivity from anywhere across the globe?

"As the plot of your favourite drama unfolds, the joke of your favorite SNL character plays, or even the last second shot of your favorite team swishes the net, we're giving you the opportunity to connect your friends to your moments as they're actually occurring."

The beta version of the TV service will be available for a select audience through a fully integrated experience on laptop devices.

Intel's gesture-controlled laptops

Intel has unveiled gesture-regulated lightweight laptops called "ultra-books" at the CES. The chip giant's new range comes with in-built and touch-free credit card readers.

Intel's vice-president Mooly Eden demonstrated an ultrabook that can recognise the gestures of the hand in front of its screen. A simple, gesture-controlled slingshot game was used to demo the ultrabook.

The new identity protection features enable users to swipe their credit card over their ultrabooks rather than having to type in their details to make a buy. Specifically developed credit cards will ensure that the process can't be activated using a stolen card with a different device.

Samsung's voice-regulated TV

Samsung has captured the attention of technology enthusiasts with a new range of voice and gesture-controlled television.

The internet-connected device comes with a lot of stunning features. With the help of an in-built camera, users can browse the internet with a single hand gesture and shift channels by giving a voice command in one of the 20 default languages which the system can identify. By means of a facial recognition feature, the system can even recognise users.

An upgraded BlackBerry Playbook

A new software will now enable Playbook users to receive email without being linked to a BlackBerry device. The OS, version 7.1, is being made available to users with immediate effect.

The upgrade will finally bring native email clients to the tablet, with a unified inbox with tab-enabled navigation facility that allows users to keep multiple messages open simultaneously both in plain and rich text. It also integrates social networks and email contacts with an address book.