The 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is a little bit of heaven for technology buffs. Chris Olsen has a sneak peek of what will be the big consumer items to watch this year.
Techno-junkies and the electronics companies they love are gathering in Las Vegas for the annual "Consumer Electronics Show." This is where you'll find the latest and greatest gadgets.
Topping this year's attractions is competition for the iPad.
Samsung released the Galaxy in time for holiday shopping. By next Christmas, Consumer Reports says you could have up to 50 tablet computers to chose from and some will be a real alternative to the iPad.
Paul Reynolds of Consumer Reports spoke to us via web camera from the floor of the show.
"The Toshiba tablet, that will be unveiled at this show, has a number of features that the iPad lacks like support for flash video, for more video online and a memory card slot to get your photos easily on the device," he said.
There will also be more colour e-book readers, some with a promising new technology which may allow them to be used for weeks without a re-charge.
And 3D TV will be changing for the better.
"More sets at lower prices also lighter better cheaper glasses. Glasses provided with 3D televisions have been a bit heavy and a bit expensive," Reynolds said.
"We are going to see more glasses… like regular sunglasses, costing $30 instead of $100 and up."
And technology is expanding to vehicles with more innovative car connectivity.
"To allow people to send text messages by just talking to their phone in the car," Reynolds said.
Consumer Reports says too much connectivity in a car could become a new safety hazard. The consumer watchdog promises to keep an eye on new technology to make sure it doesn't distract the driver too much.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
