Hasta La Gadget!

All right, so you’ve all seen the news and the footage of the gesture-controlled TV and the muRata robot. Yes? Well, the thousands who descended on CEATEC 2009 did indeed crowd around the big stages to see a very tiny white robotic cyclist, or lined up patiently to see the 3D TVs (including one which did not require using special glasses).

However, we were also impressed by some other devices that may have escaped the TV cameras. Our favorites were a bunch of neat mobile developments from Fujitsu and Zenrin みんなのナビ (”everyone’s navigation”), that is used on the Sony PSP. Zenrin’s navi utilizes the uber-popular PSP console and adds the GPS devices we love to use on our phones and in our cars. Perfect for those gaming salarymen you always see zipping through station thoroughfares glued to their Playstations.

The photo transfer system developed by ALPS also seemed very practical. It was a two-way transfer system that allowed photos taken with your mobile to be sent to your PC, TV or other device simply by touching the panel of their product. And, vice versa, data could be transferred from the same devices back to the mobile.

The human-shaped ultra thin digital signage from 3M also might just change the face of in-store displays. And, with all the potential for 2D females, it might satisfy all those geeks’ fantasies as well.

A recurring feature in the products on display was interactivity, especially through touch or movement. There were gesture-controlled screens, alongside an arsenal of mobiles with touch interfaces. Schools may see electronic blackboards soon and our homes will feel sci-fi with all those 3D TVs (for those with enough money). Many major brands like Sony and Panasonic also proudly advertised green and low-emission domestic products.

Of course, we continue to give a more detailed analysis of the technology and product trends evident at CEATEC in our Mobile Trendpool.