Each January, masses of tech-minded mavericks gather at a convention center in Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show. This annual gathering debuts previews, demos and announcements of the latest innovations — from advances in laptop computing to the introduction of motorized skates. The 2012 show, which ran Jan. 10 to 13, showcased a smorgasbord of this year’s most impressive innovations. Combing the blogosphere to live vicariously through those who actually attended the event, I amassed a ‘nifty-list’ of some of the more interesting tangents of the ongoing technology evolution.

1. The Eton Rukus Boombox

Simply stated, it’s a boombox. Not so simply stated, it’s a solar-powered, Bluetooth-connected, ruckus–inducing perversion of the classic 90s boombox. This portable boombox wirelessly links to your playlists via Bluetooth so you can tap into your smartphone of choice and jam away. The solar panels provide the power, although an internal battery exists for those without consistent sun access. With two potential power sources, and as long as the sun is shining, the beat won’t stop. Consumers can obey Britney Spears and dance until the world ends. John Cusack’s boombox serenade scene from the film ‘Say Anything’ could have lasted an eternity. Get your groove on and be environmentally friendly for just $150.

2. HzO’s WaterBlock and Liquipel

We all know that when expensive electronics land in puddles, ponds, sinks, oceans and lava lamps, they effectively convert into waterlogged paper weights. HzO has come to the rescue with a product dubbed WaterBlock, and competitor Liquipel announced its own waterproofing technology. You can finally shed that bulky OtterBox because the nanotechnology used to keep electronics dry could soon be commonplace in smartphones worldwide. Feel free to push your friends in the pool without concern for their iPhones or take awesome pictures of rafting endeavors with your Droid. Water is no longer the enemy.

3. 3D Systems Cube Printer

Have you ever wanted to make your own cookie-cutter from a computer-generated CAD model? How about jewelry, or maybe a bust of Leonardo DiCaprio? The technology of 3-D printing makes that possible. And for the first time, 3D Systems has made it mildly affordable for the run-of-the-mill consumer. 3-D printing employs the same concept as ink-based printing, but instead of emitting ink onto paper, a 3-D printer emits plastic. This takes shape of the 3-D model created on a computer. The Cube can only print one color at a time, but what did you expect for a measly $1,299? Don’t know how to model items on CAD? Fear not, Cubify is releasing a CAD library of basic models that can be tweaked to your preference or printed as is. Don’t go putting this on your birthday wish list just yet, though. The Cube is the caveman to what promises to be a very interesting and fruitful evolution of 3-D printers. There’s no point in paying more for a caveman when you can pay a pittance for a fully evolved variation someday.

4. SpnKiX Motorized Skates

And you thought I was kidding about the skates. SpnKiX’s skates are battery-powered transportation devices that you can strap on while wearing normal footwear. When the oil runs out and the rest of mankind is reduced to walking the good, old-fashioned way, motorized skate owners can charge up the skates’ lithium battery and hit the road for up to three miles of undisturbed skating. A helmet may be a good investment, as these speed-demon skates can reach up to 10 mph, and it’s always wise to think safety first. Sure, they’re bulky, probably aren’t compatible with stilettos and will set you back around $650, but gosh-darn, aren’t they nifty.

Jessica Smith is a senior information management and technology and television, radio and film dual major. If you happen to possess any of the above items and wish to gift them to her, she can be reached at jlsmit22@syr.edu.

Published on January 16, 2012 at 12:00 pm