Consumer Electronics Show 2015 – Las Vegas

It could have been any other year at the massive Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Just me and 150,000 of my closest friends descending on Sin City to see the latest and greatest in technology.

But it was 2015. And yet, to me it felt just like every other year.

That\’s not to say I didn\’t see some cool stuff. But it was the same stuff I saw last year… only more of it.

The show is bigger than ever. Not only is every hall in the gigantic Las Vegas Convention Center packed from end-to-end, but the Sands Exposition Center, the Westgate Hotel and the Venetian were also filled with exhibitors and meeting rooms.

So what did I see? Read on…

Digital printers took up a much bigger space this year. From entry-level printers pricing in at $499 to more sophisticated units going for several thousand dollars, there was a whole lot of printing going on.

I think I would have fun testing one of these out, but I don\’t personally have a practical application. Maybe I could print my own KaChing buttons?

I did see this incredibly creepy mask that was created with a digital printer. Creeeeeeeepy.

Were there drones at this year\’s CES?

Holy cow… were there ever.

From micro-drones that you can hold in the palm of your hand to some massive gear, I think I spotted no fewer than 30 booths offering drones.

I have to admit, some were quiet impressive.

Though it\’s not exactly what your average consumer will be purchasing.

Along with drones, there was no shortage of more land-based robots. Yes, the robots are coming. And yes, they will take over the world.

But for now they are still a novelty, and an expensive one at that.

The \”i\” section of the show floor was packed with case manufacturers and retailers. You can trick out your smart phone or tablet just about any way possible. Cases, cases and more cases.

As a gamer, I am definitely excited to see the Occulus Rift being used in more mainstream applications. But you weren\’t going to catch me waiting in this line to try it out.

My fitbit registered over 23,000 steps on day one and more than 16,000 steps on day two. My feet really hurt. And with all those aching muscles, people were taking advantage of the latest in massage technology. These chairs are pretty awesome. But you would need a room just to set one up.

Then there were the automobiles. Smart cars that drive themselves are on their way. The designs are sleek and the functionality features the latest technology. I could swear I heard George Jetson saying \”I told you so\”.

Anyone want to go for a spin in this Mercedes?

Other notable sections included Smart Home technology, Health and Fitness stuff, Wearables (I\’m still skeptical about mass adoption of smart watches) and audio/video gear. There was also no shortage of attractive women acting as guns for hire on the show floor.

But perhaps none had a better job than this young lady that literally got to lie around at work all day.

So what was the best part of CES 2015? Two things.

1) Seeing my friends. I love spending time with great people, and after walking the miles of show floor, there\’s nothing better than sharing a meal, a drink or an experience with others. Whether a visit to Robert Scoble\’s Yo Suite (if you don\’t know, Google it) or attending the Monster party featuring The Steve Miller Band (and they did rock!), I enjoy the social aspects of my travels a great deal.

2) Leaving Las Vegas. But it\’s not what you think. I\’ll let this video tell you more.

I\’ve got a number of products that will be coming my way for review over the next few months. As always, I\’ll seek to share my favorites with you.

Will I be in Vegas for CES 2016? As long as there is show floor to walk and technology to view, you can count on it.