CES 2010: Sony's product lineup includes some cool but strangely-named products.
Sony's 2010 product lineup unveiled at CES echoed many of the familiar themes from the show such as 3D and Internet-connected televisions, but it was the more gadget-like additions to its roster that were the most interesting.
Particularly striking was the Dash, a 7-inch screen device described by Sony as an "Internet access device" and by APC as a "design freak's Chumby". More than 1,000 free gadgets will be made available for the Wi-Fi equipped Dash, enabling it to be used for Facebook access, recipe browsing, and other similar tasks. It will also offer access to the streaming video content Sony already makes available to Bravia TV owners.
The Dash will go on sale for $US199 in April. Australian plans haven't been finalised, but Sony officials appear more confident that it will get a local release than some other Sony gadgets (Reader, anyone?)
But even the Dash -- which realises a promise made by Sony at last year's show, where a prototype of the device was shown -- doesn't score the prize for the most strangely-named product. That award goes to the Bloggie, a range of handheld HD cameras which will sell from $US70. (APC will be testing the Bloggie around the CES traps later in the week).
The 2010 lineup of Bravia sets sport what Sony describes as a "monolithic" design, which includes being angled at 6 degrees to provide optimum viewing on the low-slung TV stands typically favoured by modern set buyers. Mid-year, it plans to launch 3D-ready models.
On the Vaio front, the most attention was given to the W, an "eco-friendly" notebook which has a body partially made from recycled CDs and DVDs, no printed manual, and a carrying case made from recycled plastic bottles rather than conventional cardboard packaging. Also on the agenda are the F series of multimedia-centric models and the Z series portables with solid-state drives. Oddly, the Z series will still feature a Blu-ray drive.
Sony demonstrated its celebrity pulling power by roping in Taylor Swift for an acoustic performance of 'Love Story' to kick off the press conference. Swift will be documenting her forthcoming tour online using special Sony 3D cameras.
"I feel my fans are all very tech-aware," she said before jetting off to Los Angeles for the People's Choice Awards. It's a tough life for these teen stars, eh?
