The International Consumer Electronics Show 2009 (CES 2009), under the auspices of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), opened in Las Vegas  recently with keynote launch speakers showcasing consumer driven technology innovations and discussing market future trends. While two thousand seven hundred companies, inclusive of three hundred new entrees, put on display diverse offerings, the common themes hinged around collaborative efforts – different companies with different technologies from around the globe joining hands – to deliver products catering to customer comfort zones.

For example, more and more people are spending time and money via Net interactions and Net connectable devices. This inclination and convergence towards the Web is driving companies to deliver online savvy products, services and marketing strategy. Wish lists included a wireless globe, 3D high definition audio video and inter-connected smart day-to-day products, and a move towards 4G, and anytime, anywhere at very high data rates.

Youstar put together some famous scenes from Hollywood classic movies in a three and half minute video before the opening speech, but with one difference - Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA, was acting in the scenes. Highlighting this innovative compilation, Gary pointed out that this demo of “personalization meets content” could show the way out for the current global crunch by generating jobs to meet the huge demand of consumers for customization and ultimately Internet linked, open source, multi platform technological products.

He also, importantly, outlined CEA’s primary objective is work as closely as possible with President Elect Obama, who is popularly referred to as the soon-to-be first US digital president. To assist the government, administration, companies, and customers, the CES (News - Alert) innovation checklist is succinct, yet comprehensive enough, to assess any new technological venture and can even be extended, with minor modifications, as thumb rules for companies worldwide. The Checklist – Will it create jobs? Will it trigger spur new technology? Will it attract the cream of intellectuals and proven performers to home in to the U.S.? Will it reward risk taking? Will it give rise to exports? Will broadband be the super highway it works on and with?

CES Seven, seven guidelines for scrutinizing a new product or service, was elucidated by Sir Howard Stringer, Sony’s president and CEO. These are – products to be compatible with all related technologies, all open platforms, service and customer oriented, extensible and multi-dimensional, create new value chains, protect the environment at all costs, and welcome working together with other products and other companies.

Collaborative efforts are illustrated by Sony’s partnership with MTV Networks (News - Alert) for Sony’s Video Delivery Service; AMD’s joint efforts with LucasFilm Ltd., LightStage/OTOY, MTV, HP, AlienWare and Electronic Arts to provide excellent cloud computing and graphic satisfaction; Ford along with partners Sharp, Microsoft, Sony and Nuance (News - Alert) displayed a totally configurable cockpit with SmartGauge to monitor and recommend fuel economy tips; and Disney and ABC demoed entertainment and news across multi platforms.