June 26, 2013
#TechLife: Dozens of Companies Showcase Gadgets and Apps At CE Week 2013
The tradeshow floor at the Metropolitan Pavilion and Altman Building was packed with journalists, bloggers, analysts and tech enthusiasts looking to get their hands on the latest gadgets. While there were several Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2013 favorites back for another preview, newly announced products were on display for the swarms of CE Week attendees. From June 24-28, the annual mid-year industry event, which is presented by the Consumer Electronics Association, hits New York City, featuring more than 150 exhibits, over 60 sessions, more than 150 speakers, eight press conferences, two competitions, and several other networking and pitch events.
With industry leaders like Monster, Sony Electronics and Epson slated to showcase products at this year’s Showstoppers event, BlackEnterprise.com dropped in to check out the lineup of new and returning tech goods. Â (PS: We chose to use Instagram, both the photo and video option, as well as a YouTube, to capture our #CEWeek #Showstoppers moments. Enjoy!)
Ara Eckel, lead connected customer specialist at General Motors, gives a demonstration of the tech offerings available in the Chevrolet Spark. GM offers its drivers hands-free calling capabilities, music and radio listening options via Pandora, Stitcher and TuneIN, and voice control via MyLink. Users will be able to sync their phone with the car’s color touch screen display, keeping the driver entertained, on course and, most importantly, safe. Geared toward the younger buyer, it makes the driving experience comfortable and convenient.
London-based designer Amy Winters shows CE attendees her Thunderstorm Dress. The electrifying gown uses electroluminescent technology to light up in reaction to sound.
Alice Chan of Basis walked us through the functionality of the company’s wrist-based health tracker and online personal dashborad. The device automatically tracks your activity levels, sleep stats and heart rate. It’s easy for users to track the progress via the Android app or web-based dashboard. Basis is $199 for the band; the web service is free and has no subscription fees.
Ken Randall, director of product at Westinghouse, showcased its LED-based whiteboard. Compatible with Windows 8 operating system, the digital board plans to revolutionize the classroom with its CVT Touch 6 point Infrared Touch system.
Monster Products had a star-studded lineup of products and celebs such as former supermodel Tyson Beckford, Grammy-award winning producer Kasseem “Swizz Beatz†Dean, and award-winning producer Emilio Estefan, Jr. at their press conference earlier today.  The Twitter pic is courtesy of @Monster.
The headphone craze continues with brands like iLuv, MTX Street Audio and Myth Labs’ Mythband.