Intel had its keynote, Michael Bay flipped out, and some other interesting happenings at the world's biggest consumer electronics show.
Storified by The Globe and Mail ·
Tue, Jan 07 2014 12:29:27
The Intel of Things
Intel used to be a colossus of computing, the engine of the home PC revolution. But, it missed out on mobile (smartphones and tablets), and PCs are shrinking as a share of the device market. What to do? In its keynote on Monday night, Intel staked out its next big market push: The Internet of Things and wearable computers with a range of powerful sounding chips and devices that come with their own connectivity (which means they may not require a nearby smartphone to connect to the Internet, something just about every other smartwatch or face computer needs). If Intel can execute on its plans, we may be finding Intel Inside our devices again. Intel's CES surprise: Impressive smartwatch and wearable computers
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich showed off wearable computing devices on Monday including earbuds that monitor your heart rate and a smart heads...
BlackBerry Vrrrroooomm!
QNX is BlackBerry's in-car operating system, handling "infotainment" systems... but this year at CES they announced a plan to add simulated engine noise to the cockpit of a Kia Soul (and other cars in future) to give the driver the experience of driving a a more musclebound car. 
BlackBerry technology will make a new car sound like an old hotrod
For car lovers, there is just something about a revving engine that gets the blood moving faster. Now auto makers can capitalize on that ...
STEAM MACHINES!
If you're not into PC gaming you probably don't know what this means, but it's a big deal. Valve, a company in Washington State, announced after much teasing and buildup that it has several hardware partners with which it will sell living room gaming computers, called Steam Machines. If they were made by Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo we would call game consoles. The arrival of these devices in 2014 means the console war is about to get another player, and may get seriously interesting. 
Valve Unveils 13 Steam Machines, With Specs And Prices
During Valve's CES 2014 event last night, the company released a brochure featuring images, prices, and specificiations for 13 third-part...
Alienware Steam Machine
LAS VEGAS -- With the 2013 introduction of both the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4, you'd think the living-room gaming category would be ...
Sony Gets Fit
It seems like every tech firm will do a computerized fitness tracker in 2014, but Sony is at least trying to make a devices that can do more than one thing, according to the AP:
"SmartBand, a waterproof wristband that tracks everything from daily physical activities and nightly sleep patterns to how much you’ve socialized with friends.
The sensor-packed band has no display and interacts wirelessly with an Android smartphone or tablet through an app called Lifelog. It keeps a daily record of activities and recommends actions for the future.
SmartBand also informs its wearer of incoming calls and messages by vibrating. Users listening to music can use it to play, pause or skip tracks.
The band’s core is removable and can be worn in various ways other than with the wristband.
Sony announced SmartBand on Monday and said it would be available this spring, but didn’t give pricing. Sony’s SmartWatch retails for upward of $70."
ALSO: Sony has announced PlayStation Now, it's streaming game service:
Sony edges Xbox: Says 4.2 million PS4 consoles sold in 2013
Sony Corp has sold 4.2 million Playstation 4 game consoles as of December 28, a senior executive said on Tuesday, surpassing the 3 millio...
Remember the Pebble?
The Kickstarter darling (run by a Canadian expat) is showing off a new version of its plastic E-ink screen notification-centric smartwatch, but now in steel, called.... the Pebble Steel.
Meet Pebble Steel ·
Pebble Technology
CES Twitter humour:
What is a major Internet news event without a few fake Twitter accounts? So far our favourite is @CESTrailer (named after the mobile hubs set up in numerous Las Vegas parking lots):
A CES video that doesn't start with the phrase "hey guys" #CESScavengerHunt
— CES Trailer ·
Tue, Jan 07 2014 12:12:58
Starting a photo essay of creepy guys taking sleazy photos of booth babes. I call this one "plaid shirt" http://t.co/C185Hva2Ou ·
CES Trailer
The CES press lunches are getting worse guys. http://t.co/IxrhgpVYqJ ·
CES Trailer
Developing: large group of socially awkward tech writers harshly judge Michael Bay for being socially awkward.
— CES Trailer ·
Mon, Jan 06 2014 14:31:30
Starting to seem like it might be totally possible to write about CES without having a giant trailer compound.
— CES Trailer ·
Mon, Jan 06 2014 12:55:16
Does Google Glass come with an ill fitting pinstripe suit or do you have to buy that separately? Working on a story.
— CES Trailer ·
Mon, Jan 06 2014 11:45:18
Fake press conference is going great. Brought up a flat panel TV from the lobby and making stuff up about "sub pixels" they're buying it.
— CES Trailer ·
Mon, Jan 06 2014 10:02:57
3-D Printing
The breathless amazement surrounding this category has died down a little, but there were some interesting developments announced by MakerBot this year, as AP reports:
"The MakerBot Replicator Z18 can print objects 12 by 12 by 18 inches large. That’s six times larger than MakerBot’s standard Replicator. The machine, which deposits melted plastic dot by tiny dot, will cost about $6,500.
MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis also revealed an upgrade to the company’s standard replicator, and a smaller, consumer-focused Replicator Mini that will sell for $1,375. It prints objects that are up to the size of a cupcake."