Gadgets Galore

CES (The International Consumer Electronics Show) 2013 is happening this week, and the tech websites, podcasts, and blogs are full of exciting info about what’s going on there.  It’s no wonder so many people are interested in it.  The CES, held in Las Vegas, is the biggest trade show in the U.S. and it’s full of things most of us are going to want–TVs, tablets, phones, and various other cool gadgets.

Another amusing gadget being shown at CES is the smallest set of electric wheels.  They are made by spnKIX and go 10 miles per hour.  You can use these to roll all around your world for around $700.  spnKIX says this about their skates, “‘ Rocket Skates’ ‘Worlds Smallest Electronic Vehicle’ spnKiX are fun & cool motorized skates that put wings on your feet.”

The YotaPhone, no association with the sage in Star Wars, also debuted this week in Las Vegas.  This high-end 4.1 Jelly Bean Android smartphone features two screens–a full-color one on the front, and an e-ink display on the back.  The e-ink display conserves more resources, so if your battery is running low you can use the back display.  And when it’s time to watch shows or look at pictures, the use the LCD on the front.

There are two ways to get data on the back screen, either by mirroring the front screen or by using apps built for that specific purpose.  The few apps Yota is starting with include an RSS reader, an alarm clock, and Twitter.  They plan to open up the SDK so developers can create their own compatible software.  To read more, check out the YotaPhone site.

For much more on the variety of gadgets at this year’s show, check out Cnet’s coverage.