Take more than 100,000 self-proclaimed tech nerds, drop them in the middle of Sin City, and what do you get? The 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where many of the world’s most innovative technologies are unveiled in just a matter of days.

This year’s event is important for a number of reasons. Most significantly, tech titans Apple and Microsoft were almost completely absent from the show, except for a bizarre appearance by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at the Qualcomm keynote.

I made the trip to Las Vegas for this year’s CES, which likely set the stage for the trends we’ll be seeing throughout 2013. Here are five of those trends:

Windows 8 is here to stay. Lenovo, Dell, Panasonic, and others introduced numerous devices powered by Windows 8. Everywhere you looked, Windows 8’s colored panes stared back. Intel announced that all fourth-generation processors will require touch, a move that clearly benefits Windows 8.

Customization is everything—especially when it comes to TVs. Panasonic touted the importance of a personalized television experience, which means content designed for the individual and technology that integrates mobile. Other devices, such as Fitbit (pictured here), which monitors your eating and sleeping habits and activity, is a great example of technology that’s inherently personal.



Perceptual computing promises to make an impact. Intel’s perceptual computing initiative refers to interacting with a computer beyond traditional devices such as a mouse or keyboard. Think facial recognition, voice command, and gesture control. Personify, for instance, debuted its new video chat product at the Intel booth this week. (Disclosure: Personify is a client.)

The convertible laptop/tablet is poised to take over. People have declared the laptop dead for more than a year. The truth is, laptops are still extremely useful in a variety of settings, including in the office and the classroom. The convertible Ultrabooks introduced by Intel at this year’s CES bridge the gap between laptop and tablet, letting users switch between the two with one fluid motion. Keep an eye on the Lenovo Yoga in 2013.

Thin is in. TVs are getting thinner. Tablets are getting thinner. Phones are getting thinner. PCs are getting thinner. CES attendees were even given the chance to try out a flexible smart screen called PaperTab. Here is Samsung’s behemoth new flat screen on the floor of CES:



Were you able to attend this year’s CES? Did you spot any trends I missed? Let me know in the comments below.

Andrew Cross is a Chicago-based public relations professional with Walker Sands Communications. Follow him on Twitter at @Andrew_R_Cross.

(Image via)