Gadget excitement at CES

From projection tech that turns tabletops into PC screens, to cutting-edge smartphone designs, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2010 featured some of the most innovative gadgets around.

The show, held in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 January, is considered the world's largest consumer tech tradeshow, with over 20 000 products showcased this year, according to its organisers, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

Major technology trends exhibited at the 2010 CES included 3D TV, mobile DTV, connected TV, green technologies, tablets and more, says the CEA. Here is a roundup of the most noteworthy products showcased:

Parrot USA released the AR Drone quadricopter, a flying gadget controlled via WiFi that sends live video streaming to an iPhone or IPod Touch. According to the company, it comes with augmented reality gaming, whereby players can partake in various races alone or play against other Drones.

3D TVs abounded at CES, with Panasonic exhibiting a plasma 3D TV called the VT25. Due to its large size - 65 inches - the set is made up of several plasmas fused together, according to the Telegraph.

Hybra Advance Technology showcased the Orbital Ring Bluetooth (ORB), a ring that vibrates when messages are received or to remind users of a meeting. Hybra Advance Technology adds it has a display for reading text messages or to identify callers. The ORB can be twisted out of its ring-shape to be worn on the ear as a Bluetooth headset for making hands-free calls.

The Google Nexus One, which runs Google's Android 2.1 and is manufactured by HTC, was expected to create the biggest buzz in the smartphone field. But the limelight may have been stolen by Motorola's Backflip, also running Android. The phone opens much like a book, with hinges that allow the qwerty keypad and screen to both face outwards.

Projected keypads got an update with the Light Touch from Light Blue Optics. The company explains that the gadget turns any flat surface into a touchscreen, allowing users to interact with content as both the keypad and the screen of the computer or device is projected.

Keeping with the projection theme, 3M showcased its Mpro 120 Pocket Projector, which beams images and videos from cellphones, computers, netbooks, digital cameras, iPods, and MP3 players onto a flat surface. Sound is also available through built-in speakers.

The Nikon Coolpix 1000pj demonstrated similar capabilities, projecting videos and images as large as 40 inches. These products introduce a new type of photo-sharing, allowing users to display shots from mobile devices in a larger, more interactive format.

Project Natal is the latest move in wireless gaming from Microsoft. It has removed another barrier from the total gaming experience - the controllers. No remotes or controls are required for this gaming technology, which is compatible with Xbox 360 consoles. According to Xbox.com, Project Natal is set to hit stores at the end of the year.

Sony debuted its Bloggie video camera, which has a detachable 360-degree HD camera that can be placed on the device. This allows for steady recording while the attached camera captures everything happening around it. Sony says Bloggie is capable of uploading videos in high-definition directly to sites like YouTube and Photobucket, for easy content-sharing via the Web.

Directed Electronics showcased the Viper SmartStart, which allows users to lock, unlock or start their car from an iPhone. According to Viper, this means users won't have to carry a remote around, and can warm or cool their cars before getting in when they're unable to do so personally.

Liquid Image unveiled the Scuba Series HD322 wide-angle camera mask with an integrated digital video camera that can take 5-megapixel photographs. It eliminates the need to carry a handheld water-proof camera while diving or underwater.

For those constantly losing their phone, the Zomm serves as a Bluetooth leash for mobile handsets. The coin-shaped device sounds an alarm and flashes a light if a user walks away without their phone. It can be carried on a key ring or inside a wallet, and has features like call notification, an emergency button and speakerphone for incoming calls.