Speculation builds over Las Vegas technology trade show line-up

AS THE tech industry prepares to hit Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show, there has already been much speculation about what will be unveiled.

Industry heavyweights such as Sony, Panasonic and Samsung have already signed up to take part, with keynote speeches to be given by Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer and Intel’s Paul Otellini.

The event sets the stage for the rest of the year for the industry, giving a sneak preview of what we can expect to be the major product releases and tech trends of the year.

The 2011 show was more about evolution than revolution. High definition 3D TVs were one of the main products in 2010 and 2011, while tablets – particularly Android-based ones – featured heavily.

It is likely tablets will make another appearance at next week’s show, but this year it could be Windows 8 that makes a splash.

Microsoft already showed off the operating system and a Windows-powered tablet at its Build conference last September, and it is expected the new operating system will be on show.

That does not mean Android will be taking a back seat, however. Google has already unveiled the latest version of its software – Ice Cream Sandwich – to the public, and manufacturers may take the opportunity to show how their devices can use the software in the next generation of Android tablets. There is already talk of a Nexus tablet sometime this year.

And while dual core was the buzz phrase for mobile devices last year, this year manufacturers are expected to beef it up to quad core as they strive to carve a niche for themselves in the competitive tablet market. Trying to shake Apple off the number one spot may seem like a tall order, but that has not stopped its rivals from trying.

For those who want something a bit more usable than a tablet, ultrabooks are likely to feature heavily at the event, with companies such as HP, LG and Lenovo backing the high-end, lightweight notebooks.

Intel, meanwhile, is providing the chips to power the devices. 2012 could finally see the end of the ailing netbook, despite some manufacturers continuing to cling on.

Microsoft will be showing off some of its gaming portfolio in Las Vegas too, ahead of the E3 games conference in LA in June. Whether its supposed next generation console will be unveiled is not yet certain, but the online rumour mill is hard at work claiming Microsoft will give a sneak preview for games fans.

But 2012 will also be the last time the tech firm will be participating in any major way at electronics shows; it said last month the timing of the event does not suit its schedule for releasing new products.

In among the weird and wonderful gadgets, there are bound to be a few old reliables. Like last year, televisions are set to feature heavily. LG is set to show off its new 55in OLED display at the event, which it claims is the world’s biggest.

This year’s TVs will be more connected than ever, with internet connections linking viewers to services such as Netflix and social networking sites.

There is also the possibility of getting a look at some new Google TV devices at the exhibition.