So I have written a couple of pieces in the last two days about the announcements in the CES build-up as a way of looking at CES from afar (click here for the two original articles).

Utilization of the latest electronics technology for real world applications has always excited me, which is probably why I studied electronics but went straight into journalism after graduating. While others designed new systems and chips, I wrote about them. So what’s caught my eye in the last couple of days?  Here’s a selection of what I have seen from CES announcements – ranging from the fun to the useful.

‘Quadricopter’ for augmented reality video games piloted by Wi-Fi:

One of the demos that impressed many at last year’s CES was the flying quadricopter powered by an iPhone app.  This year, the company that makes it, Parrot , is showing the final version of the Parrot AR.Drone quadricopter for augmented reality gaming –  where you pilot the device using wireless via your iPhone or iPad. 

3D without glasses – TV, picture frame, and PC, all in 3D

Stream TV Networks announced a new line of eLocity 3D Without Glasses devices at CES, including TVs, digital picture frame and the 3D desktop computer. The company says it is a technological breakthrough with resolution that surpasses all the other 3D display products. These products will all be available to consumers by Q4 of 2011.

Wet iPhone, iPad, smartphone, and tablet emergency kit

The video that goes with this announcement dunks a phone in water and shows how it can be dried with an emergency kit available to purchase for about US$ 30. The new technology from DRY-ALL absorbs all of the moisture in your phone quickly, allowing the phone to continue working as normal without losing your valuable information.  This new kit has hyperfast dry time and a patent pending absorption chamber that dries wet cell phones in as little as six  hours.

3G connected blood glucose meters

Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) and Telcare Incorporated announced plans to integrate Qualcomm’s wireless Internet of Everything Module (IEM) into the Telcare 3GM™ blood glucose meter being developed by Telcare. Telcare 3GM, currently in prototype phase, is designed to transfer blood glucose readings to a patient’s family members or physician with each test.  

LG smart home

Although LG already tried the connected fridge some years ago, this time the company has come out with a range of products which may ‘improve’ on that experience.  Its range of smart appliances allows users to adapt their home appliances to their personal preference and control and monitor them via their smartphones or tablet PCs. For example, LG's washing machine can automatically select the most cost-effective time to do the laundry and can also send detailed diagnoses of technical problems direct to a service centre, doing away with the need for service calls or in-home visits.

For more of my insights into CES and also more on the connected home and everything-connected theme click here.