Wordy Wednesday: What Is CES?

Each January in Las Vegas, the biggest names in computers and electronic gadgets gather in Las Vegas for several days to attend the annual International Consumer Electronics Show, or CES. CES is an opportunity for companies to show off their latest innovations, from smartphone cases to computer programs to gadgets you had no idea you needed.

More and more, parts of our ordinary lives are being connected to the Internet. It started, of course, with personal computers and then moved to music players and cell phones. Televisions. Thermostats. Tennis rackets?

French tennis equipment manufacturer Babolat, out to change the way the game is played, has introduced the first Internet-connected tennis racket. They aren't out to change the rules or the physical action of the game itself, but the way players approach the game. The racket, created by French company Babolat, employs tiny sensors and a bluetooth connection to track a player's movements when the ball meets the racket. Players and coaches can then study and analyze the collected data that will help them evaluate and improve their game.

A Pebble smart watch.

A really hot topic at this year's CES was the idea of wearable tech which is just what it sounds like: technology that you wear. From fitness bands that help you track and meet your personal fitness goals, to smart watches that give you important information right on your wrist, to smart glasses that allow you to discreetly check your email or even watch TV, wearable tech is becoming a huge focus for companies and consumers alike.

Another major point of interest at CES was technology and connectivity in the car. Nine major car makers presented ideas and advances at the conference, more than ever before. One vehicle ran completely off of solar power; another could be started by a tablet or smartphone. It's almost become an expectation for new cars to include steering wheel and dashboard access to smartphones, music players, and GPS mapping units. Ten years ago, we didn't even consider the computer leaving the home, but now it can even be part of your driving experience.

Whew! Technology has come quite a-ways, hasn't it? How long will it be before all aspects of our lives are computerized? Shoot us a comment and let us know what you think.