CES: Anything New or Anything Green?

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month is touted as the largest show where the newest emerging technologies can be found. Most of the industry rumbled because there just were not that many new products on the market. ...I think they should be looking at a different market.

After twenty years in the fields of architecture and design, I see the world differently from those who view it in megapixels or bytes. I believe that the convergence of more accessible and affordable personal technologies combined with the increased interest in green living combined with the economy has created the perfect storm for new markets.

I found more than twenty products that are not currently considered "shelter" market products, although they possess amazingly appropriate technologies for that market. It seems that there is a disconnect between the interior design world and the technology world to the point that there is no communication until the technologies and products become so mainstream that they are considered obsolete by technology standards, or until a subcontractor familiar with the product explains it to those in the design world. Therefore, to answer the question: yes, there were many new products for a new market.

While electronics are more grey than green, it did seem to be a focal point of the show. Every company took every opportunity to market why their product was more eco-friendly than in years past. I am not as harsh of a judge as some might be on this topic because I feel that any efforts companies make to reduce the enviromental hazards of their products is a step in the right direction. All efforts are to be commended, and the efforts by some are terrific.

So what are the products, technologies, or companies? Those are secrets that I will reveal soon. For now, know that the world at home is quickly becoming greener and more technologically advanced, but also amazingly and refreshingly simple.