The first announcement involves the formal release of Gmail contextual gadgets. These gadgets are extension capabilities that transform email into an integration point. Now that these capabilities are opened to developers, they can build more gadgets that integrate with other systems.

“It’s really making your inbox more useful,” says Glotzbach.

In addition to releasing Gmail contextual gadgets, Google announced updates to Google Apps Script. This software tool, launched at last year’s I/O event, can now be integrated into Google Docs, Google Maps, and third-party services through the new Java Database connectivity. According to Glotzbach, it is a similar concept to what you see in microlanguages, but it is done in a very open way.

Google also announced a partnership with VMware in regards to cloud computing collaboration. Although cloud computing adoption is becoming more prevalent, there are still a number of hurdles involved with it.  Often times, developers have a non-standard toolset to work with and are forced to choose a cloud to deploy from up front.

At Google I/I, the two companies revealed their effort to give developers a familiar set of tools to work with and to allow them to deliver their applications to any number of targets. The companies hope to give developers and businesses the tools, portability, and openness to encourage cloud computing.

In conjunction with the partnership with VMware, Google also announced Google App Engine for Business. This feature brings the power of Google App Engine to businesses. It contains both management and support capabilities.

WebProNews had the opportunity to talk with Ashish Arora, the Vice President and General Manager of Logitech Digital Home to learn more about Logitech’s role in this innovation. Arora shares that Logitech became involved with Google TV because it wanted “to build a new presence in the living room that consumers have never had before.”

Although Logitech is known for devices such as mice and keyboards, the company has actually been innovating in the living room for quite some time. According to Arora, the company could take all the experiences it built around the PC and now offer them in the living room through Google TV.

Logitech, specifically, brings its companion box to Google TV, which allows easy access to HDTVs with HDMI-enabled set-top boxes. The companion box includes Logitech’s Harmony remote control technology and also comes with a remote control that has both keyboard and remote control capabilities.

Many times throughout the interview, Arora expresses Logitech’s excitement around the openness of Google TV.

“It’s a great time for consumers, for people to really enhance their current TV watching experience with Google TV,” he says.

Google TV is scheduled to be available this fall.

Sennheiser recently partnered with Adidas to produce new sport headphones. The companies took complaints and turned them into solutions to make an athlete’s experience better. According to Eric Palonen of Sennheiser, the headphones sound great, stay in place, and are sweat proof.

Another product Sennheiser displayed at CES was the MM 450, which won a CES Innovation Award. The MM 450 allows users to answer phone calls and listen to music in stereo. In addition, it cancels up to 90 percent of ambient noise, which makes it perfect for a frequent traveler.

For more information on Sennheiser and their products, visit their site.

According to the Nokia representative we spoke with, the Maemo-powered N900 is “like a mini computer with a phone application.” The Linux-based Maemo platform allows users to complete multiple online tasks on the small handheld device.

Specific features of the N900 include:

-    32GB of internal storage
-    3.5-inch touchscreen
-    Full QWERTY keyboard
-    5-megapixel camera
-    Carl Zeiss optics
-    Dual LED flash
-    Ovi services

In addition, the home screen can be customized with up to 4 different viewing options. Also, the device has a stand that allows it to be put on a table or counter for easy viewing.

Nokia’s N900 is currently available for $569. It comes unlocked and can be used with any GSM carrier. For more information on this device, visit www.nokiausa.com.

Jon Pollock, Polaroid’s Chief Marketing Officer, spoke with WebProNews at CES 2010 and explained how so many people expressed remorse for the Instant Film products. Specifically, artists and photographers reached out to Polaroid and asked them to bring it back.

In November, the company made its official announcement that it was bringing back its classic film.  Polaroid will be offering a redesigned, modernized version of its OneStep camera that Pollock proudly showed off at CES.  He said this camera “really represents Polaroid.”

The PIC 1000 will be available just in time for the holidays this year. Incidentally, Polaroid’s new Creative Director, Lady Gaga, pointed out in this WPN report that she was excited to help Polaroid take its Instant Film into the digital age.

For the latest information on Polaroid’s products, visit their site.

The company came from the medical industry and wanted to create a product line that would prevent the spread of bacteria and infections.  According to Seal Shield, around 90,000 people die every year in the U.S. as a result of transmitted bacteria and infections.

With Seal Shield’s products, consumers are able to put the devices in the dishwasher, soapy water, and more to ensure that they are disinfected often. Most of the company’s products include its Silver Seal protection, which is an antimicrobial protection that helps prevent microbial growth and other bacteria.

With the one exception of the ability to be submerged in water, the keyboards, mice, and remote controls look and feel just like normal ones would. Incidentally, the company also revealed a Seal Cell waterproof cell phone at CES that is yet to be available.

One of the new products unveiled at CES 2010 was the Powermat Portable.  This device charges up to 3 devices without any cords. The unique thing about this mat is that it folds up in a compact way that can easily fit into any bag. The Powermat Portable will be available in Q3 and range from $39-$79.

The company also introduced a single position mat and a double position mat, which are perfect for charging iPhones, iPods, and more. These smaller mats also make it easier to charge wherever you want, such as by your bed. These mats will be available in April with a price range of $69-$99.

Another new innovation from Powermat included a Powerpack, which is a replacement battery for your mobile device.  This replacement battery eliminates the need for a separate case and does not change the look or feel of the device for the consumer. It will be available in June and will run between $30-$40.

Visit www.Powermat.com to learn more about the company’s products.

First on the list was a case with a battery inside of it.  This case can give a mobile device up to 2 times extra charge.  There is also a lighter version of this type of case that is less bulky.

Secondly, Case-Mate showcased a case that users can customize on their own.  Called “I Make My Case,” the program also provides users with the option of using designs from some of the top digital artists in the world.  To protect the customization, Case-Mate uses technology to embed the design into each case to ensure that it doesn’t scratch or fade.

Case-Mate also had an ID case that holds credit cards, identification, and more. This case is ideal if someone wants to go out for the night and not carry a purse or wallet.

Fourthly, the company displayed a Hug device that is a wireless charging pad and case. This device eliminates cords and wires. Case-Mate’s Marty Gareau told WPN he believes this type of innovation will quickly become part of everyone’s daily life.

Lastly, the company featured a go-Bare product that is a clear film. It is an invisible solution-free case that acts as a protector.

For more information on all Case-Mate’s products, visit their site.

Unlike similar devices, ButtKicker allows the sound to be completely isolated to the listener. Through its patented technology, the ButtKicker low frequency audio transducers allow users to feel the audio without excessive volume.

Mark Luden told WebProNews that ButtKicker adds to the increasingly popular 3-D experience “by making the feeling of sound come alive.”

The unit easily sits under one leg of a sofa or chair and includes an amplifier that can shake the entire seating area. The kit is also equipped with a remote control to vary the intensity.

The price of the ButtKicker is $299 and is available at www.thebuttkicker.com or www.shakemycouch.com.

The device allows users to see the price of energy just by glancing at it. As a result, consumers can determine if they should do their laundry or wait until a later time to do it. The Home Dashboard also allows users to see the real-time energy usage around the house such as electricity, gas, and water.

In addition, if a house is networked with smart appliances and plugs, users can see how much each appliances is costing them each day. There is a real-time billing application as well with which consumers can access their bills. The system can predict the end-of-the-month costs based upon the household’s previous usage. This application can help consumers make any necessary adjustments.

Although the energy management feature is the primary application on the Home Dashboard, Intel also included other applications and functions in order to make it an everyday device for consumers. Intel told WebProNews that it was working with its customers to release a product of this nature by the second half of 2010.

Ed Hardy Icing includes faceplates for the iPhone, BlackBerry, and all other smartphones. In addition, the company produces cases for other mobile accessories such as the iPod nano as well as laptop decals that are crystallized.

There is also an exclusive Black Label design that includes customized Swarovski crystal faceplates. The pricing for this line starts at $1,000.

For more information on Ed Hardy Icing, check out their site.

The device is small in size and has up to 12 hours of battery life. It includes Windows 7, Wi-Fi, 120GB of storage and, of course, 3G. Because of the 3G factor, users can stay connected from nearly anywhere.

Nokia said the device is “more than just tech specs — it’s what you can do with it.”

The mini laptop also comes with a suite of Ovi services, which includes programs such as Ovi Maps.

Nokia’s Booklet 3G is currently available at Best Buy.

The iPad looks a lot like the iPhone, only larger. Jobs said, “Using this thing is remarkable. It’s so much more intimate than a laptop, and it’s so much more capable than a smartphone.”

Notable features of the new tablet include:

- Dimensions: 0.5-inches thick, weighs 1.5 pounds, and 9.7-inch display
- Powered by Apple’s A4 processor
- 10-hours battery life; One month on standby
- 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB of Flash memory storage
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
- Built-in speaker and microphone
- Digital compass
- App Store application included

Some models of the iPad will have 3G. Apple and AT&T are offering two data plans without contracts. The first includes 250MB of data per month for $14.99, and the second includes unlimited data usage for $29.99 per month. These 3G versions will range in price from $629-$829, and those without 3G will start at $499 and go up to $699, both depending on storage size.

As expected, the iPad comes with an e-book reading application called iBooks. Jobs praised Amazon’s Kindle but said Apple hoped to refine that model.

Despite all the hype regarding Apple’s iPad, a tablet computer is not a new concept. Jobs admitted that tablets have not done well in the past but believes Apple is up for the challenge.

The company will begin shipping the iPad in 60 days and the 3G models in 90 days.

Do you believe Apple’s iPad will succeed?

W Phonewatch is a Bluetooth-enabled device that includes a touch screen interface, MP3 player, video camera, still camera, and more. The battery life is approximately 3.5 hours for talk time and up to 100 hours on standby.

The device comes unlocked with no contract and according to the website, is “the world’s smallest full-function GSM unlocked cellphone watch.”

W Phonewatch will be available online in a few weeks, but consumers can place pre-orders now at www.kemplerusa.com.

With Polaroid Studio, users can completely customize their online experience. They can do this by adjusting the height and width at which the uploaded content is displayed, cropping, changing the colors, adding frames, as well as a variety of other editing options. Once the user finishes editing their photos, they can also put them on products such as mouse pads and coffee mugs.

In addition, the program includes numerous templates that users can use if they wish. There is no storage limit for photos and videos and users can upload as often as they want. Polaroid Studio also has a Facebook application that lets users copy photos from the program directly into the social network.

According to Hanley, Polaroid Studio is based upon user preference. She said the program can be as easy and quick as the user wants it to be, or as hard and creative as the user wants it to be.

Learn more about Polaroid Studio here.