Every year in early January, the global consumer electronics industry gathers in Las Vegas for CES, the world's biggest consumer electronics trade event.
It's the launchpad for most companies' new product ranges for the coming year, and a showcase for emerging technologies, from computers and home automation to hi-fi and all forms of home entertainment.
One of the highlights of the show is its showcase of cutting-edge new tech, highlighted in the Innovations Design and Engineering Awards.
Since 1976, the Awards have given consumer manufacturers and developers an opportunity to have their newest products judged by a panel of experts, including independent industrial designers and engineers.
Products chosen as the most impressive in each category are selected as honorees and can be seen at CES in the Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Showcase.
As a taste of what's in store for 2012, here are some of the 'Innovation Honorees' chosen so far:
Category: High Performance Home Audio
Devialet D-Premier
A combined preamp, analogue-digital hybrid stereo power amp and a digital-to-analogue converter in a single case
Category: Software and mobile apps
MyFord Mobile
Ford’s MyFord Mobile app allows Focus Electric drivers to control car functions via a smartphone or website.
Category: Personal Electronics
Libratone Live
AirPlay wireless speaker system, available in six colours.
Category: Gaming hardware and accessories
Razer Blade
An aluminium chassis laptop designed specifically for gaming.
Category: Home theatre speakers
Reality Design SonicBlade
The world's first glass plinth speaker that combines an electrostatic
sonic panel with conventional cone technology to deliver "premium sound at a realistic cost".
Category: Headphones
Sonomax Technologies eers in-ear headphones
Custom-fit in-ear headphones that are moulded to fit your ears in just four minutes.
Category: Tablets, e-readers and Netbooks
Sony Tablet S1
Rival to Apple's iPad, which is PlayStation certified.
Category: Wireless handsets
HTC Amaze 4G
The HTC Amaze 4G is powered by a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and runs Android 2.3. It hast a 4.3-inch qHD Super LCD display and an advanced 8-megapixel camera.
Category: Audio components
Altec Lansing InAir 5000 AirPlay speaker
The InAir 5000 wireless AirPlay speaker (MA5000) is a tri-amp, hi-fi system that allows iOS and iTunes users to stream music over their wi-fi network.
Category: Audio components
NAD Viso 1
Wireless streaming iPod docking system.
Category: Audio components
Philips Fidelio SoundRing
A portable, rechargeable speaker designed with Philips SoundRing and AirPlay technology.
