As the media attention surrounding the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) dies down, many onlookers, exhibitors and even attendees themselves are wondering: Where does all that leave us? Indeed, CES 2012 was made up of a series of contradictions.

At Jack, we set out to find a way to simplify the commentary, tune out the noise and end up with a defined point of view on the direction of the show and what brands can do to create experiences for the people that matter most to them. 

Written for brands, exhibitors, marketers and interested attendees, this overview gives just that: Jack Morton’s POV on CES 2012, an overview of the trends and some tips to help brands prepare for CES 2013. Features include a profile of trends spotted at this year’s show and tips for an effective approach to CES 2013. 

During a show where it seems that attendees increasingly don’t give a %&*# about the products, will your brand provide an experience that is talked about once Vegas clears out in 2013?

As over 153,000 attendees settle back into their day-to-day after the record-breakingly large 2012 International CES, many of them have found themselves asking: What product can I tell my family and friends about?

I’ll admit what many other attendees already have: It wasn’t a wealth of amazing innovation. But one product did stand out in my mind, by approaching innovation differently. A product is only truly revolutionary when it combines modern technology with a lifestyle gap that consumers are receptive to changing. 

4moms revolutionized strollers by doing just that with the Origami stroller. None of the technologies are revolutionary individually, but their integration into a stroller is:

- Power-Folding (open and close)
- Built-in Generator (powered by pushing)
- Daytime Running, Pathway Headlights
- LCD Screen (distance tracker, child sensor and more)
- USB Power Adapter (charge your phone while you walk)
- Adjustable Seat, Peeking Window, Four-Wheel Suspension

Still a nascent technology, many brands are emerging at CES 2012 with a focus on mobile commerce. Though Google Wallet certainly got the jump start on many other consumer electronics and financial brands, the emergence of a significant (and fragmented) competitive set demonstrates how far off widespread use will be.

The underlying Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, however, is the highlight of the movement. Credit card brands including MasterCard (PayPass), American Express and Visa are scurrying to make joint ventures with the the most major consumer electronics brands. Intel has been working with MasterCard PayPass (also used by Google Wallet) in order to begin integrating technology and projecting future use by merchant ultrabook users. HP has unveiled Spectre, an NFC-powered, Gorilla Glass surfaced ultrabook. Sony has announced its introduce of four new Droid-based Xperia smartphones, all of which will be armed with NFC as well.

Though technology enthusiasts are viewing devices with NFC to be the key to the mass market paying with mobile devices, it seems more likely that the technology will first be widely adopted for other purposes: sharing files wirelessly with other users; playing music wirelessly on speakers and headphones; and even unlocking classified vaults and doors (see HID Global and Yale Locks & Hardware’s developments).

As consumers are increasingly armed with mobile devices and ultrabooks armed with NFC, there will emerge some exciting opportunities to weave NFC through our brand experiences.

Though I’m at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) mostly to with an eye towards brand experience, I couldn’t help but share one of my first favorite product discoveries of the year: the Wi-Spi toys.

Wi-Spi toys are iPhone and Android remote controlled helicopters and cars that allow users to spy on the fly. Another on-the-fly capability present on board: Users can instantly upload the footage and photos captured to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Digitally-powered toys with a social layer built in? This is the stuff the future is made of. Tickle Me Elmo step aside… Wi-Spi toys are expected to be available in Fall 2012 for around $120 each.