Geeking Out at CE Week New York {Giveaway Closed}

Working in the blogging space has peaked my interest in the tech world.

But honestly, I’m still fairly green when it comes to gadgets, gizmos and widgets, so I jump at any chance I get to learn more about the latest in technology.

I’m intrigued by products that make life simpler with the flick of a switch or by the download of an app. So when the opportunity came to get a guided tour of CE Week New York (Consumer Electronics Week) with the ladies of Techlicious, I was ready, eager and willing.

Founded by Consumer Technology expert, Suzanne Kantra, Techlicious serves the role of that tech-savvy friend you can count on to share tips and tricks to get the most out of technology; whether that’s saving time in our hectic schedules, discovering new ways to enjoy our personal interests, or keeping up with the latest technology trends and styles.

Can you see why I was game to explore CE Week with this group? They know their stuff. They make tech simple.

They also know how to host one heck of a blogger lunch. More on that in a sec.

A small group of tech-interested bloggers and I gathered at the Metropolitan Pavilion and were woven through the serpentine-like paths of CE Week. It’s exactly what you think it is: lots of flat screens, apps, devices, cameras, gadgets, robotic devices and more.

I was particularly intrigued by the Connected Home products – everything from apps that will lock your doors, set your thermostat and make you dinner (ok, not quite) to a fashionable French watch, Withings Activité – Swiss made, of course – that will do exactly what those clunky athletic-looking ones will do (track your activity, monitor your sleep, heart rate, etc.) But is way cuter.

Then, our group made our way down the street to BLT Fish for a blogger lunch sponsored by LG, TripIt, and Philips, where we dined on pan-roasted branzino (I had the chicken) and key lime pie and learned about some of the cool innovations happening with these brands.

I was previously made aware of TripIt last year at another blogger event, and was thrilled to see them again, so that I could really spend some time integrating with the app and learning how to use it. For those who are frequent travelers, this is a must-have. It’s basically an all-in-one organizing app that automagically creates a master itinerary so you can access all your travel plans, any time, on any device.

It comes in 2 flavors: TripIt (free) and TripIt Pro.

TripIt (free) allows you to:

• Organize all your travel plans in one place with master itineraries for every trip
• Simply forward all your flight, hotel, car rental, and restaurant confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com
  

  TripIt

• View your detailed TripIt itineraries any time, on any device
• Sync your TripIt travel plans with your favorite online or mobile calendar
• Selectively share itineraries or specific travel plans with family, friends, and colleagues via email or text
• Add or edit plans with ease

TripIt Pro is the all-in-one travel-organizing app for stress-free travel that organizes, monitors, alerts, and notifies so you’re always in the know, on the go. With TripIt Pro ($49/year), you can:

• Get real-time alerts for delays, cancellations, and gate changes
• Find alternate flights with open seats, fast
• Get notified when the seat you want becomes available
• Keep track of reward-program points and miles in one spot
• Get notified when you’re eligible for a fare refund
• Selectively share itineraries, specific trip plans, and flight alerts with family, friends, and colleagues in your inner circle, automatically
• Save money with VIP benefits from trusted travel partners

One lucky mom a la mode reader will have the chance to win TripIt Pro (A $49 value) at the end of this post.

I also learned at this lunch that 80% of flat panel TVs will be smart-enabled by the end of next year, according to Parks Associates

And that there is a demand for Ultra HD 4K content (2160p or 3840 x 2160).

To see these televisions up close in the LG booth at CE Week was just extraordinary. You could practically see the hair follicles on the heads of newscasters! Ultra High-Definition Television represents the next level in picture detail for large-screen HDTVs. With LG Ultra HD 4K displays, consumers will have the sharpest, life-like picture available and a much needed detail boost for today’s larger TVs.

But while my husband would dig the Ultra HD 4K models, I was rather impressed with the smart-tvs that have webOS™ technology that makes accessing streaming content fast and simple. So Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, etc. are already built in.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Techilicious at CE Week and am thrilled to share with one lucky reader a 1 –year subscription to TripIt Pro. Enter below within the next 4 days!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

oxox

-mom a la mode

 

 

{I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this post. I received a Techlicious goodie bag with samples and a 1-year subscription to TripIt for review purposes only. All opinions expressed here are solely mine.}