March 2012

Do you know anyone who’s ever been to Las Vegas and not gambled? Say hello to, well, us. We didn’t have time for such nonsense when there was the business of the world’s biggest consumer tech show to attend to. The CES, as it’s called, is the size of Wiltshire (maybe) and is home to more future gadgets than that county is to druids on summer solstice (possibly). 
It’s just an astonishing spectacle – check out LG’s 122-TV passive 3D demo – and the perfect place to lose yourself in gadget nirvana for a week. We scoured every recess for the best CES had to offer, and we’ve presented the results of that mucky endeavour in a nine-page special, called CES Hot Stuff.
Once again, CES proved just how pervasive and important apps have become. Everything will be loaded with software, from your TV to your car, via your robot vacuum cleaner and fridge. Yes, your fridge. But for now it’s smartphone and tablet apps that have the greatest impact on the gadgeteer’s life – and life-changing apps is the subject of this month’s cover feature. But back to those cars. Thrilling as CES was, it’s battling with test-driving future cars for our favourite gadget experience of the month. It’s tough being us.

What's inside