CES 2009

Each year, CNET, in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), produces the Best of CES awards at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The CNET editorial team recognizes the best new products at the show with awards in nine categories, an overall Best of Show award, and the People's Voice award that's selected by the CNET online audience.

Award categories*:

• Digital photo and video
• Car tech and GPS
• Cell phones and smartphones
• Computers and hardware
• Gaming
• Green
• Home theater
• MP3 and video players
• Televisions

*CNET reserves the right to exercise editorial discretion when categorizing product submissions.

Awards criteria

CNET editors will name the Best of CES 2010 award finalists and winners based on the following:

• Product must be new, in that it will not be released before December 1, 2009. Prototypes, reference designs, or products that represent a proof of concept will not be considered.
• Product must be on exhibit at the 2010 International CES in Las Vegas.
• Product demonstrates its potential to:
• Pioneer a new category, establish an emerging category, or

CES 2010 will have several Apple-related booths to visit, but are Apple and CEO Steve Jobs really planning to attend?

(Credit: James Martin/CNET News)

The Consumer Electronics Association has confirmed plans to host a Mac-centric area at CES 2010, but Apple has still not commented on whether it plans to participate.

Jason Oxman of the CEA confirmed Saturday that the group "dedicated a special area at the 2010 CES to Apple-related CE manufacturers." That immediately sets up an alternative for companies thinking about exhibiting at Macworld 2010, which will not have Apple present for the first time in 12 years.

"We decided to create this special area based on discussions we've had with companies regarding 2010 show participation. We are pleased with the feedback we've received regarding this space," Oxman said in an e-mail.

Oxman, however, deferred all questions regarding whether Apple would participate to the company itself, which did not return calls Friday and Saturday seeking comment on reports that it will be involved. "(Apple) ... Read more