A doctor using the iRobot’s RP-VITA system to consult with a patient

How technology is building a new old age

With an increasing number of us living in to old age and wanting to stay independent, technology has some novel answers to keep us healthy.

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The Kindle chopping board and a water-proof iPad at CES

A demonstration of celery being sliced on top of a Kindle protected with an Invisible Phone Guard (IPG) at the CES
A demonstration of celery being sliced on top of a Kindle protected with an Invisible Phone Guard (IPG) at the CES Credit: Reuters

Protection for the gadgets many of us already have at home has been popular at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

An iPad takes a dip into a bowl of water at the LifeProof booth at the CES
An iPad takes a dip into a bowl of water at the LifeProof booth at the CES Credit: Reuters

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Samsung unveils curved TV at Las Vegas gadget show

Over 3,000 exhibitors showcased their newest gadgets and innovations to kick start the Las Vegas 2013 CES technology show. Among them were Samsung's concept 'curved television'.

Samsung unveiled its intelligent TV at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Samsung unveiled its intelligent TV at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Credit: Darren Burn/ITV News
The Samsung display features a curved structure.
The Samsung display features a curved structure. Credit: Darren Burn/ITV News

Britain's power struggle in consumer electronics

When it comes to big name brands in the world of consumer electronics, the UK doesn't leap to the top of the list. The power still lies with South Korea, China, Japan and the United States.

Convertible Lenovo Ultrabook displayed at an Intel news conference during the CES in Las Vegas
Convertible Lenovo Ultrabook displayed at an Intel news conference during the CES in Las Vegas Credit: Reuters

But were still a key player - especially when compared to other European countries. The UK has the largest technology market of any country in Europe with £8 billion spent each year. That accounts for almost 15% of the £140 billion spent throughout Europe annually.

The technology sector and investment is growing too. It currently contributes 12% of GDP and results in 600,000 direct jobs in the country. Companies like ARM are evidence that Britain's technology industry can still play a key role in designing components found in the international giants products.

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'Bullet-proof' protection for mobile phones

Impact Shield
The shield can absorb the force of impact if the phone is dropped face down. Credit: Tech21

A smartphone cover boasting bullet-proof casing has become the latest mobile protection product to be launched at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Makers Tech21 said the Impact Shield is made from an advanced impact material currently used in Military Grade Bullet Proof glass and the cockpits of fighter jets.

Properties in the material even enable it to "self-heal" over time if the phone is scratched or bumped, they said.

Sony unveils water-resistant smartphone in Las Vegas

Sony Xperia Z
The Sony Xperia Z can deal with far more than a few drips of water. Credit: Sony

Sony has introduced a new water-resistant smartphone at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that can survive being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes.

The Android-powered Xperia Z, which will be available to buy within the next few months, also features a 13-megapixel camera - for high-quality underwater shots, perhaps?

Read more on the unveiling of 4K TVs at the CES.

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