CES Day 1
Las Vegas is an insane place. We’ve all seen the blinking lights, sad chain-smoking slot players and tough-guy-wanna-be-mafioso on film though nothing compares to a first-hand experience. The tone for my experience thus far was set by the slot machines in the airport terminal. Just out of the airplane in the hallway sat blank-eyed elderly people with a cigarette hanging out of their mouths and hopes of maybe making their money back. I found it quite depressing really. I have yet to see the fast-paced, exciting environment I had envisioned as, in the Aladdin where I am staying, players seem sad and intoxicated. There are no outbursts of joy or excitement; rather the constant beep and bop of the variously themed slot machines fills the ear.
On an exciting note, the work I (we MAYAns) have done for our client has come together quite handsomely. I was also given a private demo of the new Blue Ray DVD player technology which I must admit produces quite a nice picture. Tonight I am engaged in client dinners and meetings though I intend to tour the actual CES convention space tomorrow afternoon.
Another side note/observation: it seems the most interesting and IP sensitive technology is presented behind closed doors, in private ball rooms. If anyone has a request for me to photograph a booth or piece of tech here at the convention, leave a comment and I will do my best.