• The iPad is getting some competition
• Being green is becoming more of a trend for manufacturers and consumers
• As consumers move more toward mobile technology, more smartphones hit the market, and Android rules
• We’re moving more and more to 3D TV with affordable devices being offered that have better technology

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who made an appearance as our keynote speaker at last year’s Membership Breakfast, spoke yesterday at the pre-event show. Microsoft also unveiled their Surface 2.0 tablet device, which is predicted to hit the consumer market at a cost of $7,600.

We’ll see as the week unfolds if what is fresh to market fulfills what Tech Crunch recently predicted as the “Seven Technologies That Will Rock 2011″.  You can follow all the news as it unfolds via the official CES twitter , via CNET’s dedicated CES 2011 Latest News site and through CrunchGear’s live broadcast from the CES tradeshow floor .

“I have a pretty active lifestyle and am not one to want to sit still for very long.  It takes a lot to capture my attention! But, with the Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect, it’s a whole new game…no pun intended. It tracks voice commands and helps you correct everything from your golf swing to your dance moves. I become an avatar, how fun! It’s definitely on my list for Santa this year.” – Leah Magee

“Being the diehard Verizon Wireless fan that I am, my number one gadget wish list item is the HTC Droid Incredible. After playing with a friend’s for hours, I’m convinced that it’s the smaller, but just as powerful version of the iPhone 4. With five classic camera modes to choose from, the Retro Camera app can make the most amateur photographer like myself look like Ansel Adams. I also love the social media streamlining capabilities—it makes updating all sites so quick and easy! I sure hope Santa comes through on this one…” – Mollie McCormick

“As a busy working mother who often works at home, I’m hoping Santa brings me one of the HP Photosmart e-All-in-One Printers. HP’s ePrint technology allows the user to print anywhere, anytime, and with almost any device. I also like that it allows me to send print jobs securely and handles and variety of file formats.  It’s just the thing I need to make my home office complete!”  – Beth Foreman

“I have a pretty long list for Santa this year.  MacAuthority has the new iPad as well as a 15-inch MacBook Pro that has been on my radar for a while.  Sprint’s Samsung Epic 4G is also on my list after I got to test it out during our Annual Tech Awards. PC Mag put it on their Best of 2010 List for it’s keyboard functionality and overall performance. As someone who constantly has to be connected and able to send out communication, it’s reliable and an excellent tool for updating all of our social media resources.” – Katy Kirby

“I’ve had my eye a few things from Griffin Technology.  Griffin has some of the best mobile accessories on the planet, and I love that they are based here in Nashville.  Their Airstrap and Studio Stand for the iPad have been on my list for a while, and I also just discovered the leather cases made by Griffin + Col. Littleton.  And I wouldn’t complain if someone left a new Dell Vostro V130 Laptop under my Christmas tree.” – Tod Fetherling

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Nashville Technology Council…and good luck with your holiday shopping!

Nashville is included in the 38 metropolitan roll-out on Sunday, December 5th.  Customers can check out www.verzionwireless.com/4Glte to see if their address will be included in the initial coverage area.  Street level maps of coverage areas will be available online on Saturday.

You can find more information on this roll-out via Verizon Wireless’ official press release.

When asked what the five best things are about Motorola’s new Smartphone, DROID, an Android 2.0-powered phone developed in partnership with Google, Verizon Wireless’ Manager of Data Solutions, Terry Henry, had much more than five things to say. There are a number of things that differentiate the DROID from its leading competitors in the wireless market.

1. Customization: DROID’s fully open operating systems makes it completely flexible for the user. You can add applications and widgets of your choice to 3 different screens, which can easily be navigated with the touch of a hand.
2. Flexibility with Applications: If you do not like the applications already installed on the phone, there are over 12,000 compatible apps available on the Android Market™, or you can simply create your own app with the software development kit. In addition, if you think your app is awesome, you can sell it on the marketplace.
3. Multi-Task Capability: The DROID has the capability to run multiple applications simultaneously. With the ability to toggle between 6 applications at one time, you can listen to Pandora, browse the web, answer text messages and check e-mail all without losing speed.
4. Speed: Speaking of speed, the DROID has a 550 megaHz processor, the largest available on the market to date. This speed makes web browsing have a desktop-like experience for the user.
5. Navigation: The user has the ability to search any location through Google, by voice command or text. DROID’s GPS navigation will give you turn by turn directions to you location of choice through Google Maps™ Navigation Beta.
6. Contacts: With DROID’s universal list, your contacts can be integrated from work, personal and even Facebook. What if your phone breaks? With Verizon Wireless’ partnership with Google, all of your contacts are stored in a Gmail™ account, so you can find them directly from your desktop.
7. Camera: In addition to the built in video-camera, the 5-megapixel camera not only has an image stabilization feature, but also has night vision capabilities.
8. Accessories: There’s no need for an alarm clock because your DROID will transform into a media station with the bedside dock. In addition, the car dock creates a hands free navigation system.

Last but not least, Affordability. The new DROID Smartphone is only $199, which comes with over 16 gigs of storage space, a 3.7” display with over 400,000 pixels, and both a touch screen and slide out full QWERTY keyboard. The DROID will be available in Verizon Wireless stores this Friday, November 6th.

Want to learn more? Click Here to view a DROID demonstration video.