Image Credit: Yahoo
The hustle and bustle of sharp-elbowed gadget-watchers is a time-honored lament at CES, but this year it’s getting to the point where a journalist can’t even get to look at the darn products, what with all the celebrities hanging around. While celeb endorsements are nothing new, the stars are out in full force this year. We’re not sure whether they’re feeling geek chic as Hollywood’s latest status symbol or simply see hopping on the tech bandwagon as the next logical biz opportunity — like having a clothing line, perfume, or brand of booze.
Things kicked off at Panasonic’s press conference when famed eco-warrior Ed Begley Jr. hopped onstage to tout the company’s green initiatives, and was later followed by a visit from U.S. soccer legend Brandi Chastain (and fellow ‘ballers Heather O’Reilly and Alex Morgan) to tout 3-D broadcasting of the 2012 Olympics. The otherwise sedate affair got a mainline adrenaline jolt when surprise guest Justin Timberlake hopped onstage to discuss the launch of Myspace TV — JT is a major investor in the moribund social network, after all.
Not a bad showing, but Sony’s presser upped the star wattage even higher with an appearance by Will Smith, who along with MIB3 director Barry Sonnenfeld did their best to banter amiably following a belabored plug for the movie (in theaters near you soon!). Sony capped its presentation with a performance from an aw-shucks Kelly Clarkson (yes, a Sony artist). READ FULL STORY »
