2006 PC World Innovations Awards

[Ian Van Dahl]

Clip Origin: Digital World Tokyo

Innovation is everywhere: In sleek industrial design (Apple's iPod Nano), in unique technologies that enable new capabilities (Kodak's dual-lens EasyShare V570), and in products that bring the cost of high-end technologies down from the stratosphere (Sony's Handycam HDR-HC1 high-definition camcorder). Innovative products and services do it first, do it well, or re-imagine what's been done before. They're the kind of products that make you wonder: Why didn't I think of that?

It wasn't easy to narrow down this year's list of PC World Innovations Award winners--but the 25 hardware devices, software products, and Web services spotlighted here say a lot about where technology is today and where it's going. While some products, notably Fujitsu's LifeBook P1510D convertible Tablet PC/notebook and NEC's MultiSync LCD2180WG-LED monitor, are aimed at boosting productivity, this year's picks clearly have a common theme: The majority of them aim to change the way you consume media and entertainment--whether in the living room, the den, or on the go (see our methodology for more on how we made our picks).

As PC World Editor in Chief Harry McCracken noted in his recent Up Front column, many of these products defy clear categorization. Nonetheless, we've managed to group our 25 favorites into five categories: Audio, Cameras and Camcorders, Entertainment, Mobile and Wireless, and Video. And the winners are...

Audio:

Apple iPod Nano
JVC RX-D702B
Sonos Digital Music System
Yamaha RX-V4600
Yamaha YSP-1000

Mobile and Wireless:

Airgo True MIMO Gen3
Avvenu
Fujitsu LifeBook P1510D
Google Earth
Nokia N91

Cameras and Camcorders Panasonic Oxyride:

JVC Everio GZ-MG70
Kodak EasyShare V570
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1
Sony Handycam HDR-HC1

Video:

Maxtor Shared Storage Plus
Mitsubishi HC3000U
NEC MultiSync LCD2180WG-LED
Sling Media Slingbox
Sony DVDirect VRD-MC1
Toshiba RD-XS54

Entertainment:

Creative Zen Vision
Microsoft Xbox 360
Nintendo Nintendogs for Nintendo DS
TiVoToGo

Woohoo! Go Nintendo!

Nintendo Nintendogs for Nintendo DS
GAME ($30) Nintendo's (see picture) uncannily realistic canines, including Labrador retrievers, Chihuahuas, dachshunds, and other breeds, are irresistible. This title for the DS handheld isn't just addictive--it's also one of the most inventive games in years, taking full advantage of the DS's quirky features. You interact mostly through voice commands ("sit!") and by using the DS's pen to do everything from taking your pup for a walk to scratching him or her under the chin. You can even blow bubbles by gently blowing into the handheld's microphone.

The game has no particular goal other than to raise a happy and well-behaved pooch, and the closest the game gets to conflict is if a fellow doggie parent chews you out for failing to clean up after your pet. But if you're a fan of dogs, simulation games, or both, you'll love this puppy. Latest prices

CONGRATULATIONS NINTENDO!! ^_^