5 Intel Products That Will Change Travel Tech in 2014.

This time last week I was making my way back across the country from Nevada, to be exact Las Vegas. I had big plans for that flight, though, after three days at the world’s largest electronics show—CES—I slept mostly, only to wake occasionally, snack on peanuts and pretzels and tomato juice, adjust my soundtrack, and drop off again.

I had been in Vegas with Intel. For 48 hours, I got direct access to the company’s idea factory, and I have to say, I like how the future looks. Prior to CES, I had worked with Intel last winter on a campaign about the versatility of the new Windows 8 tablets that had just hit the scene. By the time that campaign wrapped, the tablet had won me over and earned a spot in my travel bag and, more importantly, my trust, which—believe me—doesn’t come easy.

Intel revealed a lot at this year’s CES, but it’s these five products that will have the biggest impact on travel tech in 2014 and beyond.

Intel Powered Tablets

Tablets, tablets, tablets! What’s your perfect size?

Now I know what you are thinking: been there, done that, right? Well, just hear me out. At CES, I got to see firsthand Windows 8.1 tablets running the new Intel Bay Trail quad-core processor, and I ws extremely impressed. Intel has managed to make something I love (Yes, I really do love my tablet) simpler, faster and better. This year’s crop of tablets running Windows 8.1 are not only more powerful than the Acer tablet I reviewed last year, they also come in smaller sizes, are significantly cheaper and still give you an insane about of battery life. By adding a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, you can have the best of both worlds—an all-in-one and tablet—packed easily into your carry-on.

Smart Earbuds

Intel revealed its Smart Earbuds during its Keynote at CES 2014 | Photo Credit: Intel

As I get older, I appreciate the hotel gym a lot more than I used to. Beth and I do our best to work out on the road, some days we’re more successful at it than others, but we do try. I’ve found having the right tools—apps and good music–really helps me when I’m working out. I’m a big fan of the Nike app on my iPhone to help track my runs, but the information it provides about my workout is pretty minimal. Enter Intel’s Smart Earbuds. Not only do they provide stereo audio, the earbuds can also monitor your heart rate and pulse. Additionally, the headphones can keep track of your run distance and calories burned, and also feature software that acts as a coach, helping users to get the most out of their workouts, and automatically selects music that matches your target heart rate profile. Better yet, Intel designed the earbuds to draw energy directly from the audio jack, which eliminates the need for a battery or additional power source.

Oculus Rift VR

Trust me, virtual reality is a lot more fun than this looks.

The last time I ventured into virtual reality was nearly 20 years ago when Nintendo released one of its biggest flops ever, Virtual Boy. For me, that was pretty much the nail in the coffin for virtual reality. Honestly, I didn’t think the technology would ever get there, and if even it did, I wasn’t convinced that it would be anything more than a fad like 3D HDTVs. Well, I was wrong. Virtual Reality is here and it’s freaking awesome. I had the chance to demo Oculus Rift VR,  which is a pair of augmented reality goggles, with a space combat game, and I felt like I was really in the game; I even got butterflies in my stomach as my space craft launched out into space. This got me thinking about how virtual reality could be used for travel. According to Oculus vice-president Nate Mitchell, the goggles can connect the user to any virtual reality—games, conferences, movies, sporting events—and the possibilities are limitless. So, imagine if you could bring up a city, say Florence or Paris, and take virtual tours or explore from the comfort of your living room, how cool would that be? While virtual tours may still be a few years out, Oculus itself is slated to launch later this year.

Dual OS

Brian Krzanich, Intel’s Chief Executive Officer, highlights the first demonstration of an ASUS Transformer Book Duet (TD 300) at CES 2014 | Photo Credit: Intel

My biggest gripe with Windows 8 is that its app selection is still pretty lackluster. Microsoft is trying, and every day the store gets more apps, but at this stage, it is pretty clear to me that it’s going to be a while before the company can ever come close to what Apple and Android offers its users. With Intel’s new dual-OS switching technology; however, the world just got a little brighter for Window 8.1 users. Intel implemented this technology in collaboration with ASUS and showed off its capabilities at CES with the ASUS Transformer Book Duet TD300 tablet, which features a 13.3-inch screen and detachable keyboard base. Switching between the operating systems can be done via a hardware or software key and takes about three and a half seconds.

2 and 1 Devices

Say hello to the laptop killer | Photo Credit: Intel

Just as tablets killed the netbook, I think 2 in 1 devices will ultimately be the death of the laptop as we know it. I’m not giving up my tablet setup anytime soon, mainly because I love how little space it takes up in my carry-on. I do, however, see the benefits of 2 in 1 devices, especially for photo or video editing, or for business travelers who need a device that offers workplace productivity, compatibility, entertainment and mobility in a streamlined package that can be converted to their needs.

I had a blast at CES with Intel this year. While other companies seemed to be doing more of the same–only bigger or more curved–Intel showcased a lot of products that went beyond innovation; products that will help you get things done. If you’ve never been to CES but love tech, I’d definitely recommend you go at least once, and be sure to check out Intel’s booth, you won’t be disappointed. I put together a few of my favorite photos and a Vine to give you an inside look at the scene that unfolded around the Intel booth at CES 2014.

So many tablets on display at the Intel booth, my mind was a buzz with possibilities.

Sexy meets tech: the new Infiniti hybrid w/ Intel tech.

Intel is now working with Sasha Lezhnev (right) of EnoughProject and actress Robin Wright (left) to source conflict-free minerals. “We knew we couldn’t do it alone,” says CEO Brian Krzanich (Middle).

CES is all about tech, but it’s the people who make it all run.

The Intel team underneath the company’s famous blue hue.

Which Intel innovation would be the most useful for your travels this year?

*Full Disclosure: This post was created in connection with my appointment as a Intel Ambassador. I traveled to Las Vegas with Intel as a member of its tabletcrew; however, my thoughts and opinions–as always–our my own.