CES '08: Biggest ever

The doors have closed at the annual consumer technology trade show CES in Las Vegas, ending a record-breaking year for the event. The organiser, the Consumer Electronic Association (CEA), has announced that more than 20,000 gizmos and gadgets were shown off to the public.

According to the CEA's figures, more than 25,000 of the attendees were from overseas, and the grand total of industry professionals through the doors is estimated to be more than 130,000. The definitive number will be available in May. CEA chief executive Gary Shapiro commented that, "Our attendance numbers are consistent with our efforts to ensure qualified attendees, to improve logistics, and reduce the pressure of hotel rates."

The show took place across a massive 1.85 million net square feet of exhibit space, which makes it the largest in its history, and more than 2,700 different companies were present to show off their wares.

This year's CES also boasted more space for games, 65 percent up from last year. Microsoft founder Bill Gates made his 11th and final keynote speech at the event and used his platform to boast of 10 million Xbox Live members. Other gaming news included the announcement that IPTV, a TV-on-demand service, would be coming to the UK via the Xbox 360; Nintendo won an Emmy; LittleBigPlanet was shown off; and Go!Explore on the PlayStation Portable was dated for Europe.

For all of GameSpot's coverage from the event, take a look at the CES 2008 feature. The expo will return to Las Vegas in 2009 and run from January 8-11.