Far be it from us to attempt to predict the future … let alone the future of something as finicky as consumer electronics (we’re talking to you, IBM PCjr). But why should fear of failure stop us from looking into our crystal ball? Because it’s a snow globe, that’s why. Nevertheless, here are five of the biggest trends in tech this year (in no particular order).

Green Machines

“Going green.” Sounds so quaint, doesn’t it? This year, cute catch phrases are out and real, meaningful, eco-friendly technology is in. This year, if a company claims something is green, they better be able to back it up, because customers will be demanding proof (and we think that’s a good thing). We also think the CE industry is up to the challenge. Not only is nearly every product category at the show able to demonstrate some form of energy savings for the consumer, but manufacturers are finding benefits too. Adopting green practices can save on production cash, helping product-makers become more profitable before their gizmos even reach Al Gore’s hands. And as they say, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander … whatever that means.

Year of the App

Your smart phone already has applications that allow you to access Facebook, check your bank account and pop bubble wrap in never-ending meetings, but this year, the app trend is aiming for the stratosphere. The real battle that’s shaping up is to see which operating system developers will focus their creative energy on. Android? Windows Mobile? Palm? Maemo? Symbian? iPhone? RIM's BlackBerry? Samsung bada? It’s gonna be a throw-down of epic proportions … and that means an explosion in choice apps for all of us.

Intuitive much?

Given the revolutionary vibe touched off by the Nintendo Wii and the iPhone, the concept of gesture-based products will continue to bloom. Turns out consumers like to be able to easily drag stuff around, talk to and otherwise manipulate their devices to get things done. Could Microsoft’s already-announced, controller-free gaming experience, Project Natal, show up in a more robust and ready-to-go fashion? How about an Apple tablet? Only time will tell (and by time we mean Steve Ballmer and Steve Jobs).

TV R.I.P.? No way!

Television is still as relevant as ever. And the array of hot trends within this category is as vast as the number of channels the average U.S. home currently receives (118.6 according to the Nielsen Company). First, there’s 3D TV. Yes, it’s really coming. And yes, the glasses are still required. But the clarity of the experience destroys anything you may have once seen down at the Bijou. Then there’s Internet Connectible TV. Our friends at CNET are already proclaiming IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) the “Next Big Thing,” and we’re not ones to disagree. There are already a variety of flat-panels on the market that can connect to the Interwebs … and we think this marriage of technologies will flourish in 2010 (those crazy kids are going to make it work). Widgets, access to your pictures and music, instant messaging, video on demand and a million other super-cool interconnected functions? That’s Internet Connectible TV.

Internet Connectible Everything Else

The Internet … it’s not just for computers anymore (see above). This year, things that connect to the cloud will be all over CES. Blu-ray can do it. eReaders can do it, too. And did we mention cameras, GPS and digital photo frames? We did? Okay, then consider yourself warned, because pretty much every manufacturer will soon be asking, “Do you want wireless with that?”

That’s just a quick look at some of the top hits on our trend meter for CES 2010. Are we missing something? Probably. Comments are always welcome. See you on the floor. Wear your comfy shoes.