CES Unveiled: A gadget haven

Zach Elkin (left) of Thermador and colleague Malte Peters lean over their pride and joy, Thermador's Freedom Induction Cooktop, a kitchen range with no visible heating elements. Beneath its surface, 48 inductors are distributed. When a pot is placed on the cooktop, only the inductors beneath the pot activate. Heat levels are controlled by a touchscreen. Peters described the new range as a "really, really, really cool" way to warm up your soup.

Beneath the Freedom Induction Cooktop, 48 inductors are distributed.

An added attraction at the opening event of the CES was the surprise presence of CEA President Gary Shapiro, who graciously sat for spontaneous one-on-one interviews to a series of inquisitive media types.

?? 1???2???3???4