Must-have gadgets of 2009

THREE-DIMENSIONAL home televisions and a watch that doubles as a mobile phone have been revealed as this years must-have gadgets.

The products were unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where major manufacturers showed off their 2009 ranges.

Sony and Panasonic both revealed 3D televisions, which allow images to "jump off" the screen.

The screens work by showing two images, one for the left eye and one for the right. When viewers put on 3D glasses, the images combine and appear to emerge into the living room.

The first TVs using the technology are expected to go on sale within months, and several major film makers, including Hollywood director James Cameron, have pledged to release their latest blockbusters in 3D.

Firms such as Pixar, the animation company behind Toy Story and Wall-E, have also said they will release films in 3D.

Sony boss Howard Stringer said today the firm had already created prototype 3D TVs expected to go into production within months.

The firm is also working with TV network Fox to develop a 3D TV system for American football games, which will be used for the first time this week. A 3D version of its Playstation 3 games console, allowing players to take part in a 3D version of a car racing game, was also on show at the event.

"Sony is very active in 3D digital cinema, as well as in the content area with movies and video games," said Mr Stringer. "We expect to utilise Sony's experience in these areas, coupled with our consumer display expertise, to develop future 3D consumer television products."

Panasonic also unveiled plans for 3D TVs to be released this year, and is working with Cameron to produce a 3D version of his new film, called Avatar, to be released in December.

LG Electronics hopes its phone watch, which will go on sale later this year, will appeal to James Bond fans.

"This is really something you'd expect to see in a 007 movie," said Paik Woo-hyun of LG.

The phone uses the high-speed 3G network and can be used for email and other online activities. It also serves as an MP3 player for digital music.

"It's the world's smallest watch phone," said Mr Woo-hyun. The watch has a 3.63cm screen, and is 13.9mm thick - it also tells the time.

Phone maker Palm also unveiled its latest handset at the show, which experts say could be the first real rival to Apple's iPhone. Called the Pre, the phone has a large touchscreen.