Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
It's that special time of year between the post-holiday sales and the pre-CES hype that present an opportunity to consider some of the most innovative devices of the year. Switched On is proud to present the Saluting Wares Improving Technology's Contribution to Humanity awards, also known as The Switchies. This year marks the fifth annual Switchies, which are decided based on a rigorous examination of the opinion of me, and do not reflect the opinion of Engadget or its editors. For that latter honor, nominees wil
