New York, Sept. 14, 2011 -  The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® announced today that registration has opened for the Mobile Apps Showdown at the 2012 International CES^®, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow scheduled for January 10-13, 2012.  Now in its third year at the International CES, this event, honoring the best smartphone and tablet apps, will take place on Thursday, January 12, 2012.

Judges will select ten finalists for the Apps Showdown, which will take place live at the 2012 CES and online. Two winners will be selected, one based on a live vote at the 2012 CES and the other based on online voters at the site.

"Mobile Apps Showdown is designed to be as entertaining as it is exciting," said Robin Raskin, founder of the Mobile Apps Showdown. "The exposure that an apps developer gets from the website presence, press coverage and social media will be amazing."

"The Apps numbers speak for themselves," adds Karen Chupka, senior vice president of events and conferences at CEA, the producer of the International CES. "Apple boasts 225,000 apps and in the latest reports, Android now has a similar number. Add Blackberry RIM and Microsoft Mobile to the equation and you've got quite a contest. The 2012 International CES is the best place to see the latest apps and we're excited to help showcase the mobile apps explosion."

Nominations for the competition are now open. Developers can submit entries to be judged by a panel of tech experts including Gina Smith, Christopher Null, Helena Stone, Dave Whittle and other industry notables. Ten finalists will have a chance to present on stage at the 2012 International CES, held January 10-13, 2012, in Las Vegas. Readers of the Mobile Apps Showdown website will have a chance to try the apps and vote for the people"s choice award. Winners will be awarded based on audience response, both online and live at the Las Vegas Convention Center at 2:30 p.m. PT on Thursday, January 12, 2012.

Special Hosts Gary Dell’Abate And Jon Hein Add To The Fun

Co-hosts and fellow techies Gary Dell'Abate and Jon Hein, from SiriusXM Radio's Howard Stern channels, will once again bring their inimitable wit and knowledge of all things geek to the festivities. For extra fun, they’ll lead a rollicking trivia contest. Want to see last year’s fun? Watch the Gary/Jon show in action. All contestants will be available to show their apps at a “meet up” immediately following the event.

Winners of the 2011 CES Mobile Apps Showdown

Last year’s mobile apps winners have gone on to become two of the most successful apps on the market today. DriveSafe.ly 2.0, an app that addresses the hazards of road distraction, won based on audience applause. Line2, which gives smartphone users a second line, won the online ballot with over 50,000 votes. Clixtr and Gwabbit, winners in 2010, have gone on to rank as some of the top selling apps and still feature its Mobile Apps Showdown Award prominently. Good apps. Good business.

For more information, please visit CESweb.org or mobileappsshowdown.com.

About CEA
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $190 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org and www.Innovation-Movement.com.