TL;DR:
- CES 2024 marks a resurgence after the pandemic, with AI dominating the tech showcase.
- Over 3,500 exhibitors and 130,000 attendees are expected at the event.
- Smaller companies are joining CES to gain visibility, alongside industry giants like Amazon and Google.
- Analysts predict AI will be the focal point for product presentations.
- AI models have seen significant improvements since the last CES, enhancing consumer applications.
- Lumen’s technology-packed glasses for the blind and Shift Robotics’ Moonwalkers shoes are innovative highlights.
- AI integration spans smart homes, automobiles, televisions, baby products, and more.
- Caution advised, as not all AI products may deliver as promised.
- CES features eye-catching televisions and a strong focus on automotive innovation.
- Health-related tech with vital sign sensors is expected to be a significant theme.
Main AI News:
The renowned annual tech showcase, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), is making a triumphant return after the pandemic-induced hiatus, and it’s AI that’s injecting new life into once-familiar trends. This year’s gadget extravaganza, set to commence on January 9th in Las Vegas, is expected to host over 3,500 exhibitors and draw a crowd of approximately 130,000 attendees.
It’s noteworthy that CES has seen a steady increase in exhibitor and attendee numbers every year since the COVID-19 pandemic forced it into an online-only format in 2021. “After COVID, some people had doubts about returning,” noted Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi. “However, smaller companies, lacking the brand recognition to stand out at their own events, are now eager to be part of the CES conversation.“
While CES has increasingly become a launchpad for startups, industry giants like Amazon, Google, Intel, Netflix, Samsung, Sony, and TikTok are poised to make a substantial presence at the event, as indicated by the Consumer Technology Association, the organizing body behind CES.
Analysts are predicting that AI will take center stage when it comes to product presentations at CES this year. “I’d advise against making a drinking game out of counting how many times AI is mentioned at CES because you’d be inebriated before the event even starts,” jests Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart.
AI models have undergone significant advancements since the last CES, particularly with the debut of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and they are now being applied in tangible ways that benefit consumers. “There’s no doubt that the tech community converging in Las Vegas will be focused on the ubiquity of AI and on-device generative AI,” remarks Forrester principal analyst Thomas Husson. “The predominant theme will revolve around how AI can enable novel, imperceptible, and immersive consumer experiences.”
The innovations on display at CES are nothing short of impressive. Lumen, for instance, will showcase technology-packed glasses designed for the visually impaired, enabling users to navigate safely, even avoiding puddles. Meanwhile, Shift Robotics will unveil Moonwalkers shoes that allow wearers to walk at a brisk pace without breaking a sweat.
AI’s presence will be pervasive, from smart homes and audio systems to automobiles, televisions, baby products, and even beds, as highlighted by exhibitor pitches. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution. “There will be a plethora of AI and AI-washing, akin to the greenwashing trends we witnessed in previous years,” warns Milanesi. Not all products will live up to their promises.
Beyond AI, CES will also showcase awe-inspiring televisions from LG and other companies, as well as groundbreaking automotive innovations, as vehicles and their integrated technology take the spotlight. “CES has truly become an automotive showcase,” emphasizes analyst Greengart. “Cars are evolving into rolling software platforms, or simply put, consumer electronics on wheels, and we can expect a plethora of groundbreaking announcements.”
Furthermore, Greengart anticipates that health-related innovations will be a prominent theme at CES, with sensors integrated into mirrors, wearables, and various other devices designed to monitor vital signs.
Conclusion:
The resurgence of CES, with AI as the central theme, indicates a thriving market where both established players and startups are eager to showcase their innovations. The enhanced AI models and focus on consumer experiences suggest a continued trend towards AI-driven solutions in various industries, from tech to healthcare and automotive. This highlights the importance of AI in shaping the future of consumer technology and underscores the significance of CES as a platform for industry innovation and collaboration.
