Our take of CES 2024!
The CES 2024 was an outstanding event, covering an extensive +2.5 million square meters. With around 120,000 attendees, the space buzzed with excitement and cutting-edge technology. I returned home having experienced many mind-blowing innovations, and I am excited to share some with you in this article.
One key trend that was evident at this year’s CES was mobility, with numerous exhibitors showcasing novel modes of transport such as electric bikes, scooters, and cars (Xpeng Aeroht even presented the concept of flying cars!). Additionally, there were AI advancements in battery optimisation for longer battery life, and improvements in driving comfort, using AI to optimise car suspension and ambiance. An excellent example of this is the ‘All tech in one’ concept caravan, which allows you to take all of LG’s best products with you wherever you go.
Specifically, the partnership between Sony and Honda in electric cars (Affela) is worth mentioning. Cool advanced features are offered in the Japanese car, such as front and rear screens that allow communication with other cars.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) influence is undeniably everywhere. Recent AI advances in chipsets, for example, have greatly improved their processing speed and data handling capabilities. This has led to the development of new solutions applicable to our daily lives. For example, smart fridges can help you manage the contents of your fridge, suggesting recipes based on available food, and prioritising items with short expiry dates (eg: LG). This might very well be the end of food waste.
The increasing presence of robots is another big trend. We are not referring to humanoid robots (like C-3PO), but rather to more compact ones (like R2-D2 or BB-8 to keep the Star Wars reference). These robots are fully connected to the rest of your house and can notify you when your clothes are dry, when your pet is hungry, or when a flowerpot has been knocked over. In that last example, these connected robots can ask their vacuum-robot friend to clean up the mess. Thanks to their integrated cameras, these robots can also map out your house and share the plan with any other electronic devices in your home for increased efficiency. They can detect when you arrive, in which room you are in, and anticipate some of your needs, like preparing your coffee or turning on some music.
These AI improvements are also present in TV sets and projectors, making pixelated images a thing of the past. Forget about wasting precious time trying to configure your device for the best experience possible, this will be done by the AI in few seconds.
The use of connected devices and the data they generate raises numerous questions about data security. How can we prevent data leakage and safeguard our personal data? Addressing these questions has become a prominent and pressing concern. However, for the time being, it is noteworthy that the market for connected devices is experiencing remarkable growth.
The big revolution in TV sets for 2024 is undoubtedly the move toward transparent screens. These innovative displays seamlessly integrate into your home environment, disappearing from view when turned off. They also offer a variety of applications, including the ability to superpose two screens. This concept has been successfully tested, enabling the simultaneous display of two different contents, such as watching a football match while checking the statistics. The screens can also act as a wall background displaying any desired image when switched off.
Moreover, I was fascinated by the first fully wireless TV sets and the transportable mobile TV sets. Equally impressive were the significant improvements in 3D viewing experience, now achievable through AI and new screens, without the need for glasses.
The pandemic has notably influenced product development, not only in terms of video conferencing systems and software but also in hardware. For example Panasonic presented an individual microphone ($199), that reduces background noise while speaking on a call. Although it looks a little strange, this device will make sure no one complains again about the disruptions of next door’s building works during your call.
Other notable innovations at CES included a robot that customises coffee by blending capsules, and a washing machine designed for dogs (Petcare was a recurrent topic). Significant advancements were also seen in healthcare sector, with new solutions such as BeamO from Withings (the First Multiscope Revolutionizing At-home Checku), WIM (an ultra-lightweight walking assist wearable robot) and GUIDi (an AI smart belt empowering the visually impaired by implementing MEMS and AI technology to wearable devices).
In 2024, there’s a notable shift in focus among leading developers such as LG, Samsung, Panasonic, and TC. They are repositioning themselves as lifestyle solutions brands instead of just being consumer electronics manufacturers. They aim to reduce friction in consumers’ daily life through ensuring better connectivity between all electronic devices and proposing more designed solutions for your home.
More brands to keep an eye on:
Robots & kitchen connected devices will be at the forefront of all communication plan.
Here are a few brands which made a lot of noise:, Swarovski, Tecno (Chinese phone), TCL, Qualcomm (Snapdragon), Midea, GAC Motor, Infinix, Goneo charger, Ecovacs
Samsung Ballie
Xpeng Aeroht – flying car
Mutalk 2 – Panasonic
Samsung AI Family Hub+ 4 Door Refrigerator
Transportable TV sets
As aways, CES was an inspiring week, immersing us in a futuristic realm. Grappling with the reality of these groundbreaking advancements, we’re left with an intriguing question: What is yet to come…