The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas recently concluded, leaving tech enthusiasts buzzing with excitement over the groundbreaking innovations unveiled by various companies. From AI companions to transparent TVs, the event lived up to its reputation as the epicenter of tech innovation.
AI Companions Take Center Stage
One of the standout trends at CES 2024 was the emergence of AI companions. Loona, a dog-like companion robot priced at $380, garnered significant attention as the world’s first robot integrated with ChatGPT technology. This innovation enables users to engage in conversations and interact with the device, making it a versatile home companion. LG’s Rosie, a two-legged companion robot, offers assistance with household chores by integrating with LG appliances, while Samsung’s Ballie robot received a refresh, now capable of following users around the house, making phone calls, feeding pets, and even projecting movies and video calls onto walls.
Startup Rabbit introduced the R1 AI pocket-sized companion, offering a unique approach by working in tandem with smartphone apps to provide recipes, book flights, and make calls. However, experts note that convincing consumers to adopt yet another device with a separate data plan may pose a challenge.
AI Integration Across Gadgets
AI’s influence extended beyond companions, infiltrating nearly every gadget and appliance imaginable. CES 2024 showcased robots for lawn mowing and snow plowing, along with Samsung’s latest AI-powered mops and vacuums for indoor cleaning. Additionally, Baracoda’s mental health mirror can detect your mood and provide daily affirmations, while the Holobox enables holographic communication, allowing users to interact with people from different parts of the world as if they were in the same room.
Apple accessories also embraced AI, with Belkin’s Qi2 & DockKit Auto Tracking Stand utilizing facial recognition technology to follow users’ faces and body movements during video recording. Chipmakers Nvidia and AMD unveiled processors designed to support advanced AI capabilities, paving the way for AI’s expansion into various sectors.
Generative AI and Automotive Innovation
CES 2024 was not just about gadgets; it also highlighted the future of AI. Walmart is experimenting with a generative AI search tool for iOS users, allowing them to ask questions about suitable items for specific occasions. Amazon showcased generative AI integration with its voice assistant, Alexa, offering users the ability to engage in conversations with different personas, including historical figures, through the Character.ai chatbot service.
Leading automakers made significant AI-related announcements. Volkswagen plans to integrate ChatGPT into its cars, enhancing in-car experiences with intuitive language interactions and hands-free capabilities. Mercedes Benz also revealed plans to upgrade its in-car voice experience using generative AI, recognizing the potential of this technology in the automotive sector.
Auto Innovation Galore
CES 2024 witnessed a substantial influx of automotive innovations, surpassing most traditional auto shows. Honda introduced a new line of electric vehicles featuring thinner battery packs, promising a new era of energy-efficient transportation. Vietnamese automaker VinFast unveiled a compact electric pickup and a remarkably small electric SUV. VinFast’s innovative technology can automatically adjust rearview mirrors upon the driver’s entry, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
Transparent TVs and Beyond
Continuing its tradition of showcasing futuristic televisions, CES 2024 featured Samsung’s world-first transparent MicroLED screen and LG’s OLED Signature T model, a 77-inch transparent display. These transparent TVs offer a glimpse into the future of entertainment technology, though their practicality for everyday consumers remains a question.
Smart Health and Wearables
Health, beauty, and wearable tech continued to be part of CES conversations. Withing’s BeamO device, a pocket-sized at-home checkup tool, features a stethoscope, oximeter, ECG, and thermometer, enabling real-time vital sign monitoring during telehealth appointments. Innovative solutions like snore-adjusting pillows, Nuance Audio eyeglasses for the hearing impaired, and Palmplug gloves for gaming and physical therapy were also showcased.
Traditional health trackers evolved, with Evie, a health monitoring ring resembling jewelry, offering comprehensive health and recovery insights. Minitailz, an AI-powered collar for pets, tracked their whereabouts and vital signs, enhancing pet owners’ awareness of their furry friends’ health.
Apple’s Impact Felt
Despite its absence at CES 2024, Apple made waves by announcing the availability of the Vision Pro mixed reality headset in the United States, starting February 2. This announcement stirred anticipation across the tech industry, with Sony unveiling a mixed reality headset controlled by a smart ring and Qualcomm introducing a new Snapdragon chipset for virtual reality headsets in response to Apple’s move.
Apple’s absence didn’t deter the tech world from recognizing the impact of its forthcoming product, highlighting the company’s ability to shape industry trends even without a physical presence at CES.
