Well, it’s here folks, the global technology event to end all global technology events (if you ask its organizers—and they may be right).
From tech powerhouses to innovative startups, companies with the innovation of the future will launch and feature products from all facets of tech, from automotive and wireless to up-and-coming categories like 3D printing, drones and sensor technology.
CES, the world’s largest consumer technology show, officially opens today in Las Vegas. Owned and managed by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the event will feature more than 3,600 exhibitors (manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems and more), a conference program with more than 200 conference sessions, and more than 150,000 attendees from 150 countries.
Oh, and the gadgets, let’s not forget those. Some 20,000 products will debut at the conference, which runs through Jan. 9.
Some of the next-generation tech products include smarter tech devices like an 18-inch rollable display you can read like a newspaper or watch like a movie. The gadget, which uses OLED technology, can be rolled-up like a blueprint.
Connected cars will be a big theme, too. One such electric-powered concept car features a smartphone-integrated steering wheel that allows you to personalize your vehicle remotely, with real time data visualization and interaction. Constructed of carbon fiber and other lightweight material, this rocket-ride has four motors (1,000 horsepower!) that get it going to 60 mph in just three seconds, and a top speed of 200 mph. Batman would be jealous.
For you domestic-minded folks, there’s even a flying toaster that connects to the USB port of your phone. Okay, just kidding. But there is a product that allows you to brew your coffee from your own bed (or anyone else’s) via Bluetooth. It’s part of a new class of machines known as super automatics, because they do everything for you, writes Stacey Higginbotham. From your tablet or smartphone, you can customize your coffee—from grinding your favorite beans to your preference to the precise water pressure used to make either a latte, an expresso or any one of 16 different drinks. The machine will even rinse itself after it’s done. You’ll have to actually get out of bed to serve yourself, though.
TRENDS FOR 2016
A key theme at this year’s show will be ambient sensors, according to CTA’s chief economist Shawn DuBravac, as reported by The Telegraph. These gadgets, which connect our lives to the internet, range from “baby monitors like the Mimo, to the wearable environment/pollution tracker Tzoa,” notes the site.
DuBravac terms the second trend "aggregated learning,” which defines artificially intelligent objects that collect data and use it to learn from previous mistakes. On Monday of this week, chip maker NVIDIA announced a new “supercomputer” engine for cars. Powered by the company’s graphics chips which provide the computing power of 150 MacBook Pro laptops, the lunch-box-sized “self-driving supercomputer fits nicely in your trunk,” says NVIDIA Corp. CEO Jen-Hsun Huang.
DuBravac’s third trend, according to The Telegraph, is “predictive customization--using machine learning to understand your preferences and make new recommendations. Examples include the Google-owned Nest Learning thermostat which learns your ambient environment preferences--such as what temperature you like to come home to.”
But to enjoy any of these eye-popping tech products you need your health. After all, you have nothing unless you have your health, right? CES will showcase how technology is keeping people healthier and improving the ability to diagnose and treat illness. Digital health continues to grow at an astonishing pace with innovated solutions for diagnosing, monitoring and treatment of illnesses, to advancements in healthcare delivery and smarter lifestyles.
Also, the tech event will highlight the latest developments and discoveries across the digital fitness category. High-end smartwatches include the Mirage, the world’s first projection watch. This timepiece displays the time, your fitness stats, and phone notifications--all on your hand. Or on your forehead, if you’re being silly or an exhibitionist.
From wearable technology, more intuitive cars, smarter drones, and just plain fun gadgets, the CES has seen the future. And it is for us.
