In early January, catch a glimpse of the future just around the corner at CES, the annual tech expo in Las Vegas. This gathering, akin to catnip for the tech world, previews, tests, and discusses the upcoming year’s products.
While CES traditionally showcases flat-screen TVs and consumer electronics, this year’s focus remains innovative. we provide an insightful roundup of what CES 2024 has in store. I don’t anticipate revolutionary changes in conventional areas, but innovation persists.
Let’s delve into the major trends shaping the show, along with anticipated products and innovations. I’ll also share my preferences for what I’d like to see more of at CES 2024. As CES serves as a launchpad for abundant hype, I’ll pinpoint areas where expectations are soaring.
AI Integration in New PC Chipsets
| Aspects of AI Integration | Key Players | Notable Developments |
|---|---|---|
| Generative AI | Microsoft | Introduced in Windows 12 |
| Chatbots | Intel | Unveiled Meteor Lake chipset with dedicated AI processor (NPU) |
| Neural Processing Unit | AMD | Ryzen 7040 notebook processors featuring “AMD XDNA AI” |
| AI in Operating Systems | Major Laptop Manufacturers | Anticipated AI PC lineups at CES 2024 (Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, MSI) |
AI has long powered consumer electronics, aiming to simplify complexity. LG’s vision from five years ago still resonates—AI making devices smart and intuitive. The past year marked significant strides with generative AI, chatbots, and Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 12, integrating AI extensively.
Intel’s recent unveiling of Meteor Lake, featuring a dedicated AI processor (NPU), follows AMD’s introduction of the Ryzen 7040 with “AMD XDNA AI.” CES 2024 promises major laptop manufacturers to showcase their AI-infused PC lineups, including Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, and MSI. The future of AI on laptops is on the horizon.
AI Advancements in Home Appliances
| Appliance Categories | Notable Developments | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Appliances | Limited AI Integration | Advances in insulation technology (Whirlpool’s SlimTech), color-changing fridges (LG’s MoodUp) |
| Countertop Devices | Smarter AI Integration | June, Brava, and Anova offering limited AI capabilities in compact designs |
| Grills | AI-Powered Innovations | Seer Grills’ Perfecta claims to be the “World’s First AI-Powered Grill” for enhanced cooking |
| Robot Vacuum Cleaners | Competitive Innovations | Switchbot’s self-cleaning vacuum connected to water pipes, increasing efficiency |
| Integration with Matter Standard | Enhanced Connectivity | June, Brava, and Anova offer limited AI capabilities in compact designs |
While AI has permeated our lives, its impact on household appliances is a mixed bag. Traditional full-size devices may not see significant AI integration, but smaller countertop devices, like those from June, Brava, and Anova, exhibit noteworthy progress.
Whirlpool stands out with SlimTech insulation, promising increased capacity. In the realm of grills, Seer Grills’ Perfecta claims to be the “World’s First AI-Powered Grill,” focusing on optimizing cooking.
Robot vacuum cleaners, a thriving space, witness innovations like Switchbot’s self-cleaning model. Matter’s support in 1.2 specs enhances Robovacs’ compatibility with other digital devices. The future of AI in home appliances holds promise, with constant advancements in efficiency and connectivity.
Advancements in Smart Home Energy Solutions
| Companies and Innovations | Key Features | Notable Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Anker – Solix | Whole-home chargers, solar power cells | Unveiled in June, offering up to 180kWh capacity |
| Jackery – Solar Mars Bot | Solar-powered innovation | Named to TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023 |
| Industry Players | Home battery solutions | Schneider Electric, Bluetti, Exeger, Ugreen, Goal Zero, etc. |
| Samsung SmartThings | EV charger integration | First-ever EV charger added to SmartThings platform |
| Coplanar | Hydrogen power generators | Palo Alto start-up offering renewable, clean energy solutions |
The smart home landscape is advancing, with a notable focus on smart grids and energy solutions.
Major players like Anker, with its Solix brand, and Jackery, recognized by TIME for Solar Mars Bot, lead the charge. The home battery sector sees contributions from established names like Schneider Electric and newcomers such as Coplanar, offering hydrogen power generators with eco-friendly outcomes.
Samsung integrates EV chargers into its SmartThings platform, enhancing electric vehicle management. CES unveils innovations, ranging from giant battery packs to portable hydrogen generators, shaping the future of smart home energy.
Dynamics in the Electric Vehicle (EV) Market
| Key Aspects | Automotive Landscape | Technological Shifts |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Driving Cars | Reevaluation of priorities | Shift from Level 4 autonomy to driver-assist tech (e.g., adaptive cruise control) |
| Electric Vehicles (EVs) | Global Sales Growth | 3 million (2020) to 10.25 million (2023); projected 17 million in five years |
| Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) | Future Trend | EVs evolving into SDVs, allowing functionality adjustments via over-the-air updates (OTA) |
| Tech Companies in Automotive | Emerging Players | Chinese giants like Xiaomi and Huawei entering, alongside electric car startups (Lucid, Polestar, Fisker) |
In the realm where technology and automotive intersect, the self-driving car market has faced setbacks, with companies like GM’s Cruise and Ford reevaluating strategies. The spotlight at CES 2024 shifts to real-world tech, emphasizing driver-assist features.
Simultaneously, the electric vehicle (EV) surge dominates the scene. Global EV sales skyrocketed from 3 million (2020) to 10.25 million (2023), with projections reaching 17 million in the next five years. EVs are transitioning to software-defined vehicles (SDVs), enabling flexible updates via over-the-air transmissions.
Tech giants like Xiaomi and Huawei are diving into the automotive arena. Expect CES revelations from electric car startups like Lucid, Polestar, and Fisker, while the future of Faraday Future remains uncertain. The automotive landscape is evolving, balancing autonomy, electric power, and technological integration.
Trends in Women’s Health Tech
| Speakers and Influencers | Notable Contributions | Anticipated Innovations |
|---|---|---|
| Linda Anegawa (Noom’s Chief of Medicine) | Broad Health Insights | Contributions in various health facets |
| Jesse Ehrenfeld (President, American Medical Association) | Leadership in Medical Advocacy | Key role in promoting health initiatives |
| Stephen Hoge (President, Moderna) | Vaccine Development | Pivotal role in vaccine advancements |
| Gail K. Boudreaux (CEO, Elevance Health) | Healthcare Leadership | Contributions to health and wellness |
Women’s Health Innovations
| Technology | Notable Features | Noteworthy Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Femtech | Monitoring and Improving Women’s Health | Movano Health’s Evie smart ring |
| Beauty Tech | Robotic Mirrors and Makeup Aides | L’Oreal’s computerized makeup applicator |
| Smart Health Gadgets | Continuous Innovation | Withings’ upcoming multipurpose handheld device, NuraLogix’s blood pressure measurement through video |
Health and tech intersect prominently at CES, with influential speakers like Linda Anegawa, Jesse Ehrenfeld, Stephen Hoge, and Gail K. Boudreaux leading discussions. While the broader health spectrum sees innovations like smart beds and massage chairs, women’s health, often referred to as femtech, takes the spotlight.
Notable femtech advancements include Movano Health’s Evie smart ring, connecting menstrual cycles and sleep habits. Beauty tech, exemplified by L’Oreal’s robotic wonders, continues to dazzle, leaving us intrigued about 2024. Companies like Withings, pioneers of the connected blood pressure monitor, and NuraLogix, measuring blood pressure through video, promise exciting developments in 2024. The CES show floor is sure to showcase a plethora of smart beds and massage chairs, leaving attendees energized and pondering the need for such wonders at home.
Advancements in VR/AR/MR and Beyond
| Technological Aspects | Key Developments | Industry Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Augmented Reality (AR) | Musical Metaverse (Soundscape) | Interactive VR music festivals with avatars, partnerships with prominent artists and labels |
| Virtual Reality (VR) | Healthcare Applications | VR for PTSD treatments, haptic feedback for restoring lost senses |
| Mixed Reality (MR) | Diverse Applications | VR for cars, AR for astronauts, and MR for various sectors |
| 6G Technology | Emerging Discussions | Inclusion in presentations and displays by major companies |
Advancements in Augmented Reality (AR) and Beyond
Augmented reality, often overhyped, shows promise in areas like Soundscape’s musical metaverse, offering interactive VR music festivals. Partnerships with renowned artists and labels enhance its appeal.
Virtual reality’s positive impact in healthcare, addressing PTSD and restoring senses through haptic feedback, showcases practical applications amid the hype.
Diverse applications abound with VR for cars, AR for astronauts, and MR bridging the gap. While the excitement surrounds these innovations, their immediate impact on daily life remains questionable.
As major companies delve into discussions about 6G technology, the anticipation builds for potential breakthroughs in the next generation of connectivity. The future is uncertain, but the hype persists.
