What’s the theme of CES. What are the standouts? Hands-down this is always the most asked question we are asked at the completion of the world’s largest technology show. It might be easier to explain quantum mechanics, since CES is so huge and diverse, encompassing everything from healthcare to automotive to robotics to home entertainment that it’s almost impossible to give a simple answer. But if we are going to try to give a general theme, CES 2024 is the year of AI or should we say the year AI goes from concept to reality. That’s the easiest answer since the integration of artificial intelligence in virtually everything was ever-present. AI is creating technology that will provide a high level of personalized content to build a unique tailored user experience in everything from cars to laptops top TVs.
In the past, CES has always showcased robots that tend to be more charming than useful but at CES 2024 robotics and machine learning have leaped into a more practical and valuable experience. Intuition Robotics for example showcased a robot for the elderly called ElliQ that uses AI to engage elderly users into activities.
Samsung showed the latest version of Ballie, a personal assistant robot that uses an onboard projector to place content on your floors, walls or even ceiling and can adapt to the needs of its users. Ballie will greet you at the door and suggest a workout routine while displaying your stats such as heart rate that it seamlessly records from your Samsung watch.
LG, who for years have shown robots that can clean dishes, unveiled a two-legged robot that integrates into the LG smart appliances initiative and uses AI to recognize family members and learn household tasks.
There’s even AI generated pillows from a company called Motionsleep that can detect snoring and adjust the sleepers head position using inflatable airbags until the snoring stops.
Car technology that takes up most of the North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Centre is using AI and cloud connectivity to seamlessly move you from the living room to the driver’s seat, where apps work equally well in both environments. Car manufacturers like Mercedes Benz are enhancing their partnerships with tech companies like Google for AI adaptability such as rerouting for traffic or using your car’s virtual assistant to operate the heating, lights, and entertainment in your home. While CES has always been a gateway to the future, many of the concepts-of-the-future that have been shared in the past are now becoming a mainstream reality.
If we have to answer what was the highlight of CES, the Home Entertainment category never disappoints. Afterall, this is where we were first introduced to tech such as the CD, DVD, Flatscreen Television, surround sound and so many more wonderful advances that are now household staples. At CES 2024, the most exciting advances are in the category of Smart TV, where brighter, bigger and cleaner are all advanced through the use transparent technology, matte anti-glare display materials and 100’ plus screen sizes that can actually be purchased by a modest consumer that doesn’t run a hedge fund. .
LG Signature OLED T looks like a piece of glass when not in use and uses a series of micro LEDs to convert the panel to a full blown Smart TV when powered on. A separate box houses all connectivity so no wires. Now your TV doesn’t need to sit against a wall but can float anywhere in a room for it has no backside or bad side. Years ago, TV manufacturers starting improving the cosmetics of the back of the panel with the use of carbon fiber, but now transparency makes all that a mute point.
Samsung, who also showed a concept transparent TV, has solved the problem of panel glare (how many times have you watched a movie only to turn off a light so you’re not looking at the light reflecting in the screen?). The Samsung S95 OLED introduces what Samsung calls OLED Glare Free Technology by using a matte finish screen to absorb any harsh ambient lighting.
Hisense continues to promote Mini-LED technology and unveiled a stunning a UX 110-inch panel with 40,000 local dimming zones and a brightness of 10,000 nits in addition to incorporating a 4.2.2 channel Dolby Atmos sound system. No price has been announced.
Relative newcomer to the North American market Skyworth, used CES to demonstrate just how large and diverse the company is in the world of consumer tech and home appliances while continuing to show advances in outdoor TV tech.
More photos to come.