Innovations at CES 2019: A Dive into Emerging Trends
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Chapter 1: Impressions from CES 2019
During my visit to CES 2019, I encountered a range of fascinating individuals and witnessed thrilling technological advancements. This year's event felt notably more relaxed, likely due to the less crowded exhibition halls. Several prominent trends emerged this time around.
AI Dominates the Show
It was challenging to find an exhibit that didn’t feature some reference to artificial intelligence. However, AI has become somewhat of a buzzword, with many manufacturers using it to describe basic algorithms or functions that aren’t directly linked to the end products. Terms like "AI Upscaling," "AI Streaming," and "AI Audio" were frequently seen, often misleadingly. It’s evident that companies are leveraging the term “AI” for marketing, which can be frustrating for tech enthusiasts. Nevertheless, AI is set to be a significant topic for years to come. As regular readers may know, AI is not only relevant in the realm of TVs but is also increasingly utilized in mobile devices, particularly in camera technology.
Robots: The Allies of AI
What complements artificial intelligence perfectly? Robots, of course. This year, it was clear that interest in robotics is not limited to niche Asian manufacturers; major brands like LG, Sony, and Samsung showcased their innovations. LG brought back its CLOi robot, while Samsung introduced an array of models at its press event, including Bot Care, Bot Air, and Bot Retail, each designed for various applications. From household robots to those intended for commercial use, healthcare, and education, CES 2019 displayed a variety of robotic solutions that are likely to become increasingly common in our daily lives.
The Automotive Influence
A friend remarked that CES is becoming a haven for automotive manufacturers. While I wouldn't go that far, it was evident in the North Hall, where major players like Daimler, Ford, and Hyundai presented their innovations. Even Nvidia shifted focus, showcasing components for smart vehicles rather than traditional graphics cards. Qualcomm had two booths: one dedicated to 5G technology and its Snapdragon 855, and the other highlighting smart vehicle technologies and autonomous driving. An employee explained how Qualcomm-equipped vehicles could autonomously negotiate right-of-way at intersections. Companies like Daimler and Toyota also discussed advancements in autonomous vehicles and future infotainment systems.
Other Noteworthy Highlights
Changing topics, one of my personal favorites was the Panasonic GZW2004 OLED TV, which was displayed in a relatively understated manner. The impression was that it was merely there to demonstrate Lumix cameras. A Panasonic employee mentioned the company was focusing more on business customers at the show, which I found perplexing. In my opinion, the TV delivered the best picture quality I encountered, even without 8K capabilities, outshining many others at the event.
However, the overarching theme at CES 2019 was 8K technology. Regardless of the TV manufacturers, whether it was LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL, or others, 8K was everywhere. I had the opportunity to view native 8K content, which was indeed impressive. Yet, I personally see greater value in HDR and expanded color ranges. As Samsung’s engineers pointed out, larger screens with increased pixel density can provide lasting benefits.
While AI, robotics, smart vehicles, and 8K technology were the stars of CES 2019, the excitement surrounding virtual and augmented reality seemed to have diminished. While companies like Pimax were present, their booths appeared less vibrant, indicating a decline in enthusiasm for these technologies. I'm curious if VR and AR will experience a resurgence, similar to the situation with 3D technology, as new devices are released.
All in all, CES 2019 in Las Vegas was an incredible experience, even though it’s impossible to see everything, no matter how many hours one spends exploring the exhibition.
The first video explores the major tech trends showcased at CES 2019, highlighting innovations that are set to shape the future of consumer electronics.
The second video takes a closer look at some of the coolest tech unveiled at CES 2019, featuring standout products and groundbreaking technologies.