LAS VEGAS (CN) — The influential global technology showcase CES began Tuesday, hosting over 4,000 companies, which came to unveil groundbreaking innovations relating to artificial intelligence and sustainability, among other pressing topics.
Gary Shapiro, President, and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), said on Tuesday he is expecting over 130,000 attendees over the four-day event hosted across the Las Vegas Strip with the main hub at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“CES is where business and policy converge, and there’s no place like it for building B2B and B2C connections,” Shapiro said.
Artificial intelligence, entertainment, office hardware, gaming, and e-sports stand out as the most discussed topics at CES. Companies use the event strategically to gain visibility, taking advantage of advancements in display technology, smart home innovations, assistive tech, and forming unexpected partnerships to offer solutions for both enterprise and consumers.
“We’ve only been to a few booths so far because we’re mostly in line for the free stuff,” said Eunice Tseng while waiting in line at an OtterBox booth. This year marked the Stockton, California, resident's eighth trip to CES in Las Vegas and she said her main interest, besides schwag, was telephone technology.
“I am really excited to see the Google store and see what the future for Android looks like,” she said.
CTA’s Director of Thematic Programs Brian Comiskey and Director of Research Jessica Boothe presented the "Top Tech Trends to Watch in 2024." These trends focused on how AI, sustainability, and inclusive tech design will shape mobility, digital health, content, gaming, and agrifood tech. The rise of Gen Z was highlighted as a significant force driving industry evolution.
Products launching at CES 2024 with previews at the event included Caterpillar’s zero-emission underground loader, NOWATCH wellness wearable, and Xpeng AEROHT’s flying car. Additionally, Segway announced their newest E-Bikes: The Xafari and Xyber.
“We just released the Xafari bicycle an hour ago and it will be available to the public in Q2,” said Segway’s Alan Chao. When pressed on which of the two he would choose to ride, he said the Xyber.
“It is more like a motorcycle,” he explained. “It just looks a little cooler.”
Not everyone who attended the first day of CES was necessarily there for technology.
“We spent an hour talking to some of the directors of Game of Thrones,” said Karen Silva. “They were at the Netflix booth, and we talked to them for almost an hour because we were the only ones there.”
David Benioff and Dan Weiss were at the CES Netflix booth promoting their upcoming show 3 Body Problem. "They were so nice," Silva said. Silva and her friend Emmy Martinez made the trip to Las Vegas for CES, and both at once knew what was next on their itinerary when asked.
"Robert Downey Jr.," shouted Martinez.
"At the Aria," echoed Silva.
Lesley Silverman, Head of Web Great ETA at United Talent Agency, led a CES 2024 panel featuring AI experts Daouda Leonard, CEO of Create Safe, Emily Yang, Founder and CEO of Shibuya and Aaron Andalman, Chief Science Officer at Cognitive. The discussion highlighted AI's prevalence at CES, including Leonard showcasing Create Safe's platform for generative AI music, and Yang discussing Shibuya's use of technology in filmmaking.
Yang directed the music video for Linkin Park's song Lost using only AI. "We utilized AI to facilitate the video creation, which received significant backlash from artists at the time. There's a misconception that I merely clicked a button, and the music video appeared," she explained.
"From the perspective of a creator, it's understandable that people may fear this technology," she added. "However, like any digital tool, such as a tablet or software like Photoshop, it's an additional tool to expedite the manifestation of ideas."
A panel led by Ketan Patel, who heads Force for Good in conjunction with the United Nations, highlighted the potential of energy solutions and technology to bring internet access to villages, bridging the digital divide.
The emphasis was on supplying equal opportunities globally, especially in the developing world. The discussion touched upon the role of technology, citing a report from forcesthat.org and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The speakers acknowledged the exponential growth of technology, with AI as a prime example.
"To comprehend and seize the opportunities and resources accessible worldwide through technology is crucial," said Stedman Graham. "While foundational skills like math, science, and geography remain necessary, the contemporary tools, such as iPhones or similar devices, empower you to ask questions, conduct research, and even travel virtually. These devices encompass everything needed for self-empowerment. The challenge lies in making this accessibility constant for everyone."
The final two days of CES 2024 can be followed at CES.tech and through the CES app.
Follow @MarkHebert100
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