The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world’s largest and most influential tech event. From smart home devices to self-driving cars, from wearable gadgets to immersive entertainment, the CES 2024 offered a glimpse into the future of technology and how it will shape our lives. 

The event drew 135,000 attendees and featured over 2.5 million net square feet of exhibition space, where leading equipment manufacturers, traditionally aimed at the everyday consumer, displayed their latest advancements. Contrary to expectations, the show was not limited to cell phones and gaming consoles but also featured significant breakthroughs in areas such as spatial computing, mixed reality, generative AI, healthcare technology, and futuristic mobility solutions. The event highlighted the blurring lines between machines and tech, focusing on AI, real-time monitoring, automation, water management, and energy solutions. 

CES 2024 provided a preview of the extraordinary future that awaits us, emphasizing the potential of modern technology to transform our lives and living spaces. This article will explore some of the highlights and key takeaways from this year’s edition of CES, which took place in Las Vegas from January 8 to 11. 

AI, of course

It’s hard to talk about anything on tech without mentioning the word ‘AI.’ According to a Statista (2023) report, the ‘Average monthly search volume for the keyword ‘AI’ worldwide grew from 7.94 million to 30.45 million between June 2022 to March 2023, an astounding 383.5% increase within 9 months. We have come a long way since March 2023 already, and you can only imagine how prominent AI has been in the CES 2024. 

AI is no new phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. Artificial intelligence has been used for around 50 years, but the recent surge of large language models (LLM), such as ChatGPT, has completely changed the public perception. For better or for worse, LLMs are here to stay, and almost every major consumer tech company (Samsung, Google, Apple, Amazon, TESLA; you name it) has joined in the race to create their own ‘ChatGPTs. 

The CES 2024 was all about products or services that, one way or another, are trying to incorporate LLM features into their functionality. Whether it’s Nvidia’s ‘Chat with RTX’ feature that lets gamers chat with game characters and have independent conversations with them, Qualcomm’s X Elite PC platform that will run generative AI models to enhance user experience, or a home robot called Samsung called ‘Ballie,’ the defining trend of AI in the CES was the incorporation of LLMS or generative AI in products across the board. 

This is probably most exemplified by the ‘Rabbit R1’, a one-click AI companion device that can order groceries or book flight tickets and, based on your mood, suggest songs from your Spotify playlist. 

Eco-friendly homes

Sustainability is the new trendsetter in home energy solutions. Products like EcoFlow’s home backup battery and solar panels resembling stained glass lead the charge toward cleaner, self-sufficient energy. This shift highlights a growing interest in resilience and environmental consciousness, empowering individuals to take control of their energy needs.

The global shift from fossil fuel-based vehicles to electric vehicles in the automotive industry was the first indication that consumer behavior is indeed changing, and the recent rise of solar home solutions only indicates that households will increasingly be more open towards embracing such technology in the years to come.

Transparent tech

Transparent screens are stealing the show. Award-winning innovations like Samsung’s Micro LED display and LG’s transparent OLED TV are blurring the lines between technology and the environment. They’re setting the stage for a future where screens seamlessly blend into our everyday lives. But this transparency isn’t just about visuals. Companies like Baracoda Daily Healthtech are taking it further with their ‘BMind Smart Mirror,’ using facial recognition and voice commands to gauge users’ emotional health. 

The next step for smartphones 

Companies like Clicks are introducing a physical keyboard case for iPhones, combining the tactile satisfaction of physical keys with the convenience of mobile devices. Meanwhile, Intel’s integration of ‘neural processing units’ (NPUs) into their latest chips signals a move towards on-device processing. This suggests a future with more personalized experiences and less reliance on cloud resources.

Top products from the CES 2024

As usual, this year’s CES was adorned with a constellation of new tech products. LG’s Signature OLED T Transparent TV took the TV experience to a new dimension. With transparent OLED technology, it combines exceptional features of LG’s M4 series with sophistication, transforming your TV into captivating home decor. 

The Alienware AW3325QF stole the spotlight in the gaming monitor category. This 31.5-inch monitor boasts a 240Hz, 4K-resolution QD-OLED curved screen from Samsung, making it a practical yet fantastic choice. It combines the best of OLED color and inky blacks, the brightness of quantum dots, and the speed needed for competitive gaming. 

will.i.am introduced a fresh perspective on car audio with MBUX Sound Drive for Mercedes-AMG. This system elevates the in-car listening experience by translating driving actions into musical expressions, allowing drivers to compose their soundtrack spontaneously. MSI’s Project Zero motherboards at CES tackled cable clutter with rear-placed connectors. Asus showcased the RTX 4090, abandoning power connectors for a sleek, cable-free appearance. Phanteks revamped the NV9 case for Maingear, simplifying the build of eye-catching showcase PCs.

Enter Qi2, a wireless charging evolution blending MagSafe’s perks with the Qi standard. Movano’s Evie Ring shone among smart rings at CES, boasting a clever design and precision in sensor technology. Kia’s PV5 van emerged as a potential game-changer, featuring a simple design ready for businesses to customize. With a flexible chassis, fixed cabin, and interchangeable cargo space, it hints at a new era in automotive concepts.

Samsung’s Ballie, introduced in 2020, received a significant upgrade at CES 2024, doubling as a moving projector with practical home control features. While the wait for pricing and availability continues, there’s optimism that 2024 could mark the debut of Ballie.

HP Omen Transcend 14, Lenovo Thinkbook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid, and the new Dell XPS lineup get the shoutout for bringing out the best laptop tech in this year’s CES. And as for the audio category, Sennheiser Momentum Sport headphones took the crown, offering immersive audio, comfort, style, and exceptional sound quality for active users.

Fardeen Kabir is currently working as a Programme Associate (Research Division) at the Centre for Policy Dialogue.

kabir.cirrus@gmail.com