Every year, around January, Las Vegas becomes the epicenter of technological innovation, thanks to the world’s most influential tech event — Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
CES 2024, organised by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), is an event that connects the entire tech industry’s ecosystem.
This year’s CES, scheduled for January 9-12, will feature over 4,000 exhibitors, including global brands, startups, professionals, media, and government leaders.
“The CES platform is ALL ON for 2024. No other event in the world connects the full ecosystem of the tech industry like CES,” says Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).
“This year at CES, we are excited to spotlight the critical role that technology is playing in improving every aspect of the human experience. CES 2024 will be the hub where business leaders meet, dream, and solve,” adds Shapiro.
Top Themes Taking Center Stage in CES 2024
CES 2024 will spotlight pivotal themes shaping the future:
- Artificial Intelligence : Leading brands like Garmin, Intel, Qualcomm, and Walmart will showcase AI applications that aim to improve healthcare, sustainability, productivity, and accessibility.
- Human Security for All (HS4A): CES will partner with the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and the World Academy of Art and Science to highlight how technology is solving global challenges. Companies like Abbott, AARP, Bosch, Nasdaq, and Siemens will demonstrate their contributions to human security.
- Mobility: Over 250 exhibitors will showcase the latest advancements in automotive tech, self-driving vehicles, electric vehicles, and personal mobility. BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, and Volkswagen are among the companies that will present their innovations in mobility.
- Sustainability: CES 2024 will highlight companies making a positive impact through innovations in accessibility, energy, food tech, smart cities, clean water, and more. Exhibitors like Exeger, HD Hyundai, Honda, John Deere, and Supernal will showcase their sustainable solutions.
Having said that, we have listed some of the coolest AI-powered tech announcements, in this article. Do give it a read!
Rabbit R1 – A digital assistant to streamline your activities
Rabbit R1 has caught people’s attention, and for good reason. Powered by Rabbit OS, R1 is a compact and affordable device that aims to simplify smartphone tasks by removing the need for multiple apps.
By utilising secure cloud-based apps, the Rabbit R1 is an AI digital assistant that streamlines activities such as streaming playlists, ordering takeout, and booking travel.
Designed by Teenage Engineering, Rabbit R1 comes packed with a 2.88-inch touchscreen, an analog scroll wheel, two mics, a speaker, and a “360-degree rotational camera. The primary way to interact with Rabbit AI is by pressing and holding the “Push-to-Talk” button.
Perfecta – AI-powered grill to improve cooking skills
Seer Grill unveiled the Perfecta, an AI-controlled grill that aims to improve cooking skills over time.
Powered by NeuralFire technology, it uses dual vertical infrared burners, which cook at 1652ºF.
Combined with AI algorithms and smart sensors, Perfecta delivers chef-level results at the touch of a button in as little as 90 seconds. Furthermore, the AI algorithm can learn and adapt to the user’s grilling techniques.
According to the company’s claims, it is 10x faster and 50 per cent energy efficient than conventional cooking. This innovation caters to both experienced grillers and novices, making outdoor cooking a more accessible and enjoyable experience.
Cappella – App that decodes reason behind baby cry
Cappella, an AI-driven app, claims to decode a baby’s cries with an impressive 95 per cent accuracy rate.
By utilising AI and machine learning, the app identifies whether a baby is hungry, uncomfortable, tired, or in need of a diaper change.
This technology is not just useful for providing parents with valuable insights, but it also showcases the potential of AI in comprehending human communication beyond conventional speech.
Moreover, Cappella can function as a parenting app in general, as it can monitor sleep, feedings, and diaper changes. It is also currently working on using AI to calm babies.
The app is now available on Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
Gyroglove – Help counteract the tremors for Parkinson’s patients
GyroGear is a wearable device that mechanically stabilises hand tremors.
Through the device, the company aims to restore independence, dignity, and quality of life to people with Parkinson’s and Essential Tremor.
The GyroGlove, which is designed to be bulky and large, uses a module with a gyroscope to counteract the tremors.
The glove is made from soft fabric and has a battery pack and stabilisation module placed on the forearm.
The device is powered by lithium polymer batteries that can last up to four hours of continuous use.
Magic Bay Robot – Just a cute little robot that can smile and blink
Initially designed as an external expansion system for Lenovo laptops, the Magic Bay now takes on a new form as a cute little robot.
With its facial expression-changing capabilities, Lenovo envisions the Magic Bay Robot as a voice-enabled AI assistant. However, at present, it doesn’t do anything more than smiling and blinking.
In the future, Lenovo plans to add more features including a microphone, speakers, and others to make it more of a complete assistant device. The integration of AI in this device opens up possibilities for personalised and interactive user experiences, says the company.
WHSP RING – A personal AI device that fits your finger
WHSP RING is a wearable ring that enables users to have everyday conversations with AI.
The ‘whisper’ technology makes it easier for users to talk in noisy environments while providing privacy.
Whisper Ring can act as a personal AI device, offering a more natural way to interact with AI using voice.
In contrast to many other AI assistant devices, WHSP RING requires no trigger word.
With integrated proximity sensors and AI speech recognition, the portable ring knows when the user speaks to it, claims VTouch, a company specialising in AI-powered natural user interfaces.
Volkswagen brings ChatGPT into its IDA voice assistant
The German automobile company announced that it is integrating AI chatbot ChatGPT into its IDA voice assistant.
The new chatbot is offered in conjunction with the latest generation of infotainment in the following models: ID.703, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan, and the all-new Passat, as well as in the new Golf.
Powered by Cerence Chat Pro, the integration of ChatGPT into the backend of the Volkswagen voice assistant offers new capabilities that go far beyond the previous voice control.
For example, the IDA voice assistant can be used to control the infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning, or answer general knowledge questions.
Samsung in CES 2024
In CES 2024, Samsung Electronics took centre stage, revealing its vision of a future powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900D
One notable product was the Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900D, which features a built-in AI Processor, NQ8 AI Gen 3. This processor utilises an advanced AI neural network and a fast NPU (Neural Processing Unit) to automatically upscale low-resolution content and enhance motion in fast-moving images.
The Neo QLED 8K also includes Active Voice Amplifier Pro, which optimizes TV audio based on AI analysis of voice and background noise.
Ballie – A personal assistant robot
Samsung wowed CES attendees with its upgraded AI-powered Ballie personal assistant robot.
Equipped with an onboard projector and AI capabilities, Ballie acts as a companion in the household.
It can walk around, respond to commands, and adjust its projection angle based on the posture and facial angle of individuals in the room.
Ballie can provide a helping hand to users in many situations, continually learning from users’ patterns and habits to provide smarter, more personalized services.
The assistant robot can send video updates of pets or loved ones to users’ devices when they’re away from home.
From projecting workout videos on the wall or floor in an optimal size to playing music and answering phone calls, Ballie makes life at home more productive and enjoyable.
4-Door Flex Refrigerator, AI Laundry Combo, and more
To make the kitchen and food experiences seamless, Samsung unveiled its Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub+.
Equipped with AI Vision inside, this refrigerator uses an internal camera to recognise and suggest recipes based on the food items stored inside.
Users can set “use by dates” to reduce food waste, and the refrigerator sends notifications when the set dates approach.
The Anyplace Induction range allows users to share recipes from the Samsung Food app to the cooktop’s display, making cooking more convenient.
Samsung’s AI technology extends beyond the kitchen with the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo and the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo vacuum and mop robot cleaner.
The AI Hub in the laundry combo personalises washing and drying cycles based on user habits, while the Jet Bot Combo™ utilises AI Object Recognition to distinguish objects and adapt its cleaning settings accordingly.
Amazon in CES 2024
Siemens x AWS
Siemens has announced a partnership with Amazon Web Services to integrate Amazon Bedrock into Mendix, a leading low-code platform.
Amazon Bedrock is a service that offers a choice of high-performing foundation models from leading AI companies via a single API, along with security, privacy, and responsible AI capabilities.
This integration will enable more customers to build, scale, and enhance their existing applications with the power of generative AI on AWS.
This collaboration simplifies software development by allowing customers to select the generative AI model that best suits their use case.
With just a few clicks, users can incorporate these advanced AI functions into their applications, making the development process simpler, faster, and more efficient.
Generative AI Tools for Alexa
Last year, Amazon introduced new tools to simplify the integration of generative AI into Alexa, enabling developers to build conversational experiences with ease.
At CES 2024, customers had the opportunity to try some of these new developer-built experiences firsthand.
Character.ai, an innovative platform, allows Alexa customers to engage in just-for-fun conversations with different characters. From fitness coaches to historical figures like Socrates, Character.ai provides a wide range of conversational experiences. Customers can gain motivation, receive book recommendations, or even play RPGs through the Text Adventure Game.
Splash, an AI-powered music creation technology, has integrated with Alexa, allowing customers to interact with the Splash experience to create their songs. Customers can personalize elements like genre, lyrics, and more through voice commands.
Volley, a voice AI game developer, launched its AI-powered “20 Questions” game at CES 2024. This updated version of the well-known parlour game utilises generative AI to engage customers with questions and engaging conversation.
Amazon x BMW to enhance voice assistance
Amazon has joined hands with BMW to enhance the in-car experience with AI.
Powered by Alexa’s Large Language Model (LLM), BMW’s voice assistant offers a more natural and intuitive way for drivers to interact with their vehicles.
Instead of digging through a car manual, users can ask BMW’s assistant for recommendations on different drive modes and have the assistant activate the chosen mode.
Additionally, the assistant provides instructions on how various car features work, delivering explanations in easily understandable terms through its customised voice.
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