In this AnalystANGLE, Rob Strechay, Managing Director of theCUBE Research, and Savannah Peterson, theCUBE host and Analyst, Founder of Savvy Millenial, and a judge at CES Innovation Awards, preview the upcoming CES 2024. This research note provides valuable insights and predictions for the event and a glimpse into the technological advancements, like semiconductors and AI, and trends that are expected to dominate the tech industry going forward. The detailed and informative analysis offers a wealth of information for anyone interested in attending or following the event.
Understanding CES
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is an annual event held in Las Vegas and is considered a cornerstone event in the tech world. The 2024 edition of CES is expected to be the first “back to normal” event post-pandemic. It’s a melting pot of ideas where innovators, tech enthusiasts, venture capitalists, and industry leaders converge to showcase and witness the next wave of technological advancements. This event not only serves as a showcase but also predicts how technology will evolve in the coming years.
Major Trends at CES 2024
At CES 2024, major trends anticipated to take center stage involve a significant technological leap forward, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) being the primary focus. The integration of AI is expected to be profound and widespread, influencing a diverse range of sectors, including autonomous vehicles, smart home systems, personal devices, and many more. Sustainable technology is also expected to be a key focus, aligning with a global shift towards environmentally conscious innovations. This includes advancements in reducing emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting responsible consumption. Another significant trend is the rise in accessibility technology, highlighting the growing importance and market potential of solutions designed for inclusivity. These trends are expected to showcase not just technological advancements but also a commitment to societal and environmental betterment, painting a picture of a future where technology is seamlessly integrated into every facet of life while being mindful of its impact on the planet and its inhabitants. However, one bit of caution is that widespread integration of AI in consumer technology has become a cultural meme, similar to an episode of ‘Portlandia’ with the phrase “put a bird on it,” to illustrate how AI has become a trendy, almost requisite addition to modern technology products of all types.
A Judge’s Unique Perspective
Savannah holds a position of significant influence and responsibility as a judge at the CES Innovation Awards. Her role offers a unique vantage point into the forefront of technological innovation. The CES Innovation Awards features an extensive range of categories, with 29 different categories being recognized for the 2024 Innovation Awards. Savannah was tasked with evaluating entries in the “Human Security for All” category. This category is deeply rooted in the United Nations principles for designing technology for good, focusing on technologies that aim to improve global conditions. This includes climate change mitigation, emission reductions, enhancing safety, and accessibility for people with various impairments or those in crisis situations. As a judge in this category, Savannah had the opportunity to assess over 3000 entries, each presenting unique solutions and innovations. Her role involved not only assessing the technological ingenuity of these entries but also their potential to make significant, positive impacts on human life and the environment. Her insights and decisions as a judge contributed to highlighting and rewarding technologies that truly embody the spirit of making the world a safer and better place through innovation.
Where Won’t AI Go?
The short answer is that it will go everywhere. AI has become integral to technological innovation and is present in a wide range of products and services. Attendees will see AI in home automation, appliances, clean tech, health tech, automotive, connected cars, accessibility, and so much more, even in at-home brewing kits. At CES, AI is a prominent player in almost all pre-event briefing documents. One reason for this is that AI is enabling small teams of engineers to create groundbreaking products. This would have been impossible in the past without AI-enabled coding assistants or co-pilots. However, it is essential to note that the range of AI integration at CES varies from deeply integrated, sophisticated applications to more superficial, trend-chasing instances. As a result, it is crucial to evaluate the actual utility and advancement that AI brings to consumer and enterprise technology beyond the allure of its label. This underscores an essential aspect of modern technology showcased at CES: the need to critically evaluate products that genuinely leverage AI for improved functionality and innovation and those that merely use AI as a buzzword to ride the wave of current trends.
It’s About the Hardware
The discussions around semiconductor chips and AI are expected to be a central topic, highlighting the close relationship between these two crucial technologies. The advancements in semiconductor chips, which are essential for powering a broad range of devices, are anticipated to be a key highlight. They demonstrate how these chips enable more effective and powerful AI applications, from smaller, more efficient chips that drive edge AI to their role in facilitating complex AI computations. The evolution of these chips is considered a critical enabler for the next generation of AI applications. This synergy is particularly evident in the realm of consumer electronics, where the integration of AI into everyday devices heavily relies on the capabilities of these advanced semiconductors, especially with the movement from 5nm to 3nm chips. The developments in this area are not just technical feats but also represent a significant step towards more intelligent, responsive, and energy-efficient technology solutions. The discussions at CES will likely delve into how these advancements in semiconductor technology pave the way for AI to become more ubiquitous and seamlessly integrated into various aspects of daily life and enterprise operations.
Our ANGLE
We expect this year’s CES event to be significant in driving technological innovation and adoption. We are keen to see how AI has been integrated and bridges the gap between consumer and enterprise technologies. At its roots, all the AI has to live somewhere, data takes up space, and the edge may well be in your pocket. We also see that a number of innovations will be uncovered, particularly those that smartly utilize existing hardware for groundbreaking applications. The importance of CES as a platform for emerging startups and established giants to unveil their latest developments will be displayed. It will serve as another rallying point for those interested in the future of technology, from AI advancements to sustainable solutions, shaping the landscape of consumer and enterprise tech. One of the most significant achievements of CES this year will be showcasing how AI can solve an ever-growing set of use cases when applied correctly. But the attendees must keep a critical eye on what is real and what is just “putting a bird on it!”
