In the annual gathering at Las Vegas known as the Consumer Electronics Show, leaders from various corners of the global technology ecosystem convene to delve into the intricate tapestry of the latest tech trends steering the innovation agenda.
For Liberty Global, this event presents an opportunity to engage with partners, stay attuned to the evolving landscape of technology trends shaping consumer products and services, and contemplate the role our fixed and mobile networks will play in fueling these innovations. It's a moment to explore how we can seamlessly integrate these cutting-edge technologies into our services.
Here, we present our five pivotal insights for the year 2024.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as the quintessential technological catalyst
AI is swiftly transitioning from a predominant technology trend to a paramount enabler cutting across all technological domains and use case verticals. It solidifies its status as an innovation powerhouse influencing the technological products and services arena.
An noteworthy innovation involves the integration and embrace of Large-Language-Models (LLM), sophisticated machine learning algorithms crafted to comprehend and generate language. These LLMs, integral to generative AI, find their way into a spectrum of devices, from AI-driven virtual assistants in automobiles to cloud-connected robots.
German automaker Volkswagen plans to embed ChatGPT into the voice assistant within their vehicles, joining the league of pioneers. Noteworthy competitors include Mercedes MBUX assistant receiving an AI upgrade, while BMW and Hyundai unveil new assistant services in their latest product offerings.
Dedicated devices in the form of virtual assistants make their mark, with Rabbit R1 and Moxie Robot designed as AI-based companions for children, and Samsung's companion robot, Ballie, now equipped with a built-in projector and sensor for enhanced tracking and navigation.
Leading manufacturers such as Samsung, Panasonic, Sharp, Hisense, and TCL introduce screens embedded with AI, enriching their product offerings.
Smart Homes evolve into an interconnected ecosystem
Industry giants Amazon, Google, Aqara, and startup Oliver IQ showcase their latest innovations in the smart home realm. Across the spectrum, these tech behemoths highlight strides made in adapting their product lineup to Matter, a global open-source standard facilitating seamless communication among internet-connected devices from diverse manufacturers.
Amazon, for instance, asserts compatibility with 10,000 devices in its latest hub, while Samsung integrates its SmartThings functionality fully into their latest Smart TVs. This integration empowers users to control lighting, adjust thermostats, and monitor security cameras directly from Samsung displays.
Immersive Technology anticipates the Apple Vision Pro
While the industry eagerly anticipates the release of Apple Vision Pro glasses, several Augmented Reality (AR) products take center stage, boasting new optics, impressive resolution, and advanced features spanning eye-tracking to robust storage and wireless connectivity.
The XREAL Air 2 smart glasses facilitate spatial computing in a lightweight form at an entry-level cost. Key content and platform providers, including Sony in entertainment and Siemens in the industrial sector, contribute to the development of optical interfaces. Despite the continued enthusiasm for AR, the widespread adoption witnessed during the Metaverse mania is yet to return, keeping the installed base of these products relatively low.
Designing the future of automobiles
CES has seamlessly transitioned into a showcase for the automobile industry, where manufacturers illuminate their visions for the car of the future, placing the driver's experience at the forefront.
Afeela, a joint venture between Sony and Honda, prioritizes the user experience within the vehicle, leveraging Sony's entertainment expertise to deliver content on multiple displays throughout the car. The company, eyeing a 2025 release, combines advanced AI sensing technology with a creative entertainment space in its prototype.
Kia, on the other hand, presents its innovative electric van range with futuristic form factors, targeting entry into the commercial van sector by 2025.
Relevant to our EV businesses like Egg and Believ, innovation in electric chargers takes center stage, featuring a robot EV charger from Autovoltek and gradual progress in wireless charging development with new products from Witricity.
Of course, no CES is complete without the obligatory mention of the flying car, and Xpeng AeroHT’s eVTOL secures this spotlight, being practical and stylish, though still a considerable distance from prime time.
Health technology broadens its horizons
Health devices, a longstanding feature of CES, witness a remarkable expansion in the variety of products and services announced, covering a spectrum of conditions. From the Wi-Fi-enabled Zoe Fall device assisting the elderly to AI-powered mental health tools, the range extends to diverse wearables, including rings, watches, earbuds, and stick-on pads.
This spectrum now encompasses biomechanical support, with commercially available exoskeletons from German Robotic and WiRobotics.
Advancements in AI and computer vision give rise to new categories of professional wellness solutions. FaceHeart's FDA-approved technology monitors heart rate using a single video camera, while Blueskeye AI analyzes face and voice data to interpret medically relevant emotions, aiming to enhance people's quality of life at home, in their cars, and at work.
For new parents, a company introduces an AI-based translation of babies' cries, a testament to the boundless possibilities of AI advances, limited only by our imaginations.
And thus concludes CES...
CES retains its status as the paramount innovation event in the tech industry's calendar, offering an exciting kickoff for 2024 as we navigate the future and persist in delivering exceptional innovative products and services to delight our customers. For us, CES is not merely an annual display of the industry's latest innovations; it serves as a preview of the technological landscape that lies ahead of us.
That’s amazing
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