Like most companies in the technology industry, this week we are getting back into the groove after a jam-packed CES week.
The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) touts itself as “the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.” Held in Las Vegas every January, “it has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years—the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace.”
Weren’t able to attend this year? We’re recapping some of the greatest moments right here!
Day 1 Highlights:
- Sophia, the super-intelligent humanoid robot, was turning heads at CES as she took her first steps. She was even granted legal citizenship in Saudi Arabia this past October. Created by Hanson Robotics in Hong Kong, the company hopes that Sophia will one day have the capabilities to work alongside humans in factory situations.
- The skies opened up over the typically dry Las Vegas strip, putting Google’s booth unveiling at a standstill! The two-level outdoor CES booth was filled with Google’s latest products, a slide with a ball pit, and an entire video wall—leaving no room for Google to take a chance on the weather.
- Vuzix launched the first Alexa-enabled AR glasses at CES. According to Engadget: “You’ll be able to ask Alexa questions the way you usually do, and the glasses will show the results on the display à la Google Glass.”
- Once again, smart cars are paving the way of the future at CES. Byton announced the first truly smart car. “What we want to try to do is merge your life outside of the car with your experience inside the car,” explained Jeff Chung, head of Byton’s Intelligent Car Experience division. Byton’s model is nearly half the price of Tesla’s famous smart car.
Day 2 Highlights:
- Intel took to the skies multiple times throughout the day and night to showcase its latest innovations, including the Volocopter 2X. Currently, the aircraft can carry two passengers without a pilot at 62 miles per hour.
- Intel continued lighting up the sky in the evening with a drone show. The show featured 100 Intel Shooting Star Mini drones over The Fountains of Bellagio.
Source: aflacchildhoodcancer.org - My Special Aflac Duck won the 2018 CES Tech For A Better World Award. The My Special Aflac Duck is a social robot with intentions to help children with cancer. Partnered with Sproutel, the duck reacts to touch, includes a microphone, and its light sensor adapts to environments and behaviors. Aflac will be donating all the robots to any children newly diagnosed.
- Whirlpool debuted its WRFA94CIHN connected refrigerator in a sunset bronze. The model has an extremely small touch screen, which proves that less may be more. “There’s no collection of fridge apps, either—instead, you get a small smattering of use-case-specific features for things like cleaning the fridge or hosting a party,” notes CNET. “That purpose-driven approach seems like a good one, though.” It also features Amazon Dash Buttons.
- Last, but not least, day two included the two-hour CES Blackout in the North and Central halls of the Convention Center!
Day 3 Highlights:
- The robot mania continues! The new Aibo robot dog by Sony responds to touch and voice and has a series of touch sensors on its head, chin, and back. Aibo also has a camera on the tip of its nose to help identify family members and search for its “Aibone.” Aibo is available in Japan for $1,800 in addition to a $27 monthly subscription.
- Kohler introduced Konnect, a voice-controlled shower that allows users to control the temperature, lighting, and music. Smart home technology has truly entered every room of the home!
- Moving into the bedroom, SleepScore Labs introduced Max. Max is a contactless tracker that sits at your bedside, meaning that the days of having to sleep with your phone in your bed are over. Max sends radio waves throughout your room, which pick up and track your breathing patterns, giving you a “sleep score.”
With over 3,900 exhibitors, it is nearly impossible to see all of the latest products at CES! We are nothing but impressed with what we did see! What were your favorite moments of CES?