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CES 2024 was packed with intriguing moments that kicked off the year in technology. Having already shared my favorite products from the big tech show in Las Vegas last week, here are a few other notable highlights.
The sheer scale of CES can be overwhelming, with around 5,000 press members from around the world attending. We started arriving on Sunday, and I found myself in line a bit late for the CES trends session on January 7, hosted by Brian Comiskey and Jessica Boothe from CTA’s research division.
Here are my top 10 moments from the show, excluding my night at The Sphere, which I’ve already written about. I spent a lot of time at the Showstoppers and Pepcom Digital Experience parties.
Keynote speeches from non-tech companies like Walmart, Siemens, and L’Oreal were a refreshing change this year. However, this post focuses on smaller-scale experiences that made my week in Vegas memorable.
The Opening Moments
Entering the first press event at CES 2024 was a bit of a shock with so many colleagues packed into one room. I managed to squeeze in, marveling at the crowd size, and took some selfies to capture the sardine-like conditions. Sometimes, it’s not just the products but the experiences and efforts to cover them that stand out, like waiting in long lines for mediocre food.
Despite skepticism about finding unique insights at CES, I believe the process of narrowing down memorable items is valuable. The older I get, the tougher the show becomes to attend, moving between events like the Samsung press event at Mandalay Bay and the Sony press conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Though I skipped some events, I still appreciate the privilege of translating tech for the masses who can’t attend.
Netflix’s The Three-Body Problem
One of my indulgences this year was checking out Netflix’s mysterious booth for the upcoming series “The Three-Body Problem,” based on Cixin Liu’s novels. This hard science fiction trilogy is one of the best I’ve ever read, on par with Frank Herbert’s “Dune” and Andy Weir’s “The Martian.”
The story involves Earth’s contact with an alien civilization from a unique solar system, rooted in complex science and physics. Netflix announced in 2020 that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss of “Game of Thrones” fame would adapt the trilogy. At the booth, I experienced a teaser for the show via VR and briefly spoke with Benioff, Weiss, and producer Alexander Woo.
Riding the Vegas Loop Underground
The Vegas Loop at the Las Vegas Convention Center can transport you between the West Hall and Central Hall in under two minutes, a trip that usually takes 25 minutes on foot. Operational since 2021, it can move over 4,400 convention goers per hour. Riding in a Tesla through this tunnel built by Elon Musk’s Boring Company was efficient and enjoyable.
Back to Area15
XR podcasters Charlie Fink and Ted Schilowitz hosted an event at The Beast restaurant in Area15, a futuristic experiential district in Las Vegas. It was great catching up with friends in the XR community and exploring Area15’s themed entertainment experiences, live events, immersive activations, art installations, and unique retail spaces.
Riding the Goodyear Blimp
Goodyear, attending CES for the first time, showcased its intelligent tires equipped with sensors for real-time data on tire conditions and performance. I tried their driving simulator and even got a chance to ride in the Goodyear Blimp. This 100-year-old airship now uses helium and offers a unique floating experience, akin to being in a boat rather than a plane.
Walking into the Kohler Booth
Kohler’s booth at CES felt like a spa with smart bidets, targeted showerheads, and an infinity bathtub. Their tech-infused designs aim to save time and enhance self-care. The SpaViva shower head, with its heat-retaining spray and Microbubble technology, was particularly impressive.
Sony Afeela Electric Car
Sony revealed more details about the Afeela electric sedan, a collaboration with Honda, Epic Games, and Qualcomm. The car, which allows playing PlayStation games in the back seat, was driven on stage using a PS5 DualSense controller, adding a playful touch to the presentation.
Shift Robotics’ Moonwalker X Robotic Shoes
Shift Robotics unveiled the Moonwalker X, an improved version of their original robotic shoes. Designed for workplace mobility, these shoes aim to enhance efficiency in environments where extensive walking is required. I found them surprisingly easy to use, much simpler than roller skates.
Brunswick’s Self-Docking Boat Demo
Brunswick showcased a simulation of their self-docking boat technology, which uses sensors and cameras to dock automatically. This innovation is part of their broader push for electric-powered outboard motors and other advanced boating gear. Their Freedom Boat Club offers a timeshare-like service for boat usage in port cities worldwide.
Panel on AI and the Democratization of Game Development
I moderated a panel on “AI and the democratization of game design” with experts discussing AI’s impact on game development and job markets. The session was enlightening, emphasizing the fast-paced changes in the industry and the potential for AI to revolutionize game creation.
Overall, these experiences highlight the diverse and innovative spirit of CES 2024, making it an unmissable event for tech enthusiasts.