An overview of new and exciting devices and prototypes from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has returned for its 56th year, showcasing a variety of cutting-edge upcoming and prototype technologies including new laptops, wireless TVs, and unique devices, such as a computerized makeup applicator and a bike-powered laptop charger. While it remains uncertain which of these innovations will become commercially available throughout the year (or ever, for that matter), it is always exciting to discover the latest advancements in the tech industry.
There was a showcase of OLED monitors in all shapes and sizes, with an emphasis on accessibility in product design. Laptops were bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever before, and smart home gadgets were finally shown to work in harmony. Even concept cars were taking a step closer to becoming a reality. And if that’s not enough to blow your mind, just think about all the wires and cords you won’t have to deal with anymore, because the future looks very, very wireless.
Wire-free and Vibrant
CES 2023 has been filled with exciting TV announcements, with Roku debuting their own TVs, TCL releasing an OLED TV this year, and Samsung introducing their flagship S95C television. The S95C uses the second generation of Samsung Display’s QD-OLED panel, which promises to be even brighter, more durable, and more energy-efficient than before. This QD-OLED technology can produce more vibrant colours and higher brightness levels compared to conventional OLEDs, like those used in LG TVs. The display can reach up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness, is perfect for a home theatre setup, and can even handle 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) gaming. It also boasts a built-in Dolby Atmos sound system.
It’s also worth mentioning the future of TV technology, specifically the wire-free TV experience that LG’s Signature OLED M aims to provide. This giant 97-inch 4K OLED gets audio and video wirelessly from a small Zero Connect box, that can be placed anywhere in the room within 30 feet. The only cord that is needed is for powering the device. This technology promises to give people more freedom in where they place or mount the TV without the usual hassle.
Yoga Book 9i
Lenovo introduced the Yoga Book 9i, a laptop that’s not just fun to use, but also offers a lot of functionality. With its haptic touchpad and keyboard, detachable keyboard, and various gesture controls, the Yoga Book 9i allows for a variety of usage positions and has the potential for many tricks yet to be discovered.
Lenovo seems to have done an excellent job in creating software that makes the Yoga Book 9i a device that’s both practical and entertaining. It’s a refreshing change in a category where form factors and features have become quite standard.
The Ultimate Gaming Monitor for Immersive Gaming Experience
The S95C is not the only flashy new thing Samsung had to show at CES, and their 49-inch Odyssey G95SC stands out for its innovative use of QD-OLED technology in an ultrawide 32:9 aspect ratio with a resolution of 5120 x 1440 pixels. As with the S95C, QD-OLED technology increases the brightness and colour accuracy of OLED displays, and this absolute behemoth of a monitor delivers it in a unique form. Gaming enthusiasts will be thrilled with the immersive gaming experience it offers, especially with the glossy screen that makes colours and contrasts really pop.
It also comes with all the necessary ports (DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1) along with Samsung’s Gaming Hub interface, allowing you to connect a wireless controller and play games through cloud services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, without the need for a separate PC or console.
Sony’s Afeela
Sony kept its promise of showcasing an electric car at this year’s CES and unveiled their electric concept, Afeela – the love child of a Porsche 911 and a Lucid Air, with a name that sounds like a spell from Harry Potter.
The car looks very impressive! It boasts a sleek and shiny design and is packed with technology, including partnerships with big suppliers such as Epic’s Unreal Engine and Qualcomm. It promises to have 45 built-in cameras and sensors for autonomous driving. Given that it’s from Sony, it might as well have a built-in PlayStation 5 because, why not? After all, Sony always goes big or goes home.
A Game-Changer in the Beauty Industry from L’Oreal
The foremost aim of technology is to make life easier for everyone, and Hapta is a new lipstick applicator designed to help make applying lipstick easier even for individuals with hand tremors, using a combination of smart gestures, a magnetic attachment, and intelligent stabilisation mechanisms.
The creators of Hapta are open to incorporating other types of makeup applications in the future. The device aims to make the process of applying makeup more accessible for the millions of individuals who may struggle with limited hand and arm mobility, using existing technology in a creative way to let them do more.
The Next Step in Smart Home Automation
The most innovative smart home device at CES is a small white sensor, which may seem unassuming, but is actually crucial for smart home automation. The Aqara FP2 uses mmWave radar technology to detect human presence with high accuracy, even through subtle movements like breathing. This advanced motion detection allows for specific forms of smart home automation, such as adjusting lights to a reading mode when someone sits in a specific chair.
A Seamless Charging Experience?
Wireless charging can be a frustrating experience, with devices easily getting knocked out of alignment or disconnected at the slightest touch. Apple’s MagSafe technology added magnets to the mix to improve this, but it’s still limited to only working with Apple devices.
Qi2 aims to change that. It’s a new standard that incorporates MagSafe-like magnets into the core specification for wireless charging. Both Apple and Samsung are on board with this new standard. This means that in the future, Qi chargers will be able to work seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices – a utopia where everyone can charge their devices in peace and harmony.
From the Brands We Know the Best
CES 2023 was a showcase of new and exciting technology from various brands. Acer updated its Aspire and Swift laptop lines and even made some announcements about its Predator and Nitro gaming lineups. The Halo Swing, a smart speaker designed for outdoor use, was also launched. AMD’s president and CEO Lisa Su delivered a keynote presentation to outline the brand’s next-generation mobile CPUs. Asus launched new Zenbook models with OLED displays and the latest Intel and Nvidia chips. They also showed off a Chromebook designed specifically for cloud gaming, and Spatial Vision glasses-free 3D OLED displays. Intel, Nvidia, and Razer also made announcements, revealing new hardware and updates to their existing products. With so many new and innovative products, it was hard to pick a favourite, but one thing is for sure – technology is advancing at an astonishing rate, and we can expect to see even more groundbreaking products from the industry titans in the future.
What’s Happening with the Metaverse?
The topic of the Metaverse, a virtual reality world where individuals can meet, work and play, was a major focus at CES this year. Companies like HTC and startups unveiled high-end virtual reality headsets and augmented reality glasses that aim to immerse users deeper into the virtual world. One such company, OVR Technology, introduced a VR headset that can produce different scents to enhance the virtual experience, similar to a digital spa. And let’s not forget the virtual marshmallow roasting over a fire experience. Who wouldn’t want that?
Exciting Days Ahead
CES 2023 was a wild ride for technology enthusiasts. It was a feast for the eyes and a playground for the tech-savvy. Products unveiled at CES set the groundwork for breakthrough technologies in the consumer market. They give consumers more options and choices when it comes to purchasing new devices and gadgets and gets the ball rolling for new and exciting innovations. The advancements in technology, such as cutting-edge laptops, wireless TVs, and unique devices like the Aqara FP2, are sure to get tech enthusiasts excited about the upcoming months.
