Although CES is consumer-focused, many of the tools and technologies at the big Las Vegas trade show can help businesses. Here are our picks for the top products and trends at CES 2024, including versatile laptops, a wearable generative AI assistant, stylish TVs, and mixed reality for immersive meetings or training.
1. Generative AI integrates with laptops and apps
Generative AI like ChatGPT has become the hottest thing in tech over the last year, so it's no surprise that generative AI will be at CES in a big way.
Windows 11 laptops from Dell and other manufacturers will have a dedicated Windows for Copilot button for Microsoft's natural language AI assistant.
Intel, Qualcomm, AMD, and NVIDIA are working to develop the ability to run generative AI directly on their hardware. NVIDIA introduced Chat with RTX, which is a demo app for customizing a generative AI model to search content including chats, documents, and videos on a Windows RTX PC or workstation.
Generative AI in retail at CES 2024
Additionally, generative AI appeared in retail apps at CES 2024, and Walmart debuted it on a “social commerce platform” called Shop With Friends.
Volkswagen puts ChatGPT in cars
Volkswagen is bringing ChatGPT to its cars, allowing a busy professional to ask generative AI to perform tasks while on the move. It's hard to say whether these use cases will prove as or more desirable than existing voice-based (but non-generative) AI assistants in the long term.
2. Productivity devices emphasize speed and ease
The most popular device at CES 2024 was the Rabbit R1 (Figure A), a wearable device based on generative AI that could not only revolutionize the way people interact with apps, but could possibly replace the smartphone as a person's primary screen.
The R1, which is currently available for pre-order for $199, runs on what Rabbit calls a large action model, as opposed to a large language model. The user can speak a command (for example, “Book a flight”) and R1 will simply do it without the user needing to open an app or the device needing to connect to an app via an API.
The Rabbit R1 is the most dramatic example of the major productivity trend at CES 2024 of allowing generative AI to be the interface between the user and their tasks, making online services and intermediate decisions essentially invisible.
SEE: While ChatGPT was integrated with other technology at CES 2024, OpenAI opened the GPT Store. (Technological Republic)
3D and wireless monitors provide more display options
Lenovo introduced its Lenovo ThinkVision 27 3D monitor, which allows users to quickly transform 2D images into 3D content; This could mean increased productivity for creative professionals. Meanwhile, Samsung introduced a new wire-free multi-monitor setup that won the CES 2024 Best of Innovation award in computer peripherals and accessories.
Wi-Fi 7 is proliferating
The Wi-Fi Alliance is starting to roll out certifications for Wi-Fi 7, meaning more devices will be able to run the higher data throughput of Wi-Fi 7 for applications like virtual reality. TP-Link, UniFi, MSI and Acer launched Wi-Fi 7 routers at the show.
3. Multi-in-1 laptops give professionals options
Several laptops that double as tablets were highlights of CES 2024. For example, HP's Specter x360 2-in-1 laptop and Dell's new XPS line were on display.
ASUS introduced the Zenbook DUO (2024) UX8406 (Figure B), which comes with two screens and a keyboard and can be converted into five modes in total: laptop with keyboard, two touch screens, dual screen, desktop mode (depending on whether the screens are facing the keyboard horizontally or vertically) or sharing mode (using both screens to display data or presentations).
4. Qualcomm, automakers and others promote virtual and mixed reality products
Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip is expected to appear in a Samsung virtual or mixed reality headset later this month. Qualcomm has already launched a reference device that could compete with the Apple Vision Pro.
Mixed and virtual reality was also present at CES, with BMW investigating mixed reality glasses for driving.
5. Curved and transparent TV screens attract attention
A transparent television screen could be a stunning piece for a home office, becoming an object of art rather than just a black rectangle when you're not using it. The Samsung Transparent MICRO LED and the LG Signature OLED T (Figure C) they are spectacular.
A wide variety of large curved gaming monitors were shown at CES 2024. Another trend was to reduce glare on TVs, such as with the anti-glare coating on the Samsung S95D OLED TV.
Editor's note: TechRepublic is covering CES 2024 remotely.
