It’s January and that means the entire tech world, with the notable exception of Apple (AAPL), will soon descend on Las Vegas for CES 2024. The annual consumer electronics trade show, which runs from January 9 to 12, serves as a showcase for the biggest technology trends that are likely to make their way into our lives.
Over the years, that has included everything from advanced vehicle infotainment systems and 4K, OLED TVs to electric scooters and new computer chips. Of course, there’s also the collection of oddities that crowd the show’s various booths and displays. Think talking toilets and forks that tell you if you’re eating too fast.
And it looks like CES 2024 will feature even more of the equal parts impressive and downright confusing products that will end up in our living rooms and driveways in the coming months and years. Of course, Yahoo Finance will be live in Sin City, weaving through the thousands of visitors to bring you all the latest news from the big show.
What can you expect from CES 2024? Funny you ask that…
AI will be the talk of the show
The AI revolution that dominated headlines in 2023 will continue in 2024. You can expect everyone from chip makers and car companies to TV manufacturers and more to talk about the benefits of AI at the big show.
One of the biggest themes will likely be based around the AI PC. AMD (AMD), Intel (INTC) and Qualcomm (QCOM) have each introduced their own AI PC chips in recent months, with Intel showing off its Core Ultra AI PC processors in December.
The idea behind AI PCs is to add AI processing capabilities to laptop and desktop chips, allowing users to run AI applications on their own computers instead of in the cloud. The idea is that if you need to process sensitive data such as personal information or company files through an AI program, doing so on your computer is safer than sending it to the cloud.
But beyond that, companies are still trying to figure out how AI PCs will benefit the most people. At Intel’s AI Everywhere event in December, company representatives said it’s up to developers to come up with new apps and programs that take advantage of new AI PC features.
Chipmakers won’t be the only companies focusing on AI. Automakers, retailers and home appliance manufacturers will no doubt explain how they are using AI to power their latest and greatest products.
AI will likely be so ubiquitous at CES 2024 that it will be strange if a company doesn’t mention the technology. Samsung says it is bringing AI to its kitchen appliances, including its refrigerators.
More cars than one dealer
It’s cliché to say that CES is both a car show and a technology event. Automakers from around the world fill the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center with their hottest cars, trucks, SUVs and sometimes flying cars, filling the air with the smell of fresh rubber and the promise of a future where you can watch TV as your vehicle drives you around the city.
In recent years, companies ranging from Ford (F) and BMW to Hyundai (HYMTF) and Chevy (GM) have introduced new in-car technologies designed to improve the driving experience. Last year, BMW unveiled a concept for a customizable paint job that you can change at any time. That same year, Sony (SONY) and Honda (HMC) unveiled their AFEELA concept car. This year, Sony Honda Mobility returns with a prototype of the AFEELA.
On the flying car front, Uber (UBER) and Hyundai teamed up to announce their flying taxi at CES 2020. This year, Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Air Mobility business, Supernal, will put the finishing touches on its electric vertical takeoff and landing. [eVTOL] vehicle complete with a vertiport exhibit showing how passengers will ride in the flight concept.
TVs are getting smarter and brighter
Televisions are a mainstay of CES. They’re also my favorite part of the show. Where else can you see every next-generation television your partner asks for?
The biggest trend in TVs is microLED technology, which promises the color of OLED sets with the brightness of LED systems. Until now, however, those TVs have been incredibly expensive, with prices in the tens of thousands of dollars. But this is expected to decrease over time and could eventually become relatively affordable for the average consumer.
Televisions are also getting more AI capabilities. LG announced on January 3 that its latest OLED TVs will feature updated AI processors that improve picture and sound quality. The company also said its wireless television, which it debuted at CES 2023, will now be available with a smaller 65-inch screen. There’s also a larger 97-inch model that just doesn’t fit in my Queens apartment.
Lots of strange and wild products
One of the best parts of CES is seeing so many wild, eye-catching products in one place. Some are practical, such as leak detectors for under your kitchen sink and meat thermometers with Wi-Fi function that send you a notification on your phone when your steak is ready. Some are not so practical; I’m looking at your electric roller skates.
I’ve seen more weird gadgets and gizmos than I can count over the years, and CES 2024 will be no different. And I’ll bring you all that and more when the big show starts. Stay tuned.
Daniel Howley is the technical editor at Yahoo Finance. He has been involved in the technical industry since 2011. You can follow him on Twitter @DanielHowley.
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