By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Hello from Las Vegas, where your undaunted correspondent dutifully suffered the long, long line snaking through the ballroom corridors at Mandalay Bay for what is, each year, a data feast: the Consumer Technology Association’s “Tech Trends to Watch” presentation.
Appetizers:
– After 4G enabled Uber and other applications now common, inventors here are flexing 5G. And grab-the-armrest for what 6G and 7G will bring. Just when we’re blasé about Wi-Fi, we’re told that Li-Fi will use light to transmit data.
– Artificial Intelligence: ChatGPT was training wheels. AI’s impact is just beginning to unfold. As it does, CTA research points to consumer concerns over privacy, disinformation, safety, and job loss. 74% believe the federal government should regulate AI safety.
– Sustainability: Solar panels of all shapes and sizes will replace batteries in many applications. A foil strip on your dog’s collar powers the tag you use to call him from your smartphone. And we’re seeing an inflatable portable smartfarm.
– Inclusivity: Fitness trackers for the wheelchair-bound. Hearable glasses for those vision AND hearing impaired, “chic” designs. Lots of tech for the aging, including…
– Health + Wellness: With women’s health a $1.2 trillion USA market, mattress sensors trigger cooling during menopause. AI will bring drug discovery breakthroughs.
– Mobility: EV goes marine with the Mercury 30E outboard. We’re seeing E-bikes and construction equipment. Critical issues: peace-of-mind about battery range and quicker charging, and “values” choices about using less gasoline.
– TV becomes the Intelligent Hub for your home, connecting with appliances, security cameras, and thermal imaging for tele-health. It’s an E-commerce platform “like a smartphone ecosystem.” More interactive (betting on live games), and immersive experiences Netflix will roll-out.
– Audio? CTA research points to a “rising growth in older podcast listeners:” and how podcasters will monetize superfans.
Here’s the entrée (I hope you’re hungry):
https://cdn.ces.tech/ces/media/pdfs/2024/ces-tech-trends-preso.pdf
I’m reporting for TALKERS readers, every day this week. Help yourself to today’s report here: http://getonthenet.com/CES2024-Wednesday.mp3. It can air until Friday. And I’ll be posting daily 60-second reports you can download at HollandCooke.com.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke