CES 2024: What to expect from the world's biggest consumer electronics event

The highly anticipated Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, where several tech companies come to unveil their latest innovative developments and provide a glimpse into the future of technology is finally upon us.

Scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from January 9 to January 12, the event kicks off with "media days" leading up to the main exhibition, where major announcements are expected to take centre stage. The show is expected to welcome more than 100,000 attendees featuring over 4,000 exhibitors, including about 1,200 startups.

If you're any close to being as excited as I am for these new technologies, come as we explore some of the most intriguing technology products and gadgets that will be featured at the 4-day event.

#1 – AI

The AI revolution, a dominant force in 2023, will undoubtedly extend its influence throughout 2024. The AI discourse is expected to feature largely at this year's CES, involving chipmakers, automotive giants, TV manufacturers, and more.

A key highlight will be the recent releases of AI PC chips from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm. These chips aim to embed AI processing capabilities directly into laptop and desktop systems, allowing developers to create innovative applications that leverage these capabilities and offering users the ability to enjoy AI applications use cases.

Beyond chipmakers, industries like automotive, retail, and everyday household items will showcase how AI powers their latest products. AI is set to be so ingrained in CES 2024 that any omission of its mention will seem unusual – even extending to unexpected domains like Samsung introducing AI to kitchen appliances such as refrigerators.

#2 – VR, AR, and XR

The CES 2024 will feature new hardware and experiences that are set to redefine the landscape of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR).

Thanks in part to the anticipation for the launch of Apple Vision Pro and the Samsung/Google XR headset, there has been increased interest in the space as the next generation of immersive digital experiences. 

Major players showcasing their AR and VR headsets at CES 2024 include Meta Platforms (Facebook's parent company), Vuzix, Xreal, Nimo Planet, DigiLens, and Solos Technology. Qualcomm adds to the excitement with its next-gen XR2+ Gen2 VR chip, featuring advanced sensors and software that elevate headset capabilities, promising an impressive 4.3K resolution per eye.

Meanwhile, VR startups like Pimax Crystal will unveil the world's first VR headset with glass lenses, providing unparalleled clarity through ultra-high fidelity QLED panels. Another leader in XR creation, Fectar plans to introduce the world’s first AI-driven AR/VR/XR creation platform at CES 2024, catering to all skill levels.

#3 – Smart(er) TVs

The common theme throughout the home entertainment segment for the CES is larger screens, AI features, and other concepts (rollable screens) promising a more immersive TV experience.

LG is set to unveil a new lineup of OLED TVs that boast powerful AI processors and 144Hz refresh rates. The new TVs offer a significant upgrade over previous models, with improved picture quality, better sound, and a host of other cutting-edge features that are sure to excite TV enthusiasts.

Other TV manufacturers are also expected to unveil new models at CES 2024, with a focus on larger screens, 8K resolution, and enhanced smart capabilities. Samsung, for example, includes the next-gen premium QD-OLED TV, the Samsung 95D, and the Samsung S90D.

Consumer Electronics Show 2024

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#4 – Cars

Automakers will also be on-site to unveil their latest in-car technologies. As the automotive landscape shifts towards electric and autonomous vehicles, the event is expected to heavily feature electric cars.

The surge in electric vehicle (EV) popularity is evident, with sales skyrocketing from 3 million in 2020 to over 10 million in 2023. Hyundai is set to make waves with its Mobion concept car, featuring independently turning wheels, and the unveiling of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, Supernal.

Mercedes-Benz is also planning to captivate audiences with the MBUX Virtual Assistant, the latest iteration of its comprehensive multimedia system equipped with an intelligent personal assistant. Honda, in line with the theme, plans to debut new EVs and showcase key technologies.

While major automakers like Kia, BlackBerry, and others will also showcase automotive tech, notable absences include GM, Ford, Tesla, and Stellantis. Meanwhile, AI is also expected to be making its way to the automotive industry, promising a significant leap in technological innovation

#5 – PC / Gaming

The gaming community also eagerly anticipates the CES 2024 event as major players unveil groundbreaking innovations.

Nvidia will feature with its introduction of "Super" branded updates to the existing RTX 40-series gaming graphics cards. The anticipated RTX 4070 Ti Super is rumoured to make a substantial leap by shifting from Nvidia's AD104 chip to the larger AD103 GPU, currently utilized in the RTX 4080.

Intel, showcasing its Meteor Lake architecture, is also expected to unveil a range of laptops featuring the new Core Ultra Series of laptop CPUs at CES. Meanwhile, further improvements to AMD's FSR 3, along with an AI pitch facilitated by the Hawk Point laptop chip, are anticipated. There's also speculation about a potential refresh of AMD's N31 GPU to address Nvidia's Super Series.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite, an ARM-powered CPU, is expected to debut at CES, showcasing competitive processing power compared to x86 CPUs from Intel and AMD while offering enhanced efficiency. With Nvidia and possibly AMD venturing into Arm-powered CPUs, CES 2024 may signify a pivotal juncture in the long-anticipated transition of the PC from x86 to Arm architecture.

#6 – Smartphones

CES 2024 will be an exciting event for smartphone enthusiasts, with a range of new products and innovations being unveiled.

Notably, Asus is set to announce the launch of its new ROG Phone 8 at CES 2024, which is a high-end gaming smartphone. The phone will be powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Also, the iPhone is set to unveil a new physical keyboard case for iPhones, bringing back the nostalgia of BlackBerry's glory days. Other concept devices will also feature at the event

Although some of these devices will not make it to commercial production, it will be interesting to see how these developments shape the future of the smartphone market in the coming year.

Conclusion

As the anticipation builds for CES 2024, set to kick off next Tuesday, the tech world is on the brink of an exciting showcase of innovation. The excitement surrounding the event lies in the mystery of what groundbreaking technologies will be unveiled.

Will there be game-changing advancements in open-source gaming initiatives, novel hardware designs, or transformative AI integrations? The countdown begins.