Tech Tip — New Cool Things From 2024 CES
The Consumer Electronics Show happens every January in Las Vegas and is the world’s largest showcase of technology and consumer electronic products. You can find everything from TVs, cars, home automation and more during this show. I have never been (and not sure that I have a real desire to be there), but I look forward to seeing what comes out of the event each year. Usually, there are some buzz worthy items that begin to paint the picture of what nifty technology products are coming in the next six to twelve months.
In recent years, what has interested me most were the home automation and productivity items that are featured during the show. However, this year felt very light in what was shown and the number of new products or leaps forward that were shown. In 2023, the Matter standard was a high point that introduced the idea of a unified alliance allowing devices to talk to Google Home, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. A lot of hype and excitement, but a year later, there is still a lot to be desired on that unification front. 2024 did have more Matter-based products, and perhaps this year we’ll see more of the unification happening to make this an easier standard for home users to adopt. I still find it frustrating that products are so mixed in which ‘home’ system they work with. And, if you miss the small details, you can end up with products that, at best, are clunky to work with, and at worst won’t integrate at all. I have dealt with both recently.
A couple of things seemed to stand out to me this year that have potential long-term for the business space. The clear or transparent LG and Samsung TVs look interesting. Less for the true TV space, but more for the potential applications for store or digital signage as the technology becomes more affordable and mainstream. There were several applications showing this product in homes where it can blend in with your regular decor, so it doesn’t look like you have a big TV in your living room. This feels like more of a ‘nice to have’, but I am not sure how practical that really is. The better and more interesting case for this in our retail world is the possibility it could hold for storefront signage or window signage. Imagine being able to see into the store (like regular windows), but have the option to also use that same glass for showing promotional pricing or new features for a store. This feels like it could have a solid use case in the future. Gone would be paper banners and static messages for weeks or months on end. Instead, they could be seasonal, timely, or store specific messages that could truly be a traffic draw. I like the possibilities that this could hold for the future.
The LG transparent TV blending into a home decor setting.
Samsung’s transparent TV that could also be used for window signage.
For the home automation enthusiasts, robot vacuums appear to be getting better and better, with several brands introducing more powerful robotic vacuums that promise better suction and combined mopping and cleaning power. The commoditization of the self-emptying vacuums are making those devices more interesting and more affordable as well. This can truly be a productivity boost and time saver if you set these to run while you’re away at work and can come home to a clean floor throughout your house. These now work with any home automation set up (Apple, Amazon, or Google).
Smart door locks also seem to be expanding in options as well. There are now many to choose from and have options that range from having Apple Homekey (a key right in your Apple Wallet — this is a nice feature), to face detection. Most now have fingerprint or tap to unlock functionality. All of which can be handy to eliminate extra keys and easy entry when your hands are full. Your options may vary based on what which home ecosystem you are entrenched in. I happen to like the Level Lock option that works with Apple’s Home kit. The Connect Plus works with Apple Homekey and looks like a real lock (versus a large box on your door).
Overall, I found it a little disappointing that there wasn’t any big leaps forward shown at this year’s CES. But if vendors are improving the technology they already have and working to blend their products across all ecosystems via the new Matter standard, then that would be a win. Home automation is still a very confusing space for consumers. We’ll cross our fingers that next year will bring some new ideas to us all enjoy our time away from work a little more.
Did you see anything you loved coming out of CES this year?
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