CES 2024: What Are the Next Big Trends in Tech Innovation?

​The Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2024 stands as a pivotal platform not just for consumer technology exposure but also as a beacon for design innovation practitioners, businesses, and entrepreneurs as it demonstrates cutting-edge design elements and innovative product functionalities. It offers us insight into emerging tech trends, which we can use to draw inspiration, come up with new design strategies, and potentially collaborate across industries.
 
For businesses and entrepreneurs who attend the show, CES is a valuable opportunity for networking, brand visibility, and gauging market reactions to new products or concepts. It is a place where small startups can gain the same level of attention as tech giants, provided their contributions are innovative and compelling, making it a level playing field for all innovators. However, the conference has already passed, so we can look at what happened there to help us figure out what types of innovations are coming of interest in the coming years.
 
The event serves as a forecasting tool, helping businesses plan their product roadmaps and market entry strategies in line with the showcased tech trends. Entrepreneurs can use CES to identify niche markets and scope out competition. The CES is where market-leading ideas are born, and strategic alliances are formed, both of which are crucial for business growth and innovation in the tech industry.

By integrating these perspectives, CES 2024 transcends being merely a trade show; it is an invaluable resource for the entire technology ecosystem helping us understand the upcoming trends in both tech and culture.
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In this article, we will try to form categories of what was presented in the show and show some interesting examples of each category. Our goal is not to provide a detailed analysis of the show, but rather to help you and ourselves understand the trends where tech is going and get inspired by some of the presented innovations. Looking at the CES 2024, we have concluded the following categories.  

1. Display and Screen Technology
2. Computing and Gaming
3. Smart Home and Robotics
4. Health Tech
5. Audio and Entertainment
6. Automotive and Mobility
7. Smartphones and Wearables
8. AI and Machine Learning Applications
9. Sustainability in Tech
10. Miscellaneous and Concept Innovations

 
Now that we have our categories, let us dig into each one with a short description and some examples.

Display and Screen Technology

Innovations revealed an emphasis on aesthetic and functional versatility in displays, including transparent OLED and Micro LED technology, as well as monitors and TVs with advanced features like high refresh rates and foldable designs, catering to both entertainment and professional needs. Here are some examples:
 

• LG Signature OLED T (LG) - A transparent OLED TV that appears to float in midair when the retractable contrast screen is down.
• UltraGear OLED Monitors (LG) - Gaming monitors that offer high refresh rates, quick response times, and features like Pixel Sound and immersive curves.
• Transparent Micro LED Display (Samsung) - A futuristic see-through display touted as a significant advancement over existing transparent screens.

LG Signature OLED T

Computing and Gaming

CES 2024 showcased powerful and sleek laptops optimized for both gaming and portability, with impressive dual-screen designs, high-performance internals, and innovative form factors that redefine traditional computing experiences. Here are some examples:
 

• ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (ASUS) - A sophisticated, high-performance gaming laptop with aluminum chassis and customizable LED slash on the lid.
• Zenbook Duo (ASUS) - Two-screen laptop with a detachable keyboard, running on Intel's Core Ultra processors with OLED displays.
• ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid (Lenovo) - A two-in-one laptop that runs Windows and Android simultaneously, catering to multitasking needs.

Smart Home and Robotics

The event highlighted the growing trend of integrating AI and automation into home appliances and robotics, with products that not only enhance convenience and efficiency but also provide assistance and companionship, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in household management. Here are some examples:
 

• AI Family Hub+ (Samsung) - A smart fridge with improved AI that can identify food, suggest recipes, and monitor expiration dates.
• Q Revo Max V (Roborock) - A robot vacuum with automated clean and dirty water tanks and hot water mopping capabilities.
• LG’s Latest Premium Smart Monitor Lineup (LG) - 4K IPS displays with built-in webOS for video streaming, chatting, and working without a PC.

Health Tech

Health-focused devices demonstrated a commitment to personal wellness monitoring and diagnostics, offering consumers more control over their health data through multi-functional, user-friendly gadgets designed for home use. Here are some examples:
 

• Bimo Multiscope (Withings) - A health device combining a body temperature sensor, ECG, oximeter, and digital stethoscope.
• Withings U-Scan (Withings) - A health-tracking device analyzing urine for various wellness and cycle markers.
• Adam X CPR Training Dummy (Medical X) - An anatomically precise medical training dummy that simulates multi-scenario patient responses.

U-Scan by Withings

Audio and Entertainment

CES 2024 introduced audio and visual entertainment advancements, including speakers that double as art installations and immersive personal listening experiences, all aimed at enriching the multisensory enjoyment of consumers. Here are some examples:

• Samsung Music Frame (Samsung) - A wireless speaker disguised as art or album cover display, supporting Dolby Atmos.
• Esther Sound Chair (Razer)- A chair with multiple built-in speakers creating an immersive sound experience with noise-dampening materials.
• One by One Music (One by One) - An AI trained to create comforting music for dogs with separation anxiety.

Automotive and Mobility

The automotive sector at CES 2024 spotlighted the future of transportation with solar-powered and electric vehicles, featuring cutting-edge autonomous driving tech and integrations that promise eco-friendly and efficient mobility solutions. Here are some examples:
 

• Squad Solar Buggy (Squad) - A self-charging solar-powered vehicle that is compact and designed for urban mobility.
• Aptera Solar Electric Vehicle (Aptera) - A highly energy-efficient solar-powered car that rarely needs charging.
• Vision-S 02 (Sony) - An electric SUV concept with high-level autonomous driving technology and an infotainment system.

Smartphones and Wearables

The smartphone and wearables segment featured devices that blend style with smart technology, such as foldable phones and sunglasses with electronic tint adjustment, indicating a melding of fashion with high functionality. Here are some examples:
 

• Flex In & Out Flip Concept (Samsung) - A smartphone prototype that can fold in both directions, forward and backward.
• Dusk Smart Sunglasses (Ampere) - Sunglasses with automatic tint adjustment and open-ear audio.
• Air Vision M1 Smart Glasses (Asus) - A pair of glasses designed to provide efficient multitasking with AR capabilities.

Air Vision M1 Smart Glasses from Asus

AI and Machine Learning Applications

​CES 2024 displayed AI's further incorporation into everyday products, improving user interfaces, personalizing experiences, and introducing human-like interactions, reflecting the pervasive influence of AI across various tech sectors. Here are some examples:
 

• R1 AI Voice Assistant (Rabbit AI) - A voice assistant device with a "large action model" aiming to simulate a human-like interaction.
• Nvidia Omniverse Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE): An advanced platform that powers virtual assistants and digital humans, providing diverse AI services and capabilities for real-time interactive experiences across various industries.
• GyroGlove (GyroGear) - A glove using gyroscopes to stabilize hand movements for people with hand tremors.

R1 AI voice assistant from Rabbit AI

Sustainability in Tech

Products presented a commitment to environmental responsibility, showcasing energy-efficient solutions and eco-friendly tech alternatives that align with the increasing demand for sustainable lifestyle choices. Here are some examples:

• Delta Pro Ultra (EcoFlow) - A hybrid solar generator capable of powering major home appliances using solar panels, the grid, or a gas generator.
• 100% Electric Grill by Char-Broil (Char-Broil) - An electric grill that reaches high temperatures for perfect searing without using gas or charcoal.
• Sonic MagFlow Fans (SE Sonic) - Daisy-chainable fans for PC builds that reduce cable clutter and simplify installations.

Miscellaneous and Concept Innovations

This category comprised an eclectic mix of tech, from innovative smart locks employing biometric security to whimsical concept gadgets, demonstrating CES's role as a playground for showcasing the most imaginative and sometimes unconventional ideas in tech. Here are some examples:
 

• Intelligent Door Locks with Facial Recognition (Lockly) - Smart door locks that grant access based on recognized facial data.
• CineBeam Cube Projector (LG) - A portable projector with a unique design capable of displaying large, vibrant images.
• Clicks Keyboard Case for iPhone (Clicks) - A case with a retro-inspired physical keyboard extending iPhone functionality with tactile typing experience.

Clicks Keyboard case for iPhone

​As we reflect on CES 2024, it's evident that the event serves as an incredible window into the collective efforts and secret projects of tech innovators worldwide. It reveals the exciting direction technology is headed, spotlighting new trends and carving out opportunities for us to engage with. From seeing how our homes could become smarter to imagining cars that help the planet, and devices that blend seamlessly into our lifestyle, CES allows us to identify where we might go next. It's not just about witnessing the future unfold; it's about discovering paths we can take and opportunities we might seize. CES is where we get to see what's around the corner and start thinking about how we can be a part of the next big thing.

By Tayseer Almattar

​Tayseer is a passionate designer and educator. He believes that innovation potential can be grown and nurtured within organizations with relevant design innovation processes. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayseer-almattar-design-innovation