Predicting the future of technology has always been a challenging endeavor, often resembling the imaginative world of 80s science-fiction films. However, CES 2024 has unveiled an array of astonishing gadgets that offer a tantalizing glimpse into the future of our lives. From transparent TVs and flying cars to gym leggings that use innovative technology to assist with fitness, the future appears increasingly reminiscent of the sci-fi realm. At CES 2024, the prominence of cutting-edge AI devices is undeniable, especially with the advent of ChatGPT having made a significant impact the previous year. The event showcases a plethora of ingenious AI-powered devices, catering to a wide range of needs, whether you’re in search of a robot butler or an AI personal trainer. It seems that the future is poised to bring us a host of exciting and futuristic gadgets that can enhance various aspects of our lives.
One of the most thrilling revelations to emerge from CES 2024 has been the announcement by LG and Samsung regarding fully transparent televisions. These South Korean electronics giants are touting this as the potential next major leap in television technology. During the conference held in Las Vegas, LG and Samsung unveiled their wireless see-through devices, with LG showcasing a remarkable 77-inch wireless screen. This development promises to redefine the future of television displays, offering viewers an entirely new and immersive viewing experience.
The LG Signature OLED-T, dubbed as ‘the world’s first 4K, wireless, transparent OLED TV,’ is designed to be a standout innovation. This television is meant to be positioned in the middle of a room, presenting the appearance of a transparent pane of glass when it’s not in operation. Once turned on, viewers have the option to maintain partial transparency or switch it to an opaque display. Frank Lee from LG explained, “‘OLED T creates a sense of openness,’ said LG’s Frank Lee. ‘The TV no longer has to dominate the room. This heightens the relationship between the TV and the space it inhabits.'” This groundbreaking technology redefines the concept of television integration within living spaces, offering a seamless and harmonious blend between the TV and its surroundings.
Amidst the array of gadgets aimed at enhancing comfort, CES 2024 also showcased technology with a different objective. Barunbio Energywear introduced workout clothing that may appear conventional at first glance but conceals an intriguing piece of technology. Known as WE-Stim (Wearable Electric Stimulation) gear, these garments administer low-power electrical stimulation throughout your body during exercise. What sets them apart is that they do not rely on batteries; instead, they harness the static electricity generated by your own movements for power. The company explained that this technology serves to enhance cell vitalization, signaling, metabolic activity, and blood flow while inducing the movement of ions and molecules within cells. In essence, WE-Stim clothing aims to optimize the benefits of exercise by integrating science and technology seamlessly into your workout routine.
CES 2024 has witnessed the debut of not one but two distinct robot butlers, introduced by Samsung and LG. These AI-powered robot assistants are equipped to perform a range of tasks, including pet feeding, laundry scheduling, and medication reminders. Samsung’s latest offering, an upgraded version of its Ballie robot, takes the form of a round yellow companion that incorporates AI-driven camera technology and a projector. Samsung claims that it has the ability to recognize your face and greet you upon your return home. In a promotional video, the robot is shown receiving a text message instructing it to check on the dog, demonstrating its adaptability and utility. Moreover, it can project video calls, workouts, and various other work or entertainment content onto the wall, making it a versatile and innovative addition to the household.
LG’s counterpart in the robot butler competition, known as the company’s ‘smart home agent,’ presents a different design approach. Resembling a small digital animal, this AI assistant is equipped with a digital screen for its face and features wheels on its legs. Its primary function is to accompany you around the house and perform various information-based tasks. While it may not be capable of handling laundry or washing dishes, LG has stated that the robot will have the ability to learn and adapt to your moods and habits. This adaptability includes the potential to respond to your emotional state, such as playing cheerful music if you’re feeling down. LG’s smart home agent aims to be a helpful and responsive presence within your household, catering to your needs and enhancing your daily routines.
Amidst the trend of companies focusing on larger and improved screens, one startup, Sightful, has taken a radically different approach. Their creation, the Spacetop, reimagines the laptop experience by eliminating physical screens entirely. Instead, it offers users a virtual 100-inch screen through augmented reality glasses, creating the illusion of a floating screen in front of them. However, the Spacetop comes with a price tag of $2,150 (£1,690), which raises expectations for its performance. While the laptop’s display technology is innovative, its hardware might not meet the same high standards. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chip, the same chip used in the Quest 2 by Meta in 2020. Additionally, it boasts just 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, falling short of what a conventional laptop at a similar price point could offer. The Spacetop represents an intriguing fusion of cutting-edge display technology and hardware limitations, raising questions about its overall value in the market.
The Rabbit r1, a walkie-talkie style gadget with a built-in chatbot, is already earning comparisons to the ‘iPhone of artificial intelligence.’ This innovative device is designed to assist users in performing everyday tasks, ranging from answering simple questions to booking entire holidays. Unveiled at CES 2024, the r1 signifies the beginning of a competition to create a device that can have a transformative impact on the world of AI, akin to what the smartphone accomplished for the internet. What sets the Rabbit r1 apart is its affordability, priced at just £159, a fraction of the cost compared to rival devices like Humane’s AI pin, which retails for £550. The concept behind the r1 is to simplify users’ lives by eliminating the need to navigate through numerous apps on their smartphones, replacing them with a comprehensive super app. The gadget operates by managing all of the user’s online accounts, granting the AI access to their profiles on platforms like Uber and Deliveroo. Importantly, US start-up Rabbit has emphasized that it will always seek permission and clarification before executing any task, particularly those involving financial transactions. This device has the potential to reshape how we interact with technology and AI in our daily lives.
In the realm of AI assistants, WeHead has introduced an unconventional addition—a human-like face. Described as the ‘AI companion with a human face,’ WeHead employs a combination of screens to create a realistic facial appearance that users can interact with. During CES 2024, MailOnline engaged with a WeHead device programmed to deliver a company pitch. WeHead suggests that such devices could be employed for customer service purposes. However, it appears that this particular AI companion may have room for improvement. MailOnline’s interaction with the device revealed instances of frequent interruptions and confusing responses. While the concept of an AI with a human-like face is intriguing, it may require further development to deliver a seamless and effective user experience.
No futuristic tech roundup would be complete without at least one flying car, and CES 2024 has unveiled several flying vehicles. Among them, the S-A2 by Supernal, a company owned by Hyundai, stands out as one of the most promising innovations. Once operational, the S-A2 is intended to transport people within a city, bypassing ground-level traffic congestion. This electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle is currently seeking approval for 2026 to become one of the first flying taxis in the United States. The S-A2 can accommodate five individuals, including a pilot and four passengers, and relies on eight electric rotors for propulsion. During flight, all eight rotors pivot forward, allowing the vehicle to function like an airplane. Supernal’s Neil Marshall emphasized that their goal is to make this technology affordable and accessible to the general public, rather than restricting it to high-net-worth individuals or executive usage. The S-A2 represents a potential revolution in urban transportation, offering a solution to traffic congestion by taking to the skies. Read the full story: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12951281/ces-2024-highlight-futuristic-gadgets-samsung-sony.html?ito=msngallery
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By Daily Mail Online, January 11, 2024