CES 2024: My Takeaways

This year's CES conference, my first visit since the pandemic, showcased a strikingly different tech landscape. Gone are the days when voice assistants like Alexa and Google were the stars.

Instead, CES 2024 heralds a new era marked by the waning of the metaverse's allure and the rise of robotics and AI integration in every conceivable product.

Robots Take Center Stage

The shift in focus is palpable. AR and XR technologies, once the darlings of CES, have taken a backseat, making room for robotics to shine. Robots at CES 2024 aren't just a novelty; they're a versatile tool, revolutionizing industries from culinary arts to social media content creation. This pivot reflects a broader industry trend, highlighting robotics as the new frontier in tech innovation.

AI: The Ubiquitous Game-Changer

Artificial Intelligence, the buzzword of our times, has infiltrated every aspect of technology showcased at CES 2024. It's a challenge to find a product that doesn't boast AI integration. However, this ubiquity raises a crucial question: What exactly do we mean by AI? The term is in danger of becoming diluted, a catch-all phrase that loses its significance. We're at a critical juncture where a common understanding of AI is imperative to prevent it from becoming another overused tech cliché.

The Lost Charm of CES

Despite the technological marvels, a certain magic seems to have faded from CES. The cultural elements that once made it the go-to tech event – the wild parties and chance encounters – are noticeably absent. The current atmosphere feels transactional, starkly contrasting the organic interactions that once defined CES. Genuine hospitality now seems to reside with the Uber drivers, navigating the logistical labyrinth of CES, a reminder of the human element in a tech-dominated world.

WTF?

Amidst this landscape, the automobile pavilion stands out as a beacon of innovation. Industry giants from KIA to Mercedes are not just participating; they're excelling, blurring the lines between science fiction and reality.

The highlight? The Xpeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car – a breathtaking leap into the future of transportation. It's not just a concept; it's a reality, with pre-orders already underway, signaling a seismic shift in how we perceive travel and technology.

CES 2024 may have deviated from its traditional path, but in doing so, it has opened our eyes to a new world of possibilities. As we navigate this changed landscape, one thing remains clear: the technology that shapes our future is here, and it's more exciting and transformative than ever.