Welcome to the future. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is one of the largest trade shows in the world. This year drew over 200,000 exhibitors, speakers, and tech industry professionals to Las Vegas to discuss, collaborate and pontificate on all things digital. 75% of Fortune 500 companies across all industries were present at this year’s show.
#CES2015 was one the largest and most successful in recent memory. The biggest trends signaling what’s next in consumer electronics were on display, spanning all sectors of technology and industry. Everything from driverless cars, to ultra HD resolution screens and of course connected devices were on display. Other tech trends such as virtual reality, drones, and neurotechnology were also featured, forecasting to entrepreneurs, investors and innovation teams where technology is headed as the “internet of things” continues to proliferate.
Wearables
Attendees were able to get their hands on some pretty impressive devices that the general public will be seeing soon. There was an eye-popping array of wearable devices including fashionable smart watches, smart pacifiers, high-tech bracelets, even band-aid like strips that notify the user if they’re slouching. There are 40 billion connected devices in the world today and that number is expected to rise to 60-70 billion in the next 3 years. With so many connected devices constantly recording data from our every step, heart beat, and fluctuation in body temperature, the stage is set for big data and data analysis as well as increasing privacy concerns.
Smart Homes
It also appears that our homes will soon be getting an upgrade. Smart home technologies, lead by Google’s Nest, were a major feature at the show, signaling to hardware manufacturers and software writers that tomorrow’s consumer wants to control their lighting, home temperature, blinds, and major appliances through a smartphone. Panasonic showed off it’s “Smart mirror” that detects skin health, allows you to try on new looks, and provides interactive makeup tutorials from the comfort of the vanity in the bedroom.
3D Printing
3D Printing has been a major topic at CES for the last several years. 2015 saw the 3D printing footprint at CES double in size from the previous year. This was the second year for the 3D Marketplace which brought together more than 30 of the companies on the forefront of this sector. The latest 3D printers are more compact than ever, making them more suitable for consumers. The applications for 3D printing technology are endless, giving this category the biggest potential for disrupting industries across the global economy.
Neurotechnology
Researchers, doctors, and engineers have come together to create some remarkable new technologies that have the potential to bring about a greater understanding of how our brains work. Quell is looking to provide pain-relief by stimulating sensory nerves and sending neural pulses to the brain. Muse has created a brain sensing headband intended to facilitate mindfulness. NeuroSky is developing advanced biosensors with multiple applications.
Robots!!
One of the highlights of every CES is always checking out the latest robots. This year did not disappoint. Robotics are making significant leaps in increasing agility, facial expressions, and artificial intelligence that predict what their user wants next. There are now robots that communicate, assist shoppers, cook, and track home intruders, There is even a humanoid robot being developed to serve as a pain coach and companion for children undergoing medical procedures. The dream of owning our very own Rosie the Robot is coming closer to reality every year.
See Toshiba’s Android Robot Geisha at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show
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Author: David N. Sharifi, Esq. is a Los Angeles based intellectual property attorney and technology startup consultant with focuses in entertainment law, emerging technologies, trademark protection, and “the internet of things”. David was recognized as one of the Top 30 Most Influential Attorneys in Digital Media and E-Commerce Law by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2014. Office: Ph: 310-751-0181; david@latml.com.
Disclaimer: The content above is a discussion of legal issues and general information; it does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as such without seeking professional legal counsel. Reading the content above does not create an attorney-client relationship. All trademarks are the property of L.A. Tech & Media Law Firm or their respective owners. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.
