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CES 2014: What to expect from Las Vegas's giant tech show | CES 2014: What to expect from Las Vegas's giant tech show |
(2 days later) | |
Las Vegas is about to host its annual showcase of the latest digital innovations. | Las Vegas is about to host its annual showcase of the latest digital innovations. |
More than 20,000 new products are expected to be shown off to 152,000 tech trade attendees at 2014's Consumer Electronics Show (CES). | More than 20,000 new products are expected to be shown off to 152,000 tech trade attendees at 2014's Consumer Electronics Show (CES). |
Exhibitors will spend millions on outlandish press conferences; there will be giant-sized TVs you'll never be able to afford in resolutions your eyes would struggle to appreciate; a swarm of celebrities ranging from rapper 50 Cent to rockers Fleetwood Mac; and a seemingly endless smorgasbord of sensor-laden, cloud-powered, app-enhanced inventions. | Exhibitors will spend millions on outlandish press conferences; there will be giant-sized TVs you'll never be able to afford in resolutions your eyes would struggle to appreciate; a swarm of celebrities ranging from rapper 50 Cent to rockers Fleetwood Mac; and a seemingly endless smorgasbord of sensor-laden, cloud-powered, app-enhanced inventions. |
Even if the flops-of-tomorrow are likely to outnumber the success stories, there's always the prospect of a first glimpse of the next big thing. | Even if the flops-of-tomorrow are likely to outnumber the success stories, there's always the prospect of a first glimpse of the next big thing. |
"CES is a hands-on experience," says Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Electronics Association, which organises the event. | "CES is a hands-on experience," says Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Electronics Association, which organises the event. |
"Anyone with an idea can introduce a product and see how people react to it immediately. Whether people want to invest, whether they want to buy it, whether they want to write about it." | "Anyone with an idea can introduce a product and see how people react to it immediately. Whether people want to invest, whether they want to buy it, whether they want to write about it." |
New TVs | New TVs |
Televisions are always one of CES's biggest categories, right back to its first show in 1967. | Televisions are always one of CES's biggest categories, right back to its first show in 1967. |
The two biggest manufacturers - Samsung and LG - will square off once again at this year's event with similar sounding products. | The two biggest manufacturers - Samsung and LG - will square off once again at this year's event with similar sounding products. |
Both have already announced 105in (267cm) sized 4K Ultra HD screens in the extra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio. | Both have already announced 105in (267cm) sized 4K Ultra HD screens in the extra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio. |
The two firms may also show off prototypes that allow users to adjust how curved their OLED (organic light-emitting diode) flexible screens are via a remote control, according to a report in the South Korea Times. | The two firms may also show off prototypes that allow users to adjust how curved their OLED (organic light-emitting diode) flexible screens are via a remote control, according to a report in the South Korea Times. |
Viewers could, for example, adjust the displays to be more more bent while sat up close playing a video game but more flat when watching sport with others. | Viewers could, for example, adjust the displays to be more more bent while sat up close playing a video game but more flat when watching sport with others. |
The Wall Street Journal also suggests LG will unveil its first TV powered by webOS - the operating system previously used by Palm phones and an HP tablet. A leaked image published by the blogger @evleaks appears to confirm the card-based interface's imminent rebirth. | The Wall Street Journal also suggests LG will unveil its first TV powered by webOS - the operating system previously used by Palm phones and an HP tablet. A leaked image published by the blogger @evleaks appears to confirm the card-based interface's imminent rebirth. |
Japan's Sony, Sharp, Toshiba and Panasonic will also have new Ultra HD models on show, as will China's HiSense and TCL Corp. But the firms are expected to pursue different strategies. | Japan's Sony, Sharp, Toshiba and Panasonic will also have new Ultra HD models on show, as will China's HiSense and TCL Corp. But the firms are expected to pursue different strategies. |
"The Chinese manufacturers are pushing 4K as a common technology in a lot of their models, while the Japanese and Korean brands are still looking for it to be more of a premium feature," explains Edward Border from the consultancy IHS Technology. | "The Chinese manufacturers are pushing 4K as a common technology in a lot of their models, while the Japanese and Korean brands are still looking for it to be more of a premium feature," explains Edward Border from the consultancy IHS Technology. |
"So, for some brands you will mainly see 4K at the higher-end, but for others it could appear in high 30in and low 40in sets." | "So, for some brands you will mainly see 4K at the higher-end, but for others it could appear in high 30in and low 40in sets." |
Polaroid's decision to sell a 50in Ultra HD set for less than $1,000 could also be disruptive. | Polaroid's decision to sell a 50in Ultra HD set for less than $1,000 could also be disruptive. |
Watch out too for third-party add-ons that transform older sets into "smart TVs". | Watch out too for third-party add-ons that transform older sets into "smart TVs". |
For example Bob is an Android-powered stick that plugs into an HDMI port to offer YouTube and video games. | For example Bob is an Android-powered stick that plugs into an HDMI port to offer YouTube and video games. |
And Tarsier will demo special glasses called Move-Eye that monitor the wearer's hand movements, allowing them to switch channels using gesture controls. | And Tarsier will demo special glasses called Move-Eye that monitor the wearer's hand movements, allowing them to switch channels using gesture controls. |
Wearable tech | Wearable tech |
With Google Glass still awaiting a sensible-priced release, smaller firms will be showing off their own tech-enhanced eyewear. | With Google Glass still awaiting a sensible-priced release, smaller firms will be showing off their own tech-enhanced eyewear. |
GlassUp will show off a pair that superimposes smartphone alerts, directions and other app information over the user's right eye. | GlassUp will show off a pair that superimposes smartphone alerts, directions and other app information over the user's right eye. |
Epson is expected to unveil a new version of its Moverio glasses - the first generation allowed owners to watch 3D movies. | Epson is expected to unveil a new version of its Moverio glasses - the first generation allowed owners to watch 3D movies. |
And XoEye will show off glasses with two in-built five megapixel cameras designed to stream stabilised video feeds over wi-fi. | And XoEye will show off glasses with two in-built five megapixel cameras designed to stream stabilised video feeds over wi-fi. |
Much of the other wearable tech will be focused on fitness. | Much of the other wearable tech will be focused on fitness. |
Lebanese start-up Butterfleye is at CES with Instabeat, a waterproof heads-up monitor that attaches to swimming goggles to show the wearer's heart rate. | Lebanese start-up Butterfleye is at CES with Instabeat, a waterproof heads-up monitor that attaches to swimming goggles to show the wearer's heart rate. |
Veristride will promote a shoe insole sensor that provides feedback about the owner's movements. | Veristride will promote a shoe insole sensor that provides feedback about the owner's movements. |
And Singapore's Smartmissimo is promising to show off the world's first wearable "smart electrical muscle stimulator" for athletes. | And Singapore's Smartmissimo is promising to show off the world's first wearable "smart electrical muscle stimulator" for athletes. |
The big name brands are also pushing for a slice of the action. | The big name brands are also pushing for a slice of the action. |
Another scoop from @evleaks indicates LG will have a new fitness tracking wristband. The firm unveiled an earlier model at CES in 2013, but never put it on sale. | Another scoop from @evleaks indicates LG will have a new fitness tracking wristband. The firm unveiled an earlier model at CES in 2013, but never put it on sale. |
"LG is [also] rumoured to be developing a smartwatch that incorporates the same curved display technology found on its newest TV sets and G Flex handset," @evleaks told the BBC. | "LG is [also] rumoured to be developing a smartwatch that incorporates the same curved display technology found on its newest TV sets and G Flex handset," @evleaks told the BBC. |
"For the thin-wristed individual, such a form-fitting piece of kit would be most welcome." | "For the thin-wristed individual, such a form-fitting piece of kit would be most welcome." |
Sony's chief executive Kazuo Hirai could also use his Keynote Address to spell out his vision for wearable tech after mixed reviews for his company's smartwatches. | Sony's chief executive Kazuo Hirai could also use his Keynote Address to spell out his vision for wearable tech after mixed reviews for his company's smartwatches. |
And Archos is seeking to shake up the category with a watch costing less than £50. | And Archos is seeking to shake up the category with a watch costing less than £50. |
Tablets, smartphones and PCs | Tablets, smartphones and PCs |
Many smartphone and tablet-makers are holding back announcements until February's Mobile World Congress or their own standalone shows. | Many smartphone and tablet-makers are holding back announcements until February's Mobile World Congress or their own standalone shows. |
But three Asian firms have confirmed they will have new products on show: | But three Asian firms have confirmed they will have new products on show: |
Intel will want to highlight the release of new Windows laptops that double up as tablets after championing the two-in-one format at previous CES shows. | Intel will want to highlight the release of new Windows laptops that double up as tablets after championing the two-in-one format at previous CES shows. |
In addition, Time Magazine has reported that PC Plus will launch at the event - a class of devices powered by Windows 8.1 that can run some Android apps through software emulation. | In addition, Time Magazine has reported that PC Plus will launch at the event - a class of devices powered by Windows 8.1 that can run some Android apps through software emulation. |
There will also be more PCs powered by Google's Chrome OS. | There will also be more PCs powered by Google's Chrome OS. |
Connected home | Connected home |
New ways to link household objects to the net has been a hardy perennial of recent CES shows. | New ways to link household objects to the net has been a hardy perennial of recent CES shows. |
A Twitter-equipped fridge from Samsung was one of last year's more extreme examples. | A Twitter-equipped fridge from Samsung was one of last year's more extreme examples. |
This time Kolibree's connected toothbrush - which provides feedback on cleaning habits via an app - may prove one of the most unusual launches. The firm says it will tell users if they brush long enough and whether they clean the hardest-to-reach parts of their teeth and gums. | This time Kolibree's connected toothbrush - which provides feedback on cleaning habits via an app - may prove one of the most unusual launches. The firm says it will tell users if they brush long enough and whether they clean the hardest-to-reach parts of their teeth and gums. |
Okidokeys will be the latest firm to offer a way to unlock your front door with a mobile phone, with the added twist that you can revoke someone else's access privileges remotely. | Okidokeys will be the latest firm to offer a way to unlock your front door with a mobile phone, with the added twist that you can revoke someone else's access privileges remotely. |
And to avoid the frustration of missed deliveries, DoorBot will show off a "video doorbell" that lets you see and speak to someone waiting on your doorstep via an app, letting you tell them where to leave the parcel when you're out. | And to avoid the frustration of missed deliveries, DoorBot will show off a "video doorbell" that lets you see and speak to someone waiting on your doorstep via an app, letting you tell them where to leave the parcel when you're out. |
Not tasty enough? | Not tasty enough? |
Then try the Smart Diet Scale - a Bluetooth-enabled kitchen gadget that weighs your food before you cook it, and sends the information to an app that calculates the calories, carbs and fat involved. | Then try the Smart Diet Scale - a Bluetooth-enabled kitchen gadget that weighs your food before you cook it, and sends the information to an app that calculates the calories, carbs and fat involved. |
3D printers | 3D printers |
In 2012 there were two 3D printer-makers at CES. | In 2012 there were two 3D printer-makers at CES. |
This year the tech warrants its own zone and about 30 firms are showing off their wares. | This year the tech warrants its own zone and about 30 firms are showing off their wares. |
New entrants include Singapore-based Pirate3DP and its Buccaneer printer, following a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that raised over $1.4m (£870,000). The firm suggests its machine is less likely to jam than others when building up plastic objects layer by layer. | New entrants include Singapore-based Pirate3DP and its Buccaneer printer, following a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that raised over $1.4m (£870,000). The firm suggests its machine is less likely to jam than others when building up plastic objects layer by layer. |
California's AIO Roboticsh will also show off an all-in-one machine that scans and then either prints or "faxes" copies of an object. | California's AIO Roboticsh will also show off an all-in-one machine that scans and then either prints or "faxes" copies of an object. |
The industry's granddaddy, 3D Systems, says it will respond to these upstarts with three new model categories: edibles, ceramics and full-colour plastics. | The industry's granddaddy, 3D Systems, says it will respond to these upstarts with three new model categories: edibles, ceramics and full-colour plastics. |
Also watch out for Makerbot's Bre Pettis who is hosting a Press Day event on Monday ahead of the scrum of Tuesday's show floor openings. | Also watch out for Makerbot's Bre Pettis who is hosting a Press Day event on Monday ahead of the scrum of Tuesday's show floor openings. |
"3D printing has been around for about 30 years, but a lot of the early developments were patent protected," says Duncan Wood, publisher of TCT Magazine who will be running sessions on the tech at CES. | "3D printing has been around for about 30 years, but a lot of the early developments were patent protected," says Duncan Wood, publisher of TCT Magazine who will be running sessions on the tech at CES. |
"But over last three to four years those patents have started to expire and entrepreneurs are now able to build their own variations, helping cause a downward pressure on prices." | "But over last three to four years those patents have started to expire and entrepreneurs are now able to build their own variations, helping cause a downward pressure on prices." |
Car tech | Car tech |
The major carmakers will be out in force despite the fact Detroit's high-profile motor show begins the following week. | The major carmakers will be out in force despite the fact Detroit's high-profile motor show begins the following week. |
To distinguish the two events, the auto firms are likely to focus on connected technologies rather than new models at CES. | To distinguish the two events, the auto firms are likely to focus on connected technologies rather than new models at CES. |
Audi's chairman Rupert Stadler is giving one of the Keynote Addresses and will reveal a tie-up with Google, according to the Wall Street Journal. It says the two firms are developing an in-car entertainment and information system that runs on Android. | Audi's chairman Rupert Stadler is giving one of the Keynote Addresses and will reveal a tie-up with Google, according to the Wall Street Journal. It says the two firms are developing an in-car entertainment and information system that runs on Android. |
The German company's rivals General Motors and Honda may have more to say about their efforts to integrate Apple's rival iOS software. | The German company's rivals General Motors and Honda may have more to say about their efforts to integrate Apple's rival iOS software. |
Meanwhile BMW, Ford and Mercedes-Benz will offer demonstrations of their self-driving vehicles, while parts-maker Delphi will show off a Tesla model fitted with its autonomous car tech. | Meanwhile BMW, Ford and Mercedes-Benz will offer demonstrations of their self-driving vehicles, while parts-maker Delphi will show off a Tesla model fitted with its autonomous car tech. |
Yahoo, Steam Boxes and other stuff | Yahoo, Steam Boxes and other stuff |
Yahoo is likely to be one of the other firms attracting attention this year. | Yahoo is likely to be one of the other firms attracting attention this year. |
Chief executive Marissa Mayer is delivering one of the Tech Titans presentations nearly one-and-a-half years after jumping ship from Google. | Chief executive Marissa Mayer is delivering one of the Tech Titans presentations nearly one-and-a-half years after jumping ship from Google. |
"I would be really interested to hear her innovation story," says Sef Tuma, managing director at consultancy Accenture's digital services division. | "I would be really interested to hear her innovation story," says Sef Tuma, managing director at consultancy Accenture's digital services division. |
"The other players - Google, Amazon, Facebook - are playing in the cloud, in social, with mobile operating systems and devices. They are basically expanding the realms of their existing platforms. | "The other players - Google, Amazon, Facebook - are playing in the cloud, in social, with mobile operating systems and devices. They are basically expanding the realms of their existing platforms. |
"I'd really love to know what's Yahoo's goal. Are they trying to play in that arms race or will they start looking at a different strategy to be seen as relevant." | "I'd really love to know what's Yahoo's goal. Are they trying to play in that arms race or will they start looking at a different strategy to be seen as relevant." |
Video games firm Valve will also be closely watched. It has told IGN it intends to reveal who will be making Steam Machine consoles and what their specifications will be - potentially a make or break moment for its forthcoming Linux-based platform. | Video games firm Valve will also be closely watched. It has told IGN it intends to reveal who will be making Steam Machine consoles and what their specifications will be - potentially a make or break moment for its forthcoming Linux-based platform. |
Boss Gabe Newell, however, is expected to be more vague about the prospects of Half Life 3 being a launch title. | |
Netflix's chief executive Reed Hastings is also in town. He is likely to be pressed on the rollout of 4K content. | Netflix's chief executive Reed Hastings is also in town. He is likely to be pressed on the rollout of 4K content. |
Whatever happens at CES, the BBC will bring you news and insights from the event at bbc.co.uk/ces2014. | Whatever happens at CES, the BBC will bring you news and insights from the event at bbc.co.uk/ces2014. |
You can also follow some of the reporters attending on Twitter: | You can also follow some of the reporters attending on Twitter: |
Technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones: | Technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones: |
@BBCRoryCJ | @BBCRoryCJ |
North America technology correspondent Richard Taylor: | North America technology correspondent Richard Taylor: |
@RichTaylorBBC | @RichTaylorBBC |
Newsnight technology editor David Grossman: | Newsnight technology editor David Grossman: |
@DavidGrossmanUK | @DavidGrossmanUK |
News Online technology reporter Dave Lee: | News Online technology reporter Dave Lee: |
@DaveLeeBBC | @DaveLeeBBC |
Click team: | Click team: |
@BBCClick | @BBCClick |
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