Marjan Ingbar-Blumberg shares her generel CES insights and reviews for the media. What was hot and not at CES 2017?
5-8 January, some of the Dutch Media Innovators were at CES to gain new insights on consumer technology, expand their international network and get inspired by the latest developments. Marjan Inbar-Blumberg is the eyes of Dutch Media Innovators in the United States. She has visited many interested sessions during the CES and shares her general insights and reviews from the media:
Voice controlled AI assistants are everywhere: Alexa is leading, far more than just Amazon’s Echo speaker - it is making its way into third party speakers (Lenovo Smart Assistant etc…), loaded into robots, into automobiles and even smart fridges. (According to Technology Review and other commentators - Alexa won CES, but they argue it doesn’t mean a head start means they will remain on top, if Google does open up its software they might become competition and Apple might jump in as well extending Siri to a home device.
The Associated Press published an extensive review of 2017 CES highlights here. The overall opinion is that there are some genuine innovations that actually this year might become reality - specifically the newest trends/highlights of laptops, smart watches, still camera’s, a self-driving supercar that can park itself and could make it to market next year (Faraday Future). In terms of video camera’s, the Panasonic Lumic DMX-GH5 seems to be the best pick of the show (with 4K capture at up to 60fps, in-body image stabilization, programmable focus racks, and support for 10-bit capture). Retro gaming is bigger than ever (many people were talking about gaming where the largest growth area will be). When it comes to VR headsets: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 is the first completely stand-alone product. It can sense when you are moving so you can walk around and the virtual world will respond accordingly (only reference device right now but it’s where we are headed)
Another interesting review is the Forbes CES 2017 piece highlighting lessons from looking back and guide to looking ahead. A short recap on where we stand:
Last but not least, the Adweek piece by SVP Strategy 360i on CES with three main take-aways on where technology is going and how it is reflecting and influencing consumer behavior:
Questions about Dutch Media Innovators, insights form CES or starting your own business in the United States? Do not hesitate to contact Marjan Blumberg, via marjan@dutchmediainnovators.com