General CES highlights and reviews from the media: AI, VR and IoT front and center

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:

• • Increasing importance of authenticity (increasingly difficult to navigate complex media & tech space where brands seek validation of who they work with and what platforms are safe (fake news, fake people, offensive digital environments)
  • Focus less on new technology - more on how technology learns and communicates (enhanced intelligence is increasingly everywhere - Alexa (1500 skills and another 700 on the way shortly). In many ways a gateway to IoT.
  • The world of audio remains underdeveloped territory: Looks like the world of audio as it relates to media content options still has some need to innovate and grow.
  • Data still needs a whole lot of humanity to turn it into useful information (accompanying data with real insights and context is still a challenge)

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:

1. Focus on bringing sensuality back (how to engage senses beyond primary functions),
2. Less focus on individual products but more on systems and how products and experiences interconnect with other products or aspects of our lives &  
3. React (instead of act) related to AI - now that so many of our devices are responding to our actions/words.

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