Highlights from CES 2023: A Recap of the Tech Conference

Introduction

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend CES 2023 in Las Vegas, and let me tell you, it was quite an experience. As a first-timer at this massive tech conference, I was blown away by the innovative products and concepts on display. In this article, I'll be sharing my top takeaways from CES 2023, including some standout gadgets and trends that caught my attention.

The Standout Products

Samsung's Pixar-like Robot: Ballie

One of the most captivating devices I encountered at CES was Samsung's Ballie. This small, round robot is designed to assist with various tasks around your home. From housekeeping to entertainment, Ballie has got you covered. The Washington Post reported that Samsung plans to release Ballie for sale later this year, making it an exciting prospect for consumers.

Mercedes' Entertainment System Upgrade

While autonomous vehicles were a common sight at CES, Mercedes stood out with its upgraded entertainment system. The German automaker partnered with rapper and producer will.i.am to create a unique experience that allows you to remix songs based on your driving style. This collaboration adds a new dimension to the driving experience and showcases the potential for entertainment integration in future vehicles.

John Deere's Digital Transformation

John Deere, a renowned agricultural giant, surprised attendees with its focus on digital innovation. The company showcased high-end tractors equipped with data-intensive analytics, highlighting the increasing adoption of technology in the agricultural sector. However, what caught my attention the most was the popularity of John Deere's iconic green hat, which became a sought-after swag item at the conference.

The Future of Bathrooms: Toilet Tech

Bemis, a company specializing in bidets and toilet seats, showcased its range of products at CES. Their clever branding with the tagline "Best seat in the house" drew me in. These products offer more than just comfort and hygiene; they also cater to the needs of the elderly. Bemis displayed a toilet seat that allows the elderly to use the restroom independently, promoting privacy and reducing long-term caregiving costs.

The Surprising Innovations

The US Government's Tech Innovation

It's not often that you associate the US government with tech innovation, but CES 2023 proved otherwise. The US government had a significant presence at the conference, showcasing how it collaborates with startups. One notable example is Homeland Security's Silicon Valley Innovation Program, which offers up to $2 million in non-dilutive funding for startups that can generate synthetic data. This initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to fostering technological advancements.

AI Handwritten Notes

One of the more whimsical and intriguing displays at CES was Handwrytten's AI-powered robot that produces handwritten notes. Despite the contradiction of a robot creating personalized notes, this innovation has a practical application for large organizations like nonprofits. It allows them to express gratitude to donors in a more meaningful and personal way, going beyond traditional emails or printed letters.

Insights from the Market

Changing Investment Trends

A notable shift in investment behavior occurred in 2023, as millennials and Gen Zers started investing more like boomers. These younger investors became less willing to support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives if it meant sacrificing potential investment gains. This change in mindset highlights the importance of financial returns for the younger generation.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs and Their Fees

Following the SEC's approval, spot bitcoin ETFs began trading, offering investors the opportunity to invest in cryptocurrency through traditional financial markets. We analyzed each available ETF and their associated fees. However, it's worth noting that Vanguard, a prominent investment firm, does not support crypto investments, considering them unsuitable for a well-balanced portfolio.

Inflation on the Rise

December's consumer price index data revealed a 3.4% year-over-year increase in inflation. While inflation remained relatively low for most of 2023, it picked up towards the end of the year and exceeded the Federal Reserve's 2% target. This upward trend in inflation is worth monitoring as it can have significant implications for the economy.

Tech Industry Updates

LinkedIn's Cultural Shift

Insiders at LinkedIn shared insights into the company's cultural transformation over the past year. The once-joking reference to LinkedIn as a place to retire has given way to a more agile and scrappy approach, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence. Senior leaders are driving this cultural shift to ensure that the company remains competitive and adaptable in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

TikTok Shop Controversy

TikTok's new shopping feature, TikTok Shop, has faced criticism for promoting low-quality and irrelevant products. While it benefits sellers, it can be frustrating for viewers who encounter subpar items. The main concern is maintaining a balance between user experience and commercialization on the platform.

Tech Layoffs: Google and Amazon

Google recently announced layoffs affecting hundreds of employees, including those working on its voice-activated assistant. Similarly, Amazon has also been cutting jobs, with its Audible division being one of the affected areas. These layoffs serve as a reminder that even tech giants are not immune to the challenges of organizational restructuring.

Business News Roundup

Hertz's EV Inventory Sell-Off

Hertz's electric vehicle ambitions have hit a roadblock, leading the company to sell off 20,000 EVs, accounting for approximately one-third of its electric fleet. The decision had negative implications for Tesla and Hertz, as their stock prices declined following the announcement. This setback highlights the challenges and expenses associated with maintaining and repairing electric vehicles.

Aaron Rodgers' ESPN Ban and Reversal

Earlier this week, it was reported that Aaron Rodgers had been banned from appearing on ESPN for the remainder of the NFL season. However, the ban was short-lived, as Rodgers made a swift return to Pat McAfee's show the following day. This incident created a buzz among sports enthusiasts and sparked discussions about media relationships with athletes.

eBay's Harassment Scandal

eBay has been fined $3 million after its employees engaged in a harassment campaign against a Massachusetts couple. The employees sent live spiders, cockroaches, and a bloody pig mask, causing distress and fear for the couple. This case sheds light on the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Other Noteworthy News

In addition to the highlights from CES and updates from various industries, here are a few other notable news items:

• The US launched strikes on the Houthis in retaliation for their constant attacks.
• A joint report revealed that almost half of Russia's imported battlefield tech comes from US and EU companies.
• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently tied the knot.
• The Boeing 737 Max continues to face issues, raising concerns about its safety and reliability.
• Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are drawing significant expenditure from taxpayers.
• Bill Belichick is reportedly parting ways with the New England Patriots.
• A personal reflection on being put on a PIP and subsequently fired from a tech job.
• Walmart Spark shoppers can now remove tips up to 24 hours after delivery, contributing to the problem of "tip baiting."

What's Happening Today

Today, NASA is expected to unveil a new, quiet supersonic aircraft called the X-59. This aircraft represents NASA's efforts to make commercial supersonic flight a reality. Additionally, it's worth noting that several notable individuals, including Issa Rae, Jeff Bezos, and Zayn Malik, celebrate their birthdays today. Lastly, various companies, including Delta Air Lines, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, will be releasing their earnings reports.

For Your Bookmarks

Trader Joe's vs. Whole Foods

If you're a fan of Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, you'll appreciate our comparison of three cult-classic products from each store. We pit Trader Joe's orange chicken, peanut butter cups, and gnocchi against their Whole Foods counterparts to see which comes out on top.

That concludes my recap of CES 2023 and other notable news from the past week. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the ever-evolving world of technology and business.

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By: ddefrancesco@businessinsider.com (Dan DeFrancesco)
Title: Highlights from CES 2023: A Recap of the Tech Conference
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/news-today-january-12-ces-tech-conference-highlights-2024-1
Published Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2024 14:02:39 +0000