The sun has finally set on The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Every year, practically everyone in the consumer electronics industry comes from all over to show off the latest and greatest cutting-edge innovations in technology. From flying taxis, self-driving suitcases, and robots that will fold your laundry, CES 2019 did not disappoint. Here are some of my main takeaways from the event:
5G is the future
It seems that anyone and everyone who attended the event was talking about 5G. However, there wasn’t exactly a definitive answer to when the service would be available to consumers. According to Forbes, 5G is an abbreviation that stands for the fifth generation of the cellular wireless transmission. And while many companies at CES discussed 5G, the number of products that are actually capable of tapping into the network is minimal. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t get excited about 5G. The faster connection, speed, and responsiveness of the 5G network will help enable IoT, autonomous driving, and technology that hasn’t even been invented yet.
Gaming gets an upgrade
Gamers everywhere are sure to enjoy the exciting new gadgets that launched this year. From wireless charging grips for the Nintendo Switch to curved monitors for better peripheral vision, tech companies across the board seemed to be creating products to better the gaming experience. In addition to products that are enhancing gamer’s capabilities, we also saw gaming products that are bringing the digital world closer to reality. For example, Holoride partnered with Disney and Audi to create a Guardians of the Galaxy virtual reality (VR) experience for car passengers that mimics the movements of the vehicle.
Optimized IoT devices, AI-driven assistants
This year’s event was colored with tons of new smart home and health IoT technology. Although smart home technology made a big splash at last year’s show, CES 2019 focused on bringing more integrated smart home products to consumers. For example, the AtmosControl touch panel acts as a simplified universal remote so consumers can control all of their gadgets from a single interface. We also saw the Bowflex Intelligent Max, a platform that allows consumers to download an app to complete Bowflex’s fitness assessment and adjust their workout plan based on the results.
Voice assistants seemed to dominate this year’s show, as well. Google and Amazon upped the ante with their use of improved AI technology for the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Not only has Google brought Google Assistant to Google Maps, but they’ve also created a Google Assistant Interpreter Mode that works in more than 20 languages. Not to be shown up, Amazon announced some pretty intriguing Alexa-enabled products as well, including the Ring Door View Cam, a smart shower system called U by Moen, and the Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet.
The takeoff of autonomous vehicles
Not only did AI guide new innovations in IoT device technology, but it also paved the way for some futuristic upgrades to vehicles. Mercedes showcased their self-driving car called the Vision Urbanetic, an AI-powered concept vehicle that can hold up to 12 people. BMW created a rider-less motorcycle designed to gather data on how to make motorcycles safer on the road. And we can’t forget about Uber’s futuristic flying taxi, created in partnership with Bell Nexus, and expected to take flight in 2020.
Cybersecurity’s role in the evolving technological landscape
At McAfee, we understand the importance of securing all of these newfangled IoT gadgets that make their way into consumers’ homes. To do this, we announced the launch of Secure Home Platform voice commands for the Google Assistant, allowing users to keep track of their entire network through one interface.
To reflect the upgrades in gaming technology, we also launched the beta mode of McAfee Gamer Security. Many antivirus solutions are notorious for slowing down PCs, which can really hinder the gaming experience. This security solution, designed for PC gamers, provides a light but mighty layer of protection that optimizes users’ computing resources.
If there’s one thing we took away from this year’s event, it’s that technological innovations won’t be slowing down any time soon. With all of these new advancements and greater connectivity comes the need for increased cybersecurity protection. All in all, CES 2019 showed us that as software and hardware continues to improve and develop, cybersecurity will also adapt to the needs of everyday consumers.
Stay on top of the latest consumer and mobile security threats by following @McAfee_Home on Twitter, listen to our podcast Hackable?, and ‘Like’ us on Facebook.
Stay Updated
Follow us to stay updated on all things McAfee and on top of the latest consumer and mobile security threats.
