Another Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has come and gone. Every year, this trade show joins practically everyone in the consumer electronics industry to show off the latest and greatest cutting-edge innovations in technology. From bendable tablets to 8k TVs and futuristic cars inspired by the movie “Avatar,” CES 2020 did not disappoint. Here are a few of the key takeaways from this year’s show:
Smart home technology is driven by convenience
As usual, smart home technology made up a solid portion of the new gadgets introduced at CES. Netatmo introduced the Netatmo Smart Door Lock and Keys which use physical NFC (meaning near field communication, a technology that allows devices to communicate with each other) keys as well as digital keys for guests. In the same realm of home security, Danby’s smart mailbox called the Parcel Guard allows couriers to deliver packages directly into the anti-theft box using a code or smartphone app.
Devices integrated with Alexa technology
CES 2020 also introduced many devices integrated with Alexa technology. Kohler debuted its Moxie showerhead, complete with an Alexa-enabled waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Along with the showerhead, Alexa was also built into a Dux Swedish luxury bed to help improve users’ bedtime routines.
Smart appliances
CES is usually graced with a handful of smart appliances, and this year was no different. Bosch partnered with the recipe and meal-planning app Chefling to showcase its high-tech Home Connect Refrigerator, which uses cameras to track which food items users have stocked and suggests recipes based on that information.
Mind-reading wearables translate thoughts into digital commands
CES featured several products that let users control apps, games, and devices with their minds. Companies have developed devices that can record brain signals from sensors on the scalp or devices implanted within the brain and translate them into digital signals. For example, NextMind has created a headset that measures activity in the visual cortex and translates the user’s decision of where to focus his or her eyes into digital commands. This technology could replace remote controls, as users would be able to change channels, mute, or pause just by focusing on triangles next to each command.
Another company focused on the brain-computer interface is BrainCo. This company debuted their FocusOne headband at CES this year, complete with sensors on the forehead measuring the activity in the frontal cortex. This device is designed to measure focus by detecting the subtle electrical signals that your brain is producing. These headbands are designed to help kids learn how to focus their minds in class. BrainCo also has a prosthetic arm coming to market later this year which detects muscle signals and feeds them through an algorithm that can help it operate better over time. What’s more, this device will cost less than half of an average prosthetic.
Foldable screens are still a work-in-progress
This year’s event was colored with folding screens. However, most of these devices were prototypes without proposed ship dates. A likely reason for the lack of confidence in these devices by their manufacturers is that they are unsure if the screens will be durable enough to sell. Some of these work-in-progress devices include Dell’s Concept Ori, Intel’s Horseshoe Bend, and Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Fold. Nevertheless, folding devices provide a new opportunity for manufacturers to play around with device forms, such as a phone that turns into a tablet.
Cybersecurity’s role in evolving technology
As consumer technology continues to evolve, the importance of securing these newfangled devices becomes more and more apparent. According to panelists from the CES session Top Security Trends in Smart Cities, by making products “smarter,” we are also making them more susceptible to hacking. For example, The McAfee Advanced Threat Research (ATR) team recently uncovered security flaws in multiple IoT smart home devices. The first is the Chamberlain MyQ Hub, a “universal” garage door automation platform that can be hacked to cause a user’s garage door to open unintentionally. The second is the McLear NFC Ring, a household access control device used to interact with NFC-enabled door locks, which can be cloned to gain access to a user’s home.
Keep cybersecurity a top priority
Although CES 2020 has introduced many new devices aimed at making users’ lives easier, it’s important to keep a secure home as a top priority as gadgets are brought into their lives. As new McAfee research has revealed, the majority of Americans today (63%) believe that they as the consumer are responsible for their security. This could likely be attributed to more Americans becoming aware of online risks, as 48% think it’s likely to happen to them. To feel confident bringing new technology into their homes, users are encouraged to proactively integrate online security into everyday life.
Need for increased cybersecurity protection
As the sun sets on another fabulous CES, it’s clear 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 protection when connected to the internet. All in all, CES 2020 showed us that as technology continues to improve and develop, security will play an ever-increasing role in protecting consumers online
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