Technology is improving the lives of people way faster than ever
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — From a mobile app that passes itself off as a cure for loneliness to the first set of self-driving cars that will soon be available for commercial distribution, there is no doubt that technology is evolving faster than we ever expected, with a lot of innovations hoping to penetrate across worldwide markets with one intention — to improve people's lives.
Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018 just opened its doors this week here, unveiling the next-generation of technology designed to improve our lives and address global challenges.
With a record-breaking show floor that spans more than 2.75 million net square feet of exhibit space and features more than 3,900 exhibitors, including some 900 startups, it is indeed the world's largest tech trade expo.
To be specific, more than 20,000 products will launch at CES 2018 this week. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, CES 2018 runs through Friday. "The future of innovation is on display this week at CES, with technology that will empower consumers and change our world for the better," said CTA president and chief executive officer Gary Shapiro.
"Every major industry is represented here at CES 2018, with global brands and a record-number of startups unveiling products that will revolutionize how we live, work and play. From the latest in selfdriving vehicles, smart cities, AI [Artificial Intelligence], sports tech, robotics, health and fitness tech and more, the innovation at CES 2018 will further global business and spur new jobs and new markets around the world," he added.
As a start, Intel's CEO, Brian Krzanich, took the stage Monday evening for the pre-show CES keynote to celebrate innovation and explore what's next for big data.
"[Data is the] unseen driving force behind the next great wave of tech innovation," he said.
Intel will particularly bring virtual reality (VR) content to the upcoming Winter Olympics through its immersive media plan and True View platform, delivering the largest ever VR experience across 30 sports programs.
During his presentation, Krzanich also noted the recent opening of Intel Studios, gave a live demo of an Intel-powered autonomous "human drone" Volocopter, and set a Guiness World Record with its Shooting Star Mini Drone show — the most advanced software fleet of 100 drones controlled without GPS by one pilot. The day prior to that, CTA's Steve Koenig and Lesley Rohrbaugh presented Tech Trends to Watch at CES 2018.
They identified expected major CES trends such as ingredient technologies like AI and 5G that will permeate the product announcements, as well as native interfaces, smart cities, and digital therapeutics.
Meanwhile, the largest CES Unveiled — the official media event of CES 2018 — in history also took place. The event spotlighted a record 204 exhibiting companies, including 72 startups from Eureka Park, the most startups ever showcased at CES Unveiled.