The Consumer Electronics Show begins this week, and already consumers are buzzing with excitement about the expected displays.
Key Details
- Though the CES doesn’t begin until January 5, some companies have started displaying new products attendees can preview.
- Samsung’s latest 5k monitor, the ViewFinity S9, will compete with displays from Apple and LG. Prices haven’t been released, but are expected this year.
- LG plans to showcase its latest OLED smart TVs that will feature brighter screens and better smart technology than the previous versions.
- Acer released a new exercise bike and desk combination that users can pedal to power small electronic devices like phones, tablets, or laptops. The eKinekt BD3 desk features built-in USB ports and will be available in June for $999.
- In addition to the bike, Acer announced new devices, including laptops and desktops.
- California-based chipmaker Nvidia announced partnerships that include deals for streaming games in vehicles and a partnership to work with manufacturers Foxconn on autonomous vehicle development.
Why it’s news
Before the pandemic, the CES was an important launch point for new products and technologies. Since the shutdowns, however, attendance at the show has dropped significantly. Despite decreased attendance, the show still serves as an important showcasing event for the industry.
Before the pandemic, the CES was drawing in just under 200,000 attendees. This year, it hopes to bring in 100,000.
The CES tried to return in January 2021 just as vaccines began to roll out, but the event saw a significant drop in attendance. Last year wasn’t much better, but event planners are confident that attendance will increase this year.
However, many event attendees travel from outside the U.S., where travel restrictions may apply. One-third of the overall expected attendance will be international.
Look for stories from Leaders Media later this week and next week about some of the news and products from this year’s CES.