Hey Everyone,
As I am enjoying watching Davos, 2024, let’s not forget CES 2024 convened the tech industry, giving a global audience access to major brands and startups, as well as the world’s most-influential leaders and industry advocates – held between January 9th and 12th, 2024 in Las Vegas.
🤖 CES and 🏰 Davos 2024 have more A.I. flair than usual. This was the year the Rabbit r1 AI device, an impressive weird device came out. I find the videos around CES releases a bit like watching Superbowl Ads, but for tech! What to expect in this post?
Gadgets
AI devices
Consumer AI
Robots
AI powered Cars (VW)
“Transparent” TVs (this post features multiple embedded videos, in case you want to watch those “commercials” I’m talking about)
Video by CNET.
Rabbit did a good job of taking over my X feed for a few days there.
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“The Future is Now”
A guest post by the makers of
The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas has concluded, leaving us with a dizzying array of innovations vying for the title of “next big thing.” It’s true, AI was king at CES. From advanced language models powering in-car assistants to the much-hyped Rabbit R1, AI seemed to be the buzzword on everyone’s lips.
Here are some of the biggest updates from CES 2024 (Top 11):
Rabbit R1
In a tech landscape dominated by giants like Google and Apple, a small startup named Rabbit is making waves with its device, the Rabbit R1. Unveiled at CES 2024, the Rabbit R1 is an orange color and compact square-shaped, pocket-sized companion designed to streamline daily tasks without the need to constantly reach for your smartphone.
R1, priced at $200, aims to simplify everyday tasks by providing a pocket-sized AI assistant that complements smartphones rather than replacing them. The device operates on a different principle compared to traditional AI assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. While those use voice interfaces for custom mini-apps and rely on predefined integrations with official APIs, the Rabbit R1 employs a “Large Action Model” (LAM). This LAM is trained on user interfaces of websites and apps, allowing it to understand and mimic user actions within those apps.
The “Rabbit Hole” is the platform provided by Rabbit to connect services with the Rabbit R1. Provide your login credentials for the apps you want to connect. Once logged in, activate the services you want the Rabbit R1 to interact with.
Source: Rabbit
R1 has a 2.88-inch touchscreen display, a touch-to-talk button, a unique rotating camera called the “Rabbit Eye”, USB-C for charging, and a SIM card slot. It offers a dedicated training mode allowing users to teach the Rabbit R1 how to perform specific tasks.
“You’ll be like, ‘Hey, first of all, go to a software called Photoshop. Open it. Grab your photos here. Make a lasso on the watermark and click click click click. This is how you remove watermark.’” CEO Jesse Lyu said. After providing the instructions, the Rabbit R1 is expected to automatically repeat the action you taught it.
Home Assistant Robots
Video by Samsung.
Samsung unveiled an enhanced iteration of its Ballie robot at CES 2024. Unlike its predecessor, the 2024 Ballie has transformed into a larger, bowling ball-sized sphere. The key highlight of this upgraded Ballie is its newfound ability to project content onto various surfaces such as walls, floors, and ceilings.
The projector boasts a 1080p resolution, and Samsung claims that it can automatically adapt to factors like wall distance and lighting conditions. It is capable of detecting people’s posture and facial angles, adjusting the projection angle for an optimal viewing experience.
In a video, the robot showcased its diverse capabilities. It played videos for pets, managed smart home devices (including lights, air conditioners, and non-smart appliances), and even sent texts to inform users about its activities. The robot’s built-in front and rear cameras enable it to detect and analyze its surroundings, learning recurring user patterns for automation. The robot can follow users around, responding to voice commands or text messages.
Source: Samsung
LG unveiled its AI smart home agent which is a small two-legged robot designed to move around your home, assisting with chores through integration with LG’s smart home appliances. Part of LG’s “Zero Labor Home” initiative, this housekeeping bot leverages interconnected smart home appliances to gather data. Operated through LG’s smart home platform ThinQ, the robot features face and user recognition, employing machine learning for contextual understanding.
Transparent TVs
Video by LG.
LG has unveiled its first wireless transparent OLED TV Named the Signature OLED T. This 77-inch TV utilizes OLED technology to offer a razor-thin, transparent display with rich colors and deep blacks. Unlike conventional TVs, the OLED T can seamlessly switch between transparent and opaque modes.
The transparent OLED T is wireless, thanks to LG’s Zero Connect Box, which manages external connections and processing. It comes with an Alpha 11 AI processor and an Always-On-Display (AOD) for content in a transparent mode that appears as if floating.
There is tough competition between LG and Samsung as Samsung showcased its Transparent Micro LED display. Unlike its OLED counterpart from LG, Samsung’s display adopts Micro LED technology. MicroLED displays offer superior brightness but their current high production costs result in premium prices compared to OLED displays.
Describing the effect of Samsung’s transparent MicroLED displays proves challenging, as content appears almost like a hologram suspended in mid-air. The freestanding demo unit, measuring only about a centimeter thick, contributed to the illusion of a floating screen.
While LG’s Signature OLED T is set to hit the market in the coming months, Samsung’s transparent Micro LED display remains a prototype.
Source: Samsung
Clicks
Until now we have discussed how tech is advancing so fast but there is a startup that wants to take us back to the old days of Physical buttons. The Clicks case, unveiled at CES 2024, adds a physical keyboard with real buttons to the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max.
Providing extra screen space, the case eliminates the digital keyboard on the screen while typing. Clicks establish a connection with the iPhone via a USB-C or Lightning connector, ensuring a direct link while drawing power directly from the phone.
Two popular YouTubers: Michael Fisher, known as Mr. Mobile, and Kevin Michaluk, recognized as CrackBerry Kevin on YouTube are behind this company. Users can use customized keyboard shortcuts, with up to 36 commands available.
Source: Clicks
AI-Enhanced PCs
CES 2024 showcased a shift in the laptop industry as PC and chipmakers, including giants like Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel, placed their bets on artificial intelligence (AI) to rejuvenate sales and entice consumers to upgrade from their pandemic-era laptops.
Chipmakers have introduced “neural processing units” (NPUs) in the latest chip designs, aiming to leverage the high-performance capabilities of AI functions with modest power requirements. While there are currently limited applications fully utilizing these capabilities, this transition to on-device processing may require more powerful machines, likely driving up the cost of laptops with advanced AI chips.
During CES, Intel hosted an “open house” featuring leading PC vendors like Dell and Lenovo showcasing their latest laptops equipped with AI capabilities. Dell Technologies, for instance, introduced three new models (XPS 14, and XPS 16 laptops) to its XPS series, each featuring the Microsoft Copilot AI key, the first addition to a Windows keyboard by Microsoft since the addition of the Windows button in 1994.
Microsoft is utilizing its $10 billion investment in OpenAI, as it has already incorporated gpt into Microsoft products such as Windows 11, and Bing search engine and recently has become the most valuable company in the world with a $2.887 Trillion market capitalization leaving behind Apple.
This “Copilot” key activates Microsoft’s generative AI Window, providing assistance with applications and empowering users to engage seamlessly with AI in their day-to-day activities. The Copilot key is set to replace either the menu key or the right control key on some keyboards.
Source: Dell
Dual-Screen Laptop
ASUS introduced the Zenbook Duo 2024 at CES, a dual-screen laptop featuring two 14-inch OLED touchscreens with a 3K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Zenbook Duo offers a total of 19.8 inches of screen real estate.
The laptop measures 0.78 inches thick and weighs 3.64 pounds including its detachable keyboard making it comparable to a typical 14-inch notebook.
In standard laptop mode, the lower screen is covered by a traditional keyboard and trackpad. The device also supports a “Dual Screen” mode with screens arranged vertically, a “Desktop” mode with screens side by side, and a “Sharing” mode where the laptop lays flat for collaborative work.
The Zenbook Duo houses an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, up to 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Connectivity options include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A 3.2 slot, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a full-size HDMI 2.1 socket.
Source: ASUS
A Folding TV
Luxury electronics manufacturer C Seed showcased its latest N1 folding TV, at CES 2024. This 137-inch 4K TV, can fold and unfold with Adaptive Gap Calibration ensuring a flawless transition between the microLED panels. The N1 offers a 180-degree rotation for optimal viewing angles and boasts a peak brightness of 4,000 nits, vibrant colors, and an HDR display.
The folding process takes approximately 60 seconds for the TV to reach its full height and an additional 25 seconds for the microLED panels to unfurl completely.
That’s some sick engineering.
The 137-inch indoor model starts at $200,000, while an outdoor version is available for $240,000.
The Face of Artificial Intelligence
Wehead ChatGPT-powered AI Assistant Positioned as a teleconferencing device turned AI assistant providing a face to artificial intelligence. Designed to create a more immersive video-chatting experience,
The transition from a teleconferencing device to a ChatGPT-powered assistant was accompanied by the addition of a face, attempting to make the interaction more believable.
However, the execution fell short. The four smartphone screens forming the face displayed perpetual pixelation, diminishing the realism of the face.
Source: Wehead
AI-Powered Cars
Video by VW.
Volkswagen is set to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its vehicles, starting in the second quarter of 2024. The generative AI technology will be incorporated into VW’s lineup, including models like Tiguan, Passat, and Golf, as well as the ID family of electric vehicles.
Volkswagen aims to enhance its in-car voice assistant, IDA, by using ChatGPT for more natural communication between the car and the driver. The feature will allow users to control basic functions and ask general knowledge questions, promising “enriching conversations”.
This initiative is made possible through Volkswagen’s collaboration with Cerence, a third-party software company. Cerence’s Chat Pro software is instrumental in seamlessly integrating ChatGPT into VW’s voice assistant, enhancing VW’s voice assistant to deliver relevant responses across a wide spectrum of user queries.
Tech on BMW
BMW and Valeo are jointly developing next-generation Level 4 automated parking solutions, including automated valet parking (AVP). This allows customers to leave their vehicles at a designated drop-off point, and the vehicle autonomously searches for a parking space, executes necessary maneuvers, and can return to the pick-up point.
Visitors at CES 2024 had the opportunity to experience remote-controlled valet parking firsthand, showcasing the application of modern technology and live camera images to navigate and control the vehicle during parking and retrieval. This joint development project with Valeo introduces a potential solution for remote-controlled valet parking, offering control in situations where fully autonomous systems might face challenges.
BMW has collaborated with Amazon, and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, enhanced by generative AI powered by the Alexa Large Language Model (LLM), can provide instructions and answer queries about vehicle functions in a more natural and conversational manner
BMW successfully displayed stable AR and MR content to passengers within a moving vehicle, even in challenging driving situations such as turns, bumps, or acceleration. In current BMW and MINI models, the “Augmented View” function offers drivers a live video stream on the display, enhancing navigation with additional augmented information.
Apple’s Vision Pro
Video by CNET.
Apple has announced the release date for its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, scheduled to hit U.S. stores on February 2. Priced at $3,499, the headset marks the Vision Pro has garnered praise for its cutting-edge technology.
Apple’s Vision Pro, which the company calls a “spatial computer” not a VR headset, stands out with its dual 4K displays, external display for social cues, and the powerful M2 chip, coupled with an array of cameras and sensors for advanced tracking capabilities.
In a market where augmented and virtual reality tech was on display at CES, including offerings from Xreal, TCL, Asus, Sony, Netflix, Samsung, and Qualcomm, none managed to match the package offered by Apple’s Vision Pro. Competitors showcased AR/VR monitors and glasses, but they were different from what Apple is offering.
Google at CES
Android announced key updates to enhance device connectivity and user experience across various platforms.
Unified File Sharing: Collaborating with Samsung, Android introduces Quick Share, a unified cross-Android solution for seamless file sharing across devices, expanding to Windows PCs in partnership with leading manufacturers like LG.
Fast Pair Expansion: Android’s Fast Pair feature, facilitating quick Bluetooth accessory connections, extends to Chromecast with Google TV and will further expand to more Google TV devices
Casting Capabilities: Casting capabilities expand to TikTok, allowing users to cast content to Chromecast built-in devices, while a new casting feature lets users move Spotify and YouTube Music playback from Pixel phones to docked Pixel Tablets.
Android Auto Updates: Android Auto receives updates, providing real-time battery information for electric vehicles on Google Maps, starting with the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. Google apps and services are extended to more cars, with optimized apps available for in-car use.
GyroGlove
Video by Engadget.
GyroGlove, a hand-stabilizing device designed to assist individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease, made its debut at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. The wearable technology aims to counteract hand tremors through advanced gyroscopic technology, providing users with enhanced control over their mobility.
The device comprises three main components: a fabric glove, a gyroscope within the stabilization module, and a battery pack worn on the forearm. Roberta Wilson-Garrett, a Parkinson’s patient, witnessed an improved ability to perform everyday tasks such as buttoning a shirt, moving a cup of coffee, and writing notes when wearing GyroGlove.
A very informative piece by Zohaib Aziz, head writer at The Digi Learners. I sort of feel like I now attended CES 2024. He has an impressive topic selection that I find intriguing and entertaining. A Creator Spotlight:
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