Every January, consumer technology industry stakeholders congregate for CES in Las Vegas. It’s like Future Explored come alive, and this year, we found some truly fascinating tech that may impact our daily lives.
For example, new haptic gloves allow users to experience virtual reality objects by touch. They’re currently used by US Army medics training on simulated battlefields – however, we gave our test version some less intense scrutiny.
BMW Remote Valet
As CES 2024 winds down, it’s evident that automakers are working tirelessly to strengthen ties between voice assistants and core vehicle functions. Mercedes is promising a more human in-car virtual assistant, while Volkswagen’s IDA system will enable drivers to control infotainment, navigation, and climate systems with just their voices. BMW showcased numerous cutting-edge features that may soon appear on production models.
Beginning their presentation, BMW collaborated with parking supplier Valeo to demonstrate an automated valet parking system. Teleoperating cars transfer live video footage from 360-degree cameras back to an operator in a remote facility who steers it toward an open spot – even when no driver is inside the vehicle.
This system reduces the number of people needed to operate cars and makes parking more efficient. Let valets find open spots faster and help avoid congestion by allowing cars to enter and exit from an area. BMW recently unveiled this concept at CES this week and plans on going into production with their iX model by 2025.
BMW innovations also include an easy and intuitive gesture-control system for its touchscreen in-vehicle system, with the right swipe indicating to decline an incoming call and the left swipe increasing music volume. Furthermore, an upcoming version of their operating system will allow rear seat passengers to use Bluetooth video game controllers to play games on the in-vehicle screen, though not likely useful for adults as much as it might keep bored children occupied during long car journeys.
Withings BeamO
French company Withings has made waves with innovative devices for health tech, such as their temperature variation sensor smartwatch and cycle tracking functionality. Now, they’ve taken it one step further by unveiling BeamO: an all-in-one device that lets users rapidly assess the state of their bodies within seconds.
BeamO is an advanced medical-grade device that combines four key health metrics into a handheld tool for at-home health assessments or remote visits with doctors, such as via telehealth visits. It features ECG, oximeter, stethoscope, and thermometer sensors to measure vital signs accurately.
BeamO’s sensor data is automatically uploaded to the Withings app via Wi-Fi, providing users with detailed access to their results and setting notifications that alert them when it’s time for wellness screening or doctor visits. They can even use the audio streaming feature of BeamO for direct conversations with medical professionals.
BeamO is currently under development and should become available later this year once it receives FDA clearance. The company hopes it can become an essential home component for regular wellness checks and telehealth sessions – offering an affordable alternative to high-end monitoring devices at a premium cost. We’ll keep you posted as more details become available.
RayNeo X2 Lite
RayNeo seeks to revive AR with its smart glasses: the X2 and X2 Lite. Both pairs were unveiled at CES 2024 for quick use on the go.
The X2 Lite utilizes MicroLED optical waveguide technology to add visuals directly onto your real-world view, giving a crisp heads-up display easily seen under any lighting condition. Furthermore, this helps the device extend battery life longer than other AR glasses.
TCL says their new X2 Lite glasses are ideal for tech-savvy business professionals and frequent jet-setters who require a lightweight travel solution. At less than half the weight of its RayNeo counterpart, its adjustable nose pad ensures comfortable to wear; additionally, voice/image input support via its AI assistant FeiFei provides suggestions of local restaurants/attractions/and translation of foreign languages in real-time by tracking faces.
- X2 Lite is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platform, allowing it to support features without relying on smartphones for functionality. For instance, its built-in AI assistant can provide turn-by-turn directions on maps with arrows in front of you, alert notifications of new posts or messages, and more. You can even take first-person video capture at the touch of a button; immersive games like AR bowling and Gluttonous Snake will be playable. A demo of 3D photos and videos appeared flat; thus, whether this feature proves useful remains to be seen.
Foldable phones may be popular, but have you seen what C Seed unveiled at CES 2024: an N1 TV that unfolds like the robots from “Transformers,” folding back up like an abstract metal sculpture when unused?
The four MicroLED panels of the N1 come together to form a seamless screen that offers ultra-high resolution and cinematic experience, thanks to special physical screen surface coating that delivers true blacks without glare. Furthermore, its Adaptive Gap Calibration technology helps make its borders invisible for an even more immersive visual experience.
If you can afford the N1, it can be configured in various aesthetics and is designed to integrate into modern interior designs seamlessly. Its minimal base can be placed against walls or in front of windows for viewing. It works seamlessly with home entertainment systems; an optional sound bar can further enhance the audio experience.
One unique aspect of the N1 is its mobile robotic companion called Ballie. Like Samsung’s spherical robot at CES 2020, Ballie will follow you around your home, projecting videos and images onto surfaces as it tracks your movement and interacts with connected devices like smart lighting systems and air conditioning units. Unfortunately, however, no firm date for availability has been set as of yet; interested individuals can visit here to reserve one now.
Razer Aether Monitor Light Bar
The Aether Monitor Light Bar is a discreet and minimalist lighting solution designed to securely attach to any monitor’s top and be managed through the Razer Gamer Room app. Featuring both front-facing white LEDs and rear-facing RGB LEDs that can be programmed to emit various lighting effects based on the task at hand, this simple but sleek device brings color into any environment you find yourself working in.
Razer has introduced the Aether desktop lamp as part of their Gamer Room lineup. With Matter smart home devices and controllers, it will illuminate desktops so you can see more clearly, whether playing games or working on computers. Compatible with monitors of all sizes, it provides illumination without taking over your entire workspace with light. Plus, with one app to manage everything!
As with other light bars we’ve reviewed, Aether features touch controls along its front that enable users to easily change brightness and colors (both of which are determined by software rather than physical controls). Furthermore, Chroma connectivity allows it to link with PC games or third-party applications to produce cool lighting effects – check it out here.
CES 2024 showcased some incredible gadgets but had plenty of useless devices that no one needs. We’ve highlighted the most noteworthy tech available so you can skip past the unnecessary products and go straight for what matters.