It’s that time of year again, where startups and large corporations alike spotlight their new consumer technologies at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Held annually in Las Vegas, CES highlights some of the coolest new technologies ranging from the practical to the outrageous. Take a look into what 2014 has in store with these 6 futuristic technologies unveiled at CES 2014
Wearable tech
Wearable tech is nothing new in 2014, but 2014 will be the year it explodes. CES confirms what was already suspected: widespread popularity of wearable tech will only increase the selection of products to consumers. Case in point, CES featured many competitors to existing wearable tech companies such as Jawbone and Fitbit, including the Razer Nabu, LG Lifeband Touch, and Sony Core. With a growing number of choices, wearable tech will no doubt be creeping into mainstream consumption this year.
All-in-one PCs
With the market saturated with mobile phones, tablets, laptops, tablet-laptops, and everything else in between, it’s no wonder that 2014 will be the year of the multifunctional device. Laptops that can convert into a tablet, or visa versa, will be the must-have new device this year, making laptops more versatile and mobile.
Steam Machines
One innovative product introduced to the video game industry at CES is the Steam Machine. This highly anticipated gaming device makes it easier to play online games on a TV. Steam machines are a hybrid between a PC and traditional video gaming systems, and uses the SteamOS platform to connect users to players from around the world in hundreds of different games. Valve is at the head of the movement, creating a range of Steam Machines with different features and specs. With this range, fans with all aesthetic tastes will undoubtedly find something that suits their needs.
Curved 4K TVs
Curved is the new flat, at least for TVs it is.
The flat screen is getting a make over at CES with Samsung’s 105-inch Ultra HD TV leading the charge. Self-proclaimed by Samsung as the world’s “most curved” TV, this futuristic television features a 5120 x 2160 pixel resolution, resulting in finer detail, greater texture. For the consumer, it means an increased smoothness of the image and finer detail with every moving picture. This Samsung TV marks an evolution in the way we think about television, and the 4K technology will undoubtedly change the way TVs are made in the future, from program production to distribution technology.
HTC Phones
The versatility of HTC phones was once again a highlight at CES. The company’s focus on high resolution screens, international mobility, and other key features make the phone a great choice for casual users with a desire to connect. With the HTC M8 rumored to be coming out in February, now is the perfect time to grab the HTC One for a lower price. While HTC was hush-hush about its future developments, we’ll be expecting some more innovative phones later this year.
The Oculus
Chances are that if you don’t actively follow news in the tech world, you probably haven’t heard of Oculus. Brand new to the market, the Oculus is a head device worn by gamers that connects the game with reality. Sounds crazy, but it brings the game to life. Using the Oculus, the image from the TV will be projected into your eyes, and hypercision motion sensors will connect your movements in the game with your movements in reality. While it might look a little clunky now, the technology is real, and it is impressive.
True to its reputation, CES 2014 offers a range of interesting, innovative, and downright cool new gadgets that will undoubtedly shake the market this coming year. From reality-augmenting headsets to alternative gaming consoles and 4K televisions, we see a trend toward tech for the mainstream consumer. Wearable tech in particular was prominently featured at the show, and will most likely become more mainstream in the year to come. Whatever the case, CES is always a fun annual show to keep an eye on for the tech-lovers.
Photograph by Intel Free Press