CES gadget gala looks to shake off economic gloom
The annual CES consumer electronics extravaganza throws open its doors in Las Vegas on Thursday as the industry looks to the latest innovations to help cure the pain from an ailing global economy. High inflation, lingering supply chain troubles and tech company layoffs provide a dark backdrop for technology's premier trade show where more than 100,000 attendees are expected from around the world until Sunday. Consumer Technology Association research director Steve Koenig reminded CES goers of previous innovations from smartphones to high-speed internet that soared to success after the "last big economic downturn" more than a decade ago. "This time, I think the powerful new waves of technological change that will really remedy inflation and restore global GDP growth will come from the enterprise side," Koenig said during a presentation by the CTA, which runs CES. These will include robotics to make workplaces more efficient; on-the-job virtual reality, and automated vehicles such as tractors that tend to farmland without drivers on board, according to Koenig. Technology, thanks to increased productivity, "is a deflationary force in the global economy," underlined Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CTA. Spreading out from the Las Vegas convention center to ballrooms in an array of hotels on the famous Sin City strip, CES will have televisions, electric roller skates, self-piloting baby strollers and more aimed at wowing showgoers. While major TV makers including LG, Samsung and TCL will have stunning displays, "gone are the days" when CES was first and foremost about TVs, laptops and gadgets, according to Forrester principal analyst Thomas Husson. "Now that technology innovation and software is embedded everywhere, expect many brands to showcase innovation around electric vehicles, robotics, and embedded artificial intelligence," Husson said. CES has, however, increasingly become a place for showing off electric cars (EVs) that are becoming internet-linked computers on wheels, analysts insisted. "Beyond EVs, the recent US laws like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will spark more interest in sustainability innovation," Husson said. This was a reference to the US government's recently passed IRA that is expected to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into green technology and other climate friendly projects. "That's definitely the area to expect the most disruptive innovation - even though I fear too little will be announced (at CES)." (AFP)