CES, the world’s largest electronics show, unveiled groundbreaking and innovative products and ideas. Now that the dust has settled from some of the show’s most eye-catching announcements (like an emotionally intelligent car), check out the biggest takeaways from CES 2023 and what they mean for the technology outlook in the year to come.
Metaverse Shifts Focus
After the metaverse had a year that was less successful than expected, many companies have shifted their metaverse focus toward education and productivity in 2023
For example, media company Dentsu International unveiled its metaverse campus, the Dentsu NXT Space, at CES 2023. The metaverse space was created in collaboration with dentsu, HeadOffice.Space, Microsoft, and LinkedIn. According to dentsu, this experimentation in the metaverse is to help guide clients through the space and showcase what can be achieved within it.
As for education, ROYBI, an AI learning robot that helps children learn about STEAM topics, is venturing into the metaverse. Called the RoybiVerse, this kid-friendly platform will offer stations for students to learn about a wide range of educational topics. The RoybiVerse will be accessible on VR devices and a website. It is expected to launch by mid-2023.
More Immersive VR/AR
The VR and AR industry grow in 2023, as proven by many companies unveiling new products at CES. For example, HTC unveiled the VIVE XR Elite, a modular designed headset that lets users choose between wearing them like eyeglasses or a headset. TCL, Razer, Lumus, and other companies also announced their additions to the field of wearable VR headsets.
A notable technology trend for 2023 is the integration of haptic technology into VR/AR devices. HaptX’s haptic gloves use microfluidic actuators to create tactile sensations in 133 zones per hand. Cables on the backs of the fingers simulate up to eight points of force feedback, allowing users to reach out, grab things, and feel them.
By using scentware cartridges, startup OVR Technology is even enabling users to smell in VR. As OVR’s CEO, Aaron Wisniewski, explained to us, “Scent’s role in emotion, memory, cognition, and behavior makes it an imperative aspect of an effective VR experience, both as a powerful driver of presence and immersion as well as to cue our mood and memories.” OVR’s wearable scent technology, ION, is coming later in 2023.
Cars Become More Tech-Focused
CES has become an increasingly popular opportunity for car companies to showcase and announce their upcoming technology innovations. CES 2023 was no exception. For example, BMW announced its futuristic i VIsion concept vehicle called Dee, which stands for “Digital Emotional Experience”. Thanks to a mixed-reality slider and E Ink technology, the color-changing car accompanies drivers through real-life situations on the roads and in their digital environment.
One 2023 automotive trend is the improvement of in-car entertainment through technology. Case in point, Sony and Honda debuted Afeela, their electric vehicle that will have self-driving technology. For in-car entertainment, digital blinders will shield the driver from the passenger side’s wall-to-wall dash screen so passengers can explore games from Epic Games and content from the Sony Studios library while in the car.
Other car companies have already announced innovative in-car entertainment. Notably, Stellantis announced plans to add Amazon’s Fire TV for Auto into its new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs. Hyundai also reported its plan to use technology from Nvidia’s cloud-based game service to stream games in cars.
Digital Health Tech Takes Forefront
Digital health and wellness technologies have been gaining popularity since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the numerous exhibits on display at CES prove that this industry will continue to be at the forefront of the tech world. One key piece of this industry is wearable digital health technology.
For example, Movano introduced its new smart ring, Evie, which is specifically designed to give women a full picture of their health. If cleared by the FDA, the ring will be the first consumer wearable that is also a medical device.
Epicore Biosystems also unveiled its new Connected Hydration sweat patch and app which are set to launch in the summer of 2023. The patch is the first electronic wearable that continuously measures sweat fluid and electrolyte losses while monitoring skin temperature and movement.
The Kitchen Is Getting Smarter
Now that the Matter Connectivity Standard is live, connected homes will become more common, and the kitchen will not be forgotten.
For instance, Samsung’s new Bespoke Home lineup, the company’s latest home appliances and services designed for a connected kitchen, will become available in 2023. The linkup includes a fridge that can stream TV and photos and an AI-powered oven that alerts users to prevent burning.
Smaller smart devices will also become more popular in the kitchen. For example, the latest smart kitchen device is a cutting board, with two smart cutting boards announced at CES. GE’s seriously smart Smart Mixer was also just released. The mixer’s Auto-Sense technology can even detect changes in the texture and viscosity of dough and automatically turn off when the dough is done.
Increased Value on Accessibility
One encouraging technology trend that will rise in 2023 is the increase of accessibility products. At CES, L’Oréal presented HAPTA, its handled, motorized lipstick applicator for those with limited hand or arm mobility. HAPTA’s system has smart motion controls and customizable attachments to enable precise application.
For gamers, Sony announced its first customizable controller for the PS5 that will remove barriers for players who can not use the standard controller. The flexible kit, codenamed Project Leonardo, will feature two circular gamepads with swappable buttons, ports for third-party accessories, and customizable inputs.
For more information on the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show, check out how the kitchen is getting smarter, a showcase of digital health products, and innovative products coming out this year.
