The Future Comes to Play at CES 2021
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2021 may have been virtual, but it was still a playground of innovation and excitement. From flying taxis to personal robot assistants, the event showcased groundbreaking technology that will improve our world, from health to safety, sustainability, and accessibility.
Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, tech companies innovated and came up with smart solutions to address the crisis. CES 2021 featured smart masks, disinfecting robots, body sensors that detect COVID-19 symptoms, and smart air filtration systems.
Consumer privacy and trust were also key topics at the expo. The heads of privacy at Amazon, Google, and Twitter discussed new privacy regulations and the need to increase consumer trust. They emphasized that tech companies must give users more control over their data.
The Global Tech Challenge, launched at CES 2020, in partnership with the World Bank and CTA, rewards tech solutions in three areas: digital health in East Africa, resilience in India, and gender equality around the world. The selected winners were announced this week from more than 1000 applications, with three winners selected for gender equality, 10 for resilience, and 17 for digital health.
NASA and leaders from Lockheed Martin and Space Tango also discussed technology’s role in accelerating space research and breakthroughs that will benefit all of humanity.
But let’s not forget about the fun stuff. CES 2021 had some exciting new developments in the world of entertainment, including an 8K TV that will make you feel like you’re right in the action and a new VR system that will blow your mind. It’s like stepping into a whole new world, without ever leaving your living room.
The all-digital CES keynote stage saw some of the biggest players in the tech industry make major announcements. Verizon’s CEO demonstrated the potential of immersive 5G experiences in sports, education, and live music, and announced partnerships with big names like the NFL and the Smithsonian. General Motors launched new product lines, including an air taxi concept and a new business unit to electrify the goods delivery market. AMD’s CEO revealed the new Ryzen 5000 series mobile processors, while Best Buy’s CEO discussed how the company shifted during the pandemic to put the customer in control.
Mastercard’s CEO and Accenture’s CEO predicted tech trends for the next decade, while Walmart’s CEO discussed how 5G, AI, and robotics will change the business while committing to diversity and inclusion. Microsoft’s president gave his vision on ensuring cybersecurity and customer privacy protection and discussed the tech industry’s responsibility to exercise ethical conscience.
Finally, Maverick Carter of The Springhill Co., NIKE’s VP of North America Marketing, and General Motors’ Global CMO discussed how marketers and brands are adjusting and creating in today’s landscape.
All-in-all, CES 2021 was a glimpse into the future of technology. From addressing the pandemic to improving entertainment, from personal robot assistants to flying taxis, the expo showcased the best of what tech has to offer. And while some may argue that technology is making us lazy, we say bring on the robots!
