The annual Consumer Electronic Show for 2024 (CES 2024) has come and gone. Yes, the annual pilgrimage to the den of consumerism has run its course in Las Vegas. So it is no surprise that the other day I came across an article about some of the novelties and far-out technologies presented at the show this year.
To begin with, apparently this year was an unusual year because there were 1400 startups attending the show, which is a departure from the past where the show was often dominated by the big technology and car (electric/hybrid) companies. We don’t know how much of their annual budgets these startups sunk into attending this show, but I just wonder how many of these companies will still be active－or have been successfully acquired－ when CES 2025 rolls around.
Among the highlights of the presentations mentioned in the article were transparent TVs which were like glass and allowed to see through when not on, picture frames carrying hidden speakers so that you can dazzle your guests with music coming from nowhere. There were also internet routers that hide behind picture frames to stay out of site. There were also self-parking cars, and a few other concept or prototype electric cars that apparently lit up the show.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) obviously had a big presence, finding its way into many daily gadgets. They included such devices as AI powered bird feeder, AI powered binoculars that detect birds, AI based home robots, AI powered lighting for game sessions, lighting to monitor your mood, and on and on. Yes, as usual, lots of useful AI applications for humanity!
My ultimate ‘ridicule’ AI application, though, goes to the AI powered cat flap whose picture recognition AI supposed to detect if your friendly cat is bringing his/her catch home to eat, and blocks the entrance!
Once again, we see a slew of AI-based publicity gadgets that sound sexy, but in reality are rather useless for humanity. But when it comes to save the 45% of children's deaths in the world that are the consequence of hunger and related illnesses, even though we produce enough food for everyone on earth, we don’t hear of AI doing f**k all. I guess keeping the Swiss homes free of cat-murdered mice through AI is more fun than finding a solution to hunger.
Paris, February 15, 2024,
Zeejay