4 biggest trends from CES Asia
Last week saw Asia’s finest tech minds descended on Shanghai for the second annual CES Asia. Covering an area roughly the size of four soccer pitches the event showcases emerging technology from this part of the world and attracts more than 32,000 visitors. So we’ve strolled up and down every aisle to bring you the five biggest trends from CES Asia 2016.
It’s worth noting that some of China’s biggest smartphone brands were absent from the show. In fact, Huawei’s Kevin Ho (president of handset product line) stole most of the headlines not with a new launch, but with his opening keynote speech that made terrifying predictions for the future.
1. VR, AR and MR for the masses
It didn’t matter which hall, or which aisle of the 32,000 square meters of emerging tech you walked down,at least five exhibitors could be found touting their VR, MR or AR creds. Being China we did see some of the brands demonstrating “new” products that looked remarkably similar to Microsoft’s Hololens and Apple’s glasses, but on the whole most offerings were much less cumbersome than the Oculus Rift. Dlodlo’sV Ones are hard to distinguish from a normal of pair of sunglasses, and promise the highest resolution on the market, sadly they are still only at prototype stage.
Intel were offering to create a digital replica of your face by scanning it with their RealSense technology and embedding it into a short animation- which won a CES Best of the Best award. And many gaming brands focused on periphery VR, AR and MR equipment that could improve gesture control and provide resistance to make the the digital experience feel more lifelike.
So, “if you’re not already producing VR content, now’s the time to be taking it seriously, especially if content plays an important role in your marketing strategy,” says Shannon Dix, Director of Client Services, Sapient Nitro China.
2. Robots are ready
With 65 per cent of global robotic spend and investment happening in Asia its no surprise that CES ASIA held its first robot catwalk. Avatarmind’siPal had to be one of the cutest to hit the runway. Specifically designed for interacting, playing and teaching children the iPal can understand and respond to natural language as well as act as an expensive babysitter. But most importantly it’s a great platform for brands to start innovating on today.
The star robotic performance at CES Asia 2016 was CowaRobot’s Robotic Travel Buddy. This super high tech suitcase follows you around the airport hands-free. A wearable device and sensors allow the case to track your movements and follow behind you as you walk. It also comes with an app-controlled locking device, a portable power source for charging a mobile device and GPS tracking.
Aside from mobility robots for transporting goods, and nimbler versions that can be guided remotely to provide video streaming and conferencing, a lot of the robot technology was aimed at entertainment and novelty. WowWee’s robot dog called Chip is one fun example, this pup can follow commands, fetch a ball and evolves its personality to your preferences.
3. Smarter homes
One of the show’s most popular themes was the Internet of Things. No household product is safe from the people with silicon chips; we saw lights, coffee machines, pianos and even juicers that had been hooked up to Wi-Fi and were being controlled by a smartphone app.
Surprisingly it was the humble fridge that got the team at Razorfish most excited. JD.com’s 3 System Fridge fridge had shelf sensors and a large internal camera that registered when food was placed inside. This information was then displayed on a smart screen on the front of the fridge door that not only alerts you when an expiry date is coming close, but can order your next grocery list based on the contents of your fridge. The Joy Link platform connects your fridge with all your digital devices. So it can also push recipes to the fridge’s smart screen based on what’s sitting on the shelves inside. “It’s a highly attractive platform for brands wanting to offer automated ordering, bespoke discounts and advertising content,” says Freeman Chiu, Experience Strategy Director, Razorfish China.
Evolving on from the Amazon Dash button is NodOn’s NIU smart button. These customizable buttons are ordered online and can be designed to trigger any digital action that’s often repeated. For example, you can order a NIU physical press button that can ring your partner, order laundry detergent or place your favourite pizza delivery order.
4. Drones are here to hover
Hands up if you thought drones were just digital novelties for aviation fans and amateur photographers? Well, if CES Asia is anything to go by they’ll soon be delivering our post, taking our pulse and sticking closer than a shadow.
More than 50 companies were demonstrating drone technology supporting PwC’s recent claim that the industry will be worth USD 127 billion by 2020.
The drones at the show came in all shapes and sizes, carrying more sensors than went to the moon. There were infra-red cameras, tracking devices, self-navigation sensors and the world’s smallest and lightest drone, the MotaJetJat Nano. So they’ll be answering our calls, responding to emails and taking selfies in no time!
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