International CES (more commonly known as the Consumer Electronics Show) attracts major companies from all across the world to Las Vegas, Nev. Although it has been around since 1967, over the last decade media coverage has reached global prominence. Whilst the products on display are largely aimed at consumers, they often have a wider reaching appeal with implications for businesses the world over.
This year the event took place from January 6 through Jan. 9, and the show courted the expected mass media interest. CES is renowned for debuting major technological innovations, such as the VHS (1970), camcorder (1981), CD (1991), and Blu-Ray Disc (2003). In 2006 the event was marked by a surge of digital content services, heralding a new era of business strategies. 2015 has been no different, displaying an extravagant array of devices from the unique to the baffling. Here is a roundup of the best from a remarkable show.
HP Stream 200-010 Mini
"Mighty power. Tiny size," reads HP's marketing campaign for their intriguing computer. At two inches in height, the cloud-connected Stream Mini has the “power of a traditional PC and at an affordable price.” It will be energy efficient and run quietly courtesy of its 45 watts of power, with desktop features such as Windows 8.1, an Intel processor, and dual monitor support available from. It comes with 32GB of storage, which is why HP have emphasised the need for cloud storage. Certainly a device which will save a lot of room in any office.
RealSense
Intel’s device is a gesture and voice controlled peripheral 3D camera. RealSense created much excitement due to comparisons with the 2002 science-fiction film Minority Report, in which Tom Cruise’s character is often scene controlling a computer with hand gestures. It does work in a similar fashion, but on a business level the expectation is for a new level of video conferencing and video calling. On a collaborative front the technology will enable an enhanced interactive experience for businesses. This could also suggest the humble mouse has a limited shelf life.
Wearables
Wearable computers continue to receive a mixed response. The most famous to date has been Google Glass, which debuted with a test run in 2014. At CES, however, wearable concepts became more inconspicuous.
Intel’s busy show continued with Curie, a button sized computer. They describe it as, "a complete low-power solution designed for companies interested in developing wearable technology solutions." This is the device, then, which could go a long way to making wearable devices more accessible.
Smartwatches are an example of impending wearable technology, and they were everywhere at CES 2015. Currently they have primarily been aimed at fitness fanatics (most monitor calories burned, distance walked, and sleep patterns), there is no reason smartwatches can't be adapted for business-related purposes as the technology develops.
Nvidia "Superchip"
The Nvidia Tegra X1 has been dubbed a “superchip” due to its 256 processor cores, 64 bit CPU, and "unbeatable 4K video capabilities." The company are rightfully proud of their latest work, which will be suitable for computers, cars, and mobile phones. It marks a moment in history when devices are becoming more energy and cost efficient, which is good news for all businesses.
StoreDot’s Mobile Charging Revolution
Israeli startup company StoreDot has produced a mobile charger which recharges a phone in around a minute. Dazed onlookers, such as the BBC, described this as “what feels like a modern-day technological miracle.” The technology promises that soon, frustratingly short battery life and long charging times may be a thing of the past.
Alongside this the company are producing a device for electric vehicles. These are currently renowned for long charging times, which are detrimental to their marketability. Within a year Storedot plan to have a device able to charge a car in three minutes – they have described this as a “game-changer” and it could indeed be the turning moment for electric vehicles.
3D Printing
3D printing refuses to leave the news. It astounds us with its potential, looks ever-enticing for businesses, and yet remains frustratingly out of reach. The burgeoning industry has made such an impact Netflix commissioned an official documentary – Print The Legend premiered in 2014 and details the growth of the industry.
Ubiquitous at CES 2015, 3D printing has the potential to transform business practices. Voxel8 were arguably offering the most innovative technology, with what they have called "The world's first 3D electronics printer." Their 3D printer allows users to "co-print matrix materials such as thermoplastics and highly conductive silver inks enabling customized electronic devices."
3D printing legends MakerBot were naturally in attendance and unveiled new software and services to make the technology more affordable and accessible. This included new printing materials such as wood, bronze, iron, and metal. The company explained, "With these new materials, the potential of the swappable MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder will start to be realized. In just minutes, you will be able to swap in a new extruder optimized for these innovative filaments. Then you will be ready to create prototypes that look and feel like the real thing."
2015 should be the year this technology becomes increasingly available for businesses and consumers.
Zvr Virtual Reality System
HP’s virtual reality concept was showcased extensively at CES. There are hopes it can be used in hospitals, education, and engineering, although the implications are it would make a useful training tool for some businesses. On their official blog, HP believe the system can reduce "the barriers between the digital and physical world." It is expected in spring 2015.
Facebook are working on a virtual reality headset, the Oculus Rift, although this appears to function as more of a games console.
Nokia 215
Microsoft unveiled a remarkably priced phone at the show. Modern phone users will be used to high prices, devices capable of doing almost anything, and short battery life. The Nokia 215 will cost around $29 and comes with an Opera Mini Browser, Facebook Messenger, and the ability to run other apps. It will also offer a radio, flashlight, camera, and -- above everything -- a battery life of a month. Whilst it is unlikely to overcome Apple’s continuing mobile domination, the device does offer a cost-effective phone as a backup. It should be released in the next few months.
