Siri and Alexa’s favorite conference… This week, tech companies (cautiously) headed to the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas to show off their latest gadgets. This year’s event happened IRL after going virtual in 2021, but major players like Amazon, Google, and Meta opted to attend virtually because of Omicron. Some of the headliners:
Smarter wheels: GM introduced its first hands-free-driving system, and Daimler showed off a Mercedes EV with a record-breaking 648-mile range. Amazon and Google launched new operating systems for your car’s dash. John Deere showed off its first self-driving tractor, and Sony plugged plans to make its own EVs that feature PlayStation games.
Smarter wearables: Apple Watch has company. Movano demoed a ring that monitors heart rate and oxygen levels. Vivoo showed off a system that monitors nutrient levels through urine samples. Withings’ WiFi-connected scale measures heart rhythm and nerve activity, and Mojo Visions’ display-connected AR contacts could help athletes track their performance.
Smarter houses: Kohler introduced a $3K voice-controlled tub so that you can fill your bath while making pasta, Samsung rolled out a TV remote that recharges wirelessly with sunlight or WiFi waves, and Amazon released tools designed to let Alexa control smart devices made by rivals like Google and Apple (#hijacked).
To own the system, companies are getting smarter… Sales of connected hardware products like Ring doorbells and Fitbits bring in big sales for Amazon and Google. But smart products also give tech giants an opportunity to own the operating systems that power networks of gadgets. Think: Someone who uses Alexa to turn on their faucet (a real thing) is more likely to use Alexa to unlock their car or order groceries on Prime.