CES 2025: the biggest stories and best gadgets (Live)
Jan 10, 2025
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Allison Johnson, a consumer electronics expert; Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, a smart home specialist; and Victoria Song, a wearables analyst, share their insights on CES 2025. They highlight quirky gadgets like robotic vacuums with arms and whimsical phone toasters. The discussion also delves into the evolution of smart glasses and the challenges of integrating AI in everyday tech. The atmosphere is lively as they reflect on the practicality of this year's innovations amid a subdued CES landscape, inviting listeners to laugh while contemplating the future of gadgets.
CES 2025 showcased a more practical technology approach, highlighting a shift towards marketing strategies rather than groundbreaking gadgets in the industry.
Delta Airlines introduced AI-powered features in their Fly Delta app to enhance traveler experiences, emphasizing comfort and connectivity during flights.
The emergence of advanced robotic vacuums with AI functionalities indicates a trend towards increased household automation, focusing on convenience and efficiency.
Deep dives
Delta's Travel Innovations
Delta Airlines emphasizes the importance of a comfortable and curated flying experience for all travelers. Their Fly Delta app is set to enhance this experience with AI-powered features, allowing for efficient travel planning and connectivity. Additionally, there will be fast free Wi-Fi available to SkyMiles members on most domestic flights. These innovations highlight Delta's commitment to improving customer satisfaction and revolutionizing travel.
CES Trends and Observations
The current CES event reveals a more practical approach to technology compared to previous years, lacking standout gadgets that capture widespread attention. A notable observation is the presence of marketing professionals and executives at the event, suggesting a shift in focus towards deal-making and advertising strategies within the tech space. This change indicates that the excitement surrounding CES is not just about groundbreaking gadgets but is also influenced by the marketing angle. Attendees noted that this year lacks a single product that dominates the conversation.
Smart Home Technology and Marketing Changes
There has been a noticeable shift in the smart home market, with manufacturers increasingly trying to integrate advertising strategies into their products. Major brands like Meta are updating their advertising and community guidelines at CES, leading to consequential debates surrounding their business practices. This trend shows a transition in the technology industry towards a more transactional mindset rather than one focused solely on innovation. As marketers gain more influence, discussions around smart home technology are likely to evolve significantly.
The Evolution of Smart Television
Samsung's Frame TV line represents a cultural rather than purely technological trend, emphasizing aesthetics over performance. Despite criticisms regarding its technical capabilities, the Frame TV has gained popularity due to its appeal as a statement piece in modern homes. It straddles the line between art and technology, offering features like an art gallery experience when turned off. However, its underlying technology may not be as advanced as consumers perceive, sparking discussions about the future of entertainment devices.
Robotics Innovations and Future Possibilities
The emergence of robotic vacuums with advanced functionalities, such as AI-powered arms and legs for picking up objects, signifies a leap in household automation. These robots aim to solve common challenges associated with traditional vacuums by integrating features that allow them to manipulate household items. However, while many innovations are promising, concerns about their practicality and user-friendliness remain. This segment of the tech landscape showcases how robotics are becoming more integral in everyday life, especially regarding convenience and efficiency.
Smart Glasses: A Mixed Reality Future
The landscape of smart glasses is evolving, with various companies showcasing innovative designs and functionalities at CES. Technologies like translation displays in glasses suggest potential real-world applications, such as breaking language barriers. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that these glasses are lightweight, fashionable, and provide enough utility to justify their use. As companies experiment with styles and features, the future of smart glasses remains uncertain, yet full of possibilities for integration into daily life.
In this special live episode of The Vergecast, from the Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas, it's time to talk CES. Nilay and David run through some of the show's biggest stories, plus the Meta news that dominated the conversations all week in Vegas. Then Allison Johnson, Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, and Victoria Song join the show to talk about all the newest, best, weirdest, and worst gadgets they've seen this year. AI is everywhere, everyone's making smart glasses, the smart home might be turning a corner, and we've seen it all this week.
Thanks to everyone who came out to the live show! And if you couldn't make it, stay tuned — this won't be the last time we all get to hang out.
