By The Associated Press’s Wyatte Grantham-Philips
The annual trade expo for everything tech, New York (AP)CES, is coming up soon.
This week marks the beginning of the Consumer Technology Association’s multi-day event in Las Vegas, where a wide range of the newest devices and innovations from a variety of industries, including personal technology, transportation, health care, sustainability, and more, will be on show. Artificial intelligence is also present everywhere, just like it was last year.
According to the CTA, CES 2024 drew over 138,000 participants, and organizers anticipate at least that many for this year’s event. This week, more than 4,500 exhibitors—including 1,400 startups—are expected to occupy 2.5 million net square feet of floor space.
When these individuals come together and concentrate on resolving some of the most pressing issues facing the globe, magic happens. Prior to this week’s performance, Gary Shapiro, the CTA’s CEO and vice chair, told The Associated Press.
CES, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, attracts exhibitors and spectators from all over the world. According to Shapiro, organizers anticipate that about 50,000 participants will be from outside the United States. In addition to a variety of startups, well-known corporations including Nvidia, Delta Air Lines, Honda, Volvo, Panasonic, and L Or al. are scheduled to attend this year.
This year, there might be a little more security. Less than a week has passed since a highly decorated Army veteran shot himself in a Tesla Cybertruck loaded with explosives before it exploded outside of President-elect Donald Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas, which is close to a large portion of the trade show’s scheduled event area. CES 2025 comes just one week later.
During 2025 CES Unveiled, which takes place on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Las Vegas, Mustard presents their new consumer range of AI smart glasses with integrated privacy protections. (Photo by Jack Dempsey/AP)AP
Although he was unable to provide more specifics, Shapiro stated that organizers and officials frequently collaborate on event safety and that some minor adjustments were made in reaction to prior incidents.
Shapiro discussed what to anticipate at CES 2025 with the AP. The dialogue has been condensed for length and clarity.
A. With an emphasis on a range of topics crucial to humanity’s future, CES 2025 will represent a remarkable advancement in innovation and technology. With literally miles and miles of exhibit area, more than 4,000 businesses will be present. Additionally, they will demonstrate answers to basic human issues including mobility, access to clean water, clean air, and food, as well as medical technologies.
We have more recent categories as well. For instance, we are witnessing an increase in technology for the disabled population. We anticipate that this year will see an even greater presence of products that can help persons with impairments, as they did last year. All things considered, the show is helping humanity and utilizing creativity and technology to bridge the gaps where much more work has to be done.
Q. This year, AI is all over again. Are there any particular patterns that we should be aware of?
A. Generative AI is having an impact on almost every field. At CES this week, almost all of the main exhibitors will discuss AI in some capacity. For firms, productivity and enterprise are more important. For people, however, it’s about customization.
On Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Las Vegas, LiberLive will display its stringless guitar at the 2025 CES Unveiled. (Photo courtesy of Jack Dempsey)AP
Exhibitors like PC businesses will be concentrating on customization in their new products for the PC and laptop industry. Additionally, AI is being utilized in mobility, not simply in self-driving cars and its characteristics. It covers a wide range of automobiles, including farm equipment made by firms like John Deere and Caterpillar.
What kind of oversight exists regarding the devices and merchandise that we will be seeing at CES this week?
A, Government regulation is welcomed by the industry that represents the participating corporations. It is the responsibility of the government to declare this to be dangerous. As a result, businesses are aware of what is and is not permissible. Finding that balance is a major problem for every nation, though, as it can be difficult if the government stifles innovation.
Q, What effects may proposed tariffs on imports from the incoming Trump administration have on consumer items like those on display at CES?
A, We anticipate that the Trump administration will adopt a much more pro-business stance that encourages innovation, which is crucial, and includes a focus on various energy sources. Tariffs, however, are taxes. We also know that consumers pay for them and that they cause inflation.
The prosperity of the United States would be severely impacted if we implemented the measures that the president-elect has indicated he may implement. Depending on how these tariffs are implemented, we project that some of the proposals will result in price hikes of between 30 and 50 percent for commonplace items like PCs, smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and a variety of other items that consumers currently find to be very affordable. As a result, fewer people will have access to these goods. Naturally, other nations may then target U.S. exports in retaliation. That’s not the path we want to go.
Q. In the wake of the Cybertruck explosion last week, is CES implementing any additional safety measures?
A. Safety has always been CES’s first priority. We collaborate with federal, state, local, and facility officials for a lot of planning, but that’s about all we can discuss. In light of the recent occurrences, we have made a few small adjustments, but we always aim to improve.
At the 2025 CES Unveiled on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Las Vegas, the Kirin Electric Salt spoon attracts salt to the tongue by passing a moderate electric current through the food around the tongue, intensifying the salt flavor. (Photo courtesy of Jack Dempsey)AP
Q, CES also comes a month after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was shot and killed. Have businesses asked for extra security for the CEOs attending?
A, I believe businesses are eager to visit this place. Additionally, the requests we have received have been incredibly isolated.
It’s really unique to have top CEOs here, especially in the wake of COVID. People are interested in visiting Las Vegas, taking advantage of the chance to meet in person, and experiencing the serendipity and discovery that come with establishing these business relationships in person. CES and other trade exhibitions are crucial to the world because of this.
Technology
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!