By Laura Kobylecky

In an online session entitled “CES 2022 Tech Trends to Watch,” Steve Koenig VP of Research at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) talks about the behaviors, global trends, and emerging technologies to watch out for this year.

Consumers Level Up

One trend that Koenig observes is consumers “leveling up” their technology in a sort of “home makeover.” situation. He describes this overall trend by saying that consumers “want a 21st-century lifestyle.”

Consumers leveling up their technology in a sort of home makeover situation #TechTrends #CES2022
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This lifestyle may include “smart technology.” People are purchasing more IoT technology in order to have a connected home that serves their needs and wants more efficiently. These smart technology devices may have “attached services” instead of being “just a simple, dumb, device.”

These devices include things like “connected fitness.” Products like this can track progress of individuals with IoT tech or be connected to online experiences.   Koenig explains that “research has shown if you buy one or two products you tend to want more.” So, after these smart home purchases are made, these customers may continue to expand their ownership in that area. Koenig emphasizes that this trend is a worldwide phenomenon.

The average consumer now subscribes to 8 streaming services #TechTrends #CES2022
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More growth has also occurred in the field of “premium brands.” Koenig describes this as a “simmering” trend that has risen over time. He points to Beats headphones and Nintendo Switch as good examples of premium brands that has been embraced by consumers. According to Koenig, consumers want that premium brand experience, and “maybe we’re willing to open our wallets a little bit wider to get that,” he says, adding that this trend increased with the pandemic as more and more people decided to level up their tech.

Another area of growth is the increasing use of subscription services. Koenig says that “customers’ zeal for services” is growing in the socially distant world. The average customer is subscribed to eight services. These “pandemic pivots” are a “product of this season of the pandemic” and according to Koenig, this increasing use of subscription services is set to continue into the future.

Fixing Problems

One pandemic trend that Koenig hopes will end soon, is the issue of the “supply chain.” He shows a chart highlighting how this issue has increased during the pandemic.

Technology could help address future supply chain issues so that they don't affect the industry so badly as they have done during the pandemic #TechTrends #CES2022
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The chart also shows that shipping costs are already going down, so the trend may not remain so severe in the future. He mentions some technology solutions that could relate to this issue, like the possible use of “autonomous trucks.” He says that several companies at CES may be relevant to that future.

Another issue in the supply chain is the “chip shortage.” Koenig says that some semiconductor fabrication plants are responding by increasing their productivity, adding additional shifts to increase production. He also mentions that new chip fabs are being built, but that this solution will take years to address the issue. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are semiconductor fabrication plants.

Trends in Innovation and Industry

 Koenig also sees some larger, relevant, and potentially-positive trends. 5G is a part of this vision. He explains that 5G will “provide the connective tissue for a lot of innovation in this decade.” This 5G wireless generation will be a bit unique in that it is turning away from the previous generations’ “consumer focus.” 5G is “the first wireless generation that will be led by the enterprise and not by the consumer” according to Koenig.

The “real value of 5G” is “the enterprise quotient” and the possible use of this technology in things like industrial IoT #CES2022 #TechTrends
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He says the “real value of 5G” is “the enterprise quotient” and the possible use of this technology in things like industrial IoT. Industry can use IoT to keep their production connected in real-time using the increased connectivity made possible by 5G. Also, data centers are increasingly pushing more things to the cloud and 5G will be crucial in making that happen efficiently.

Another big trend that Koenig mentions is the growth of AI. He says that it’s getting better and better, and that this may allow for transformative new applications and use cases. He uses the “see and spray” function of the new John Deere tractor presented at CES 2022 as a good example of this: This function uses AI to differentiate between plants and weeds and targets pesticides at the weeds, reducing the overall pesticide use.

And of course, the Metaverse

Koenig sees the Metaverse as “the next generation of the Internet that will convey increasingly immersive digital experiences.” This Internet will “become inextricably linked with our physical reality,” he says.

According to Koenig, “the metaverse is closer than you think” and “the building blocks are already present and in place.” According to his reckoning, haptics and volumetric video technology will help make the metaverse more realistic and immersive. Cloud technology combined with the “robust connectivity” of 5G will make this world more possible. He cheekily reminds the audience that “Ready Player One was set in the year 2045,” so perhaps we should begin to anticipate that future.

The Metaverse is the next generation of the Internet that will convey increasingly immersive digital experiences #CES2022 #TechTrends
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CES 2022 may be over, but the online content and video on demand sessions remain available until January 31. And CES remains an interesting place to become aware of the future of technology. Keep your eyes wide open to see which of these trends continue and which of these predictions come true in 2022.

Laura Kobylecky is a contributing writer to Tech Trends. She is particularly interested in new and emerging technology and culture. Connect with her on LinkedIn 

The post #CES2022 Tech Trends to Watch appeared first on Tech Trends.

CES 2022 provides a forum where companies can share their med tech innovations with a larger audience.

SweatID: Are You Thirsty?

Dehydration is a problem for many people, especially during a workout (or walking around at a convention). Finding a precise level of hydration to optimize performance is a challenge. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can cause “cramping and poor performance, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, seizures, arrhythmias, kidney failure, and even death.”

The makers of SweatID assert that “current fitness bands do not monitor hydration.” This leads to a gap in information. People doing high-sweat activities may need to measure both hydration and electrolyte levels. Being able to measure these levels in real-time, could allow people to be more efficient with their hydration and improve their athletic performance.

SweatID is here to help with those issues. The SweatID system is “a nonwoven fabric sensor” that provides “real-time hydration information by selectively targeting sodium levels on the skin.” It provides users with data so they can accurately maintain an optimal level of hydration.

#CES2022 remained an interesting place to learn about new innovations
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The sensor is disposable and can be placed in reusable clothing (like a sweatband). The sensor collects data (wirelessly with Bluetooth) and sends that data to the related app. The app then uses the data to determine if the user has a “low, medium, or high-sodium concentration” and recommends a specific “hydration strategy” based on the user’s body chemistry.

Adam’s Hand: A Bionic Prosthetic

One exciting med tech innovation at CES is “Adam’s Hand.” BionIT Labs, creator of Adam’s Hand, claims it is “world’s first fully adaptive bionic hand.”

This device is a “poly-articulated hand prosthesis.” According to BionIT Labs, most bionic prostheses currently on the market require that the user perform a “complicated muscle contraction” in order to choose a “preset grip pattern.” Adam’s Hand “allows the fingers to automatically adapt to the shape and size of grasped objects. Once a user chooses to open or close the hand, the device automatically uses the “most suitable gripping pattern.”

The device is designed with other practical features. An orthopedic technician can replace the “field-serviceable” fingers directly. This means that users can get repairs done quickly and conveniently “without the need to send the device to the headquarters.”

BionIT Labs, creator of Adam’s Hand, claims it is world's first fully adaptive bionic hand #CES2022
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Stainless steel and aviation grade aluminum are used to manufacture the finger joints and internal mechanisms. Impact-resistant techno-polymers are used for the frame and phalanges. These materials help the device remain robust while maintaining the lowest weight possible.

The device uses a “ThunderCell power system.” This is “an interchangeable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 950 mAh” and it can be recharged in roughly one hour. It has a waterproof design. This current model (the EB02) uses haptic feedback to give users useful information. Remote firmware updates can be done using the “MyoLogic” app. The 9-axis motion sensor allows for tracking the position of the socket in the space so that the user can carry out “personalized training” and “optimize the use and calibration” of the Adam’s Hand.

AI algorithms are integrated into the Adam’s Hand. This allows the MyoLogic app to guide users through the learning process and simplify its use by adapting the operation of the device to the unique muscle tone of each user.

CES Pet Med Tech:

People really care about their pets. So it should come as no surprise that companies at CES are also concerned about med tech for pets. The iPetWearR, a CES 2022 Innovation Awards honoree, is one innovation that may please pet owners who are looking for futuristic new ways to keep their pet healthy.

The iPetWeaR was created by Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). It is a lightweight, wearable, device that can be attached to a pet’s collar near the pet’s neck or chest. It uses “low power Doppler radar technology developed by ITRI” that detection pulse and chest motion. The means that the device doesn’t require direct contact with the skin. The device is lightweight and suitable for indoor or outdoor conditions.

The iPetWeaR is a lightweight, wearable, device that can be attached to a pet’s collar near the pet’s neck or chest
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Once the iPetWeaR is placed, it can detect vital signs and physical activity level. The device can track and record “heart rate, breathing, sleep/awake status, and activity.” It is accompanied by an app that alerts users to abnormalities, displays real-time data and keeps long-term records.

Conclusion

These three companies are all using technology to create interesting products that may be helpful to people (and pets) in the future. These products range from hydration to prosthetics to pets, but they all may make a difference. CES 2022 remained an interesting place to learn about new innovations.

Laura Kobylecky is a contributing writer to Tech Trends. She is particularly interested in new and emerging technology and culture. Connect with her on LinkedIn 

The post Med Tech at #CES2022 appeared first on Tech Trends.

By Laura Kobylecky

CES In Person 2022

In 2021, CES shifted to an online platform They replicated some of the experiences with video feeds, live chat and some interactive experiences.

This year CES became a hybrid event. On December 22, The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) confirmed that there would indeed be an in person CES event in Las Vegas on January 5-8. This event was to be paired with the online version that would include “digital access” to their online venue.

#CES2022 received 42 exhibitor cancellations for their in-person event
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They had received 42 exhibitor cancellations for their in-person event. Their press released emphasized that this was “less than 7% of our exhibit floor” and that they’ve had “added 60 new exhibitors for our in person event.” CES explained that they were making steps to ensure “a socially distanced but worthwhile and productive event.” These steps included “vaccination requirement, masking, and availability of COVID-19 tests” as well as social distancing measures.

On December 25^th Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) wrote an opinion piece for the Las Vegas Review-Journal discussing the decision to have an in person CES in 2022. He explained:

“CES will and must go on. It will have many more small companies than large ones. It may have big gaps on the show floor. Certainly, it will be different from previous years. It may be messy. But innovation is messy. It is risky and uncomfortable.

On December 31, 2021 CTA announced further safety measures for the event. They cut the last day of the event and announced that the new dates for the in-person event would be January 5-7, 2022. They confirmed that “All attendees must be FULLY vaccinated against COVID-19.” Anyone who was unable to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination would not receive a CES 2022 badge.

Attendees must pick up their own badges before entering CES show facilities. In order to receive the badge they must use “CLEAR’s free mobile app and Health Pass feature to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination” or go to a designated Customer Service Center location or airport locations to show their COVID-19 vaccine documentation.

Innovation is messy. It is risky and uncomfortable #CES2022
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CES gave attendees one “complimentary Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test kit” which contains two tests, takes 15 minutes, and requires a “shallow nasal swab.” It was requested that the attendees take a COVID-19 test “less than 24 hours before entering a CES venue.”

The in-person event also has a variety of health and safety requirements. Attendees must wear masks in the exhibit facilities and booths, in keynote and conference rooms, and on the CES shuttles. Additionally CES provides “complimentary RT-PCR testing for attendees who are traveling back to their international destination and who require a test to travel.”

The list of companies that canceled their in-person presence includes:

• Lenovo
• T-Mobile
• Amazon
• Meta
• Intel
• General Motors
• Google
• AMD
• MSI
• Proctor & Gamble
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• iHeartRadio

Online CES

For the online CES experience, there are similarities to CES 2021. Like last year, there will be on-demand streaming content from the event and that content will remain active until January 31^st. Last year, on-demand streaming content was available throughout the duration of the conference.

#CES2022 attendees must wear masks in the exhibit facilities and booths, in keynote and conference rooms, and on the CES shuttles
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This year is different. As of January 7^th, most of the on-demand content is not yet available. CTA customer service confirmed via email that the on-demand content “will be uploaded within the next couple of days.”

However, at the moment, some of the some of the main keynotes are available for streaming including: Samsung Keynote, CTA State of the Industry Keynote, General Motors Keynote and Abbott Keynote

During the event, some of the sessions are live-streamed on the four available channels. There is a chat section where people watching can interact or comment. The digital venue includes an “explore” section where you can search through the list of exhibitors and attendees.

Once again CES has made an admirable attempt at adapting to an ever-shifting landscape and creating new experiences for the attendees
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On the exhibitor page, you may get a bit of information about the company, connect with some of their representatives or see some media or a press release. Some of the companies have microsites that were made specifically to support their CES presence. On the attendee page, you have to option to chat or connect with attendees.

For more social fun CES, added a “mingle” function. The “mingle” connects you to a total stranger who is a fellow attendee of CES. The introductions are based on “your profile,” most likely using the various “interests” that you can select. You have no idea who you are talking to beforehand, just allow access to your camera and microphone and enjoy the total surprise. The experience lasts for three minutes before you are connected to another unexpected person. After the chat, you have the option to “connect” with the person you spoke to.

Overall the online version of CES seems scaled back compared to 2021. The online experience will be enhanced when the on-demand streaming content becomes available. Once again CES has made an admirable attempt at adapting to an ever-shifting landscape and creating new experiences for the attendees.

Laura Kobylecky is a contributing writer to Tech Trends. She is particularly interested in new and emerging technology and culture. Connect with her on LinkedIn 

The post #CES2022: A Hybrid Event appeared first on Tech Trends.