ces – cool news from the floor: limitless video locations

CES wouldn’t be CES without cutting-edge innovation. Advances in new technology and how we interact with our world through our devices continues to change and evolve. Here’s a glimpse into what we picked up over the last several days at CES:

• 3D TVs/4K – In 2011, or even as recently as last year at CES, the presence of so many 3-D TVs on the showroom floor led us all to believe the future of 3-D televisions seemed brighter than a retina display; in 2013, manufacturers, techies, and average people alike are now decidedly more interested in “ultra HD” 2-D screens & Connected or “Smart” TVs which, rather than attempt to replace the average living room viewing experience, work to make the existing experience richer with 4K resolution or OLED. 

• With 20/20 hindsight we can see the tell-tale reasons why the populace at large was less-than-quick to latch onto the ‘next best thing’ in TV technology – for starters, the price (steep, even for technology-philes - people who usually aren’t particularly cost-conscious), then you have to worry about the glasses. If you hate looking for the remote, expect much of the same ‘struggle’ with 3-D glasses. Manufacturers like Samsung heard consumers, and as a result, the floor at CES in 2013 is notably void of 3-D TV overkill. Now 3-D printers? Can’t imagine what’s to come in 2015.
• Transparent Screens – Transparent 3D televisions and touchscreens were also on display at CES this year (Minority Report anyone?). The LCD screen uses ambient light instead of back light units, which allows the user to see right through the screen. Also, the monitor uses significantly less electricity to power. Word is they are close to being sold commercially in China. As you can see here, and here, transparent screens have the potential to be a game-changer in the retail space. This could be the beginning of something big.
• Car as a Device – TV, mobile, tablet, laptop…car? Ford announced this week they will give app developers a peak into Ford Sync in an effort to ramp up the number of apps it currently has. This could unlock the key for further adoption in terms of these types of connected services being a “must-have” in new vehicles for consumers. Last year, Mercedes Benz presented their “augmented reality” windshields, which allows drivers to connect with others and take in information about a local restaurant on the road. The windshield becomes an interactive screen – point at a certain area, and make a reservation. Point to another and learn about when that statue you just drove by was built. Internet connectivity in vehicles is becoming more of the norm and further shows that cars will just be another way to get connected, just as we do with our phones. And perhaps further down the road, another way for marketers to reach consumers. It’s just another connected screen, right?

This year CES proved it is clear the numbers of devices and spaces (shopping windows, automobiles) where video can be consumed is expanding almost at a limitless rate.