The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas provides the opportunity for technology companies to debut their new products set for release in the new year.
Keynote addresses, interactive displays and a variety of exhibits comprised the Jan. 6-9 conference that occupied three separate locations across Las Vegas.
Smaller companies are able to use the CES platform to break into the mainstream market with new, cutting-edge products.
It is estimated by conference officials that 365 start-up companies hosted exhibits at Eureka Park, an area designated for new innovators.
LG Electronics made an impact on tech enthusiasts with its latest innovations set to hit the market in the upcoming months. LG introduced a new washing machine that increases cleaning efficiency with a smaller washer attached to the main unit.
Samantha Cockrell, senior psychology and theater double major at California Baptist University, said she is excited for the new washing machine LG debuted at the show.
“I am not into all of the smart technology, but being able to wash two loads at once is super practical,” Cockrell said. “Hopefully, they are affordable by the time I have a family.”
This year’s show featured one of the newest trends in the industry: wearable smart technology. Intel has been a leader in pioneering the technology that goes inside the devices.
Curie is an open-source module for wearable smart technology. The open source format means that consumers will now be able to freely modify the module to fit their personal needs.
“From what I have seen, I like a couple of Intel devices,” said Jarrod Maas, freshman theater major. “(Curie) is pretty cool because anything open source is great for consumers.”
Drone technology was another one of the most popular trends across the convention.
“Although I have never owned a drone, seeing what was on display at CES makes me want to go buy one,” said Tyler Johnson, sophomore business administration major. “I could see myself flying one around in my free time and using it to retrieve stuff that is way too far for me to reach.”
