Summary: The first day of CES 2024 brought some major announcements and innovations from tech giants like Nvidia, LG, and Samsung. From autonomous trucking to home health trackers and transparent televisions, the CES stage was filled with groundbreaking products and ideas. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of Day 1.
Kodiak Robotics’ Autonomous Trucking
Kodiak Robotics, an autonomous trucking startup, unveiled its latest creation: a semi-truck that aims to launch commercial driverless operations this year. With built-in redundancy in its safety features, Kodiak ensures that there is a backup plan in case of any failures while on the road. This innovation could revolutionize the transportation industry.
Fighting Deepfakes with Fox and Polygon Labs
Media company Fox has collaborated with Polygon Labs, a developer of scaling networks for Ethereum, to create an open-source protocol called Verify. This protocol allows media outlets to register their content, providing authenticity verification for consumers. By combating deepfakes and protecting intellectual property, Verify aims to bring more trust into the media landscape.
Ultrahuman’s Smart Home Health Tracker
Indian wearable startup Ultrahuman is entering the smart home market with its upcoming product, the Ultrahuman Home. Designed to monitor the health of your home, this connected hardware comes with a price tag of $349 and will be available starting in July. With its advanced features, Ultrahuman Home promises to bring a new level of convenience and security to homeowners.
Pivotal’s Personal Aircraft Sales
Pivotal, backed by Larry Page, has started selling its lightweight electric Helix aircraft in the US. What sets this aircraft apart is that it doesn’t require a pilot’s license to fly. However, training and adherence to rules and regulations are still mandatory. Pivotal’s aircraft brings us one step closer to achieving efficient personal air transportation.
Will.i.am’s Innovative Music Startup
Will.i.am, in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, has launched a unique music startup called Sound Drive. This immersive experience allows users to enjoy music while driving, conducted by the road itself. This innovative technology has impressed many, including our contributor Tim Stevens, who had the opportunity to try it out firsthand.
Sony’s Mobility Partnerships and Content Authenticity
Sony took the spotlight with its press conference focused on creators, the success of its IP, and its partnership with Honda. Demonstrating its vision for the mobility space as a “creativity space,” Sony showcased its Afeela car driving on stage with a PlayStation 5 controller. Additionally, Sony highlighted the importance of content authenticity with its “digital birth certificate” concept, shedding light on the positive potential of NFTs.
Kia’s Modular EV Vans
Kia unveiled its new lineup of electric vans with a modular twist. These vehicles not only offer modular powertrain options but also feature modular tops that allow for various cabin configurations. While pricing, specs, and launch dates were not fully disclosed, Kia’s new fleet of commercial EVs promises versatility and efficiency.
Samsung’s Innovations for Connected Homes
Samsung showcased its initiatives for connected homes, including updates to its SmartThings home automation platform. With its interactive home map and animated avatars of residents and pets, Samsung aims to enhance the user experience. The company also expressed its commitment to sustainability by incorporating recycled materials into its products, reducing environmental impact.
X1 Interpreter Hub: Real-Time Translation System
Timekettle introduced the X1 Interpreter Hub, a powerful solution for meetings. This multi-language simultaneous interpretation system supports up to 20 people in five different languages. With easy-to-use handheld devices, the X1 allows seamless conversation translation without the need for separate apps. This innovation has the potential to bridge language barriers and facilitate global communication.
LG’s Transparent Television
LG Electronics introduced the LG Signature OLED T, a wireless transparent OLED TV. Combining transparency with a 4K OLED screen and wireless transmission technology, LG aims to redefine the aesthetics of televisions. This innovation allows TVs to blend seamlessly into any environment, becoming a stylish design feature.
Bio-Engineered Houseplants for Cleaner Air
French startup Neoplants showcased its progress with houseplants that act as natural air purifiers. These bio-engineered plants have the ability to remove harmful pollutants from indoor environments, improving air quality and promoting healthier living spaces. This innovation could have significant implications for indoor air purification.
The first day of CES 2024 set the stage for an exciting week of technological advancements and innovation. Stay tuned to TechCrunch for more updates on the latest products, announcements, and startup news from CES.