A different kind of artificial intelligence took center stage at CES 2024: AI companionship. While generative and predictive AI were expected to dominate the event, the emergence of AI-powered companions came as a shock. This trend raises questions about the level of loneliness in society and the need for non-human companionship.
Samsung’s rolling yellow ball, Ballie, is a prime example of AI companionship. Designed to keep users company, Ballie represents a new form of interactive technology. Another notable AI companion is Mirokai, an anime-inspired robot with a purpose in the medical sector, specifically targeting lonely patients. WeHead, a 3D structure that provides a face for ChatGPT, also attracted attention at CES.
This surge in AI companionship begs the question: Why are vendors attempting to fill a companionship void in a world filled with humans seeking human connection?
Another fascinating trend seen at CES 2024 was the rise of wearable rings. The Oura ring, a compact wearable with health tracking capabilities, gained popularity this year. However, CES showcased a variety of innovative rings that could potentially surpass smartwatches, such as the RinConn Smart Ring and the Amazfit Heli Ring.
Air gestures emerged as yet another intriguing trend. A smart mirror showcased at CES allowed users to navigate its interface through air gestures. The Mudra band, another notable device, enables users to control their iDevices using air gestures as well.
Given the prevalence of sleep issues among adults, CES 2024 presented numerous vendors attempting to address this problem through technology. The Frenz Brainband, worn around the forehead, utilizes AI to provide personalized sleep solutions by analyzing brainwaves. Similarly, the myWaves device reads delta waves and creates personalized sleep-inducing sound waves.
Lastly, smart glasses with live captioning capabilities made a significant impact at CES 2024. TCL’s RayNeo X2 Lite glasses, the world’s lightest full-color AR glasses, not only offer augmented reality features but also provide real-time live captioning. These glasses can even translate languages and display live captioning in the user’s native language. XanderGlasses, targeted towards the accessibility market, cater specifically to users who are hard of hearing.
CES 2024 showcased an array of cutting-edge technologies, but the surprising emergence of AI companionship as a major trend raises questions about our societal need for non-human companionship.
The source of the article is from the blog krama.net