Big Things Are Happening At CES 2017
The first day of the 50th annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has brought about some big news already. This comes as the tech show, which is the largest of its kind in the world, is highlighting a variety of products from many of the world’s top tech companies.
The event started on 5th January and will continue through 8th January.
Traditional tech products like computers, cameras and television sets are being showcased here. More advanced modern forms of technology like drones, smart watches and glasses and much more are also sharing the stage.
While there is still plenty of time left at CES, some big announcements and reveals have already been made on the first day. Let’s take a look at a few of the biggest developments.
Asus Releases a Smartphone With 8GB RAM
Asus made a huge splash by announcing the first ever smartphone to run on 8GB of RAM. This is the Asus ZenFone AR smartphone.
In addition to having more RAM than any other smartphone ever made, it also supports Google Tango and Daydream. These are augmented reality programs that have been engineered heavily by Google for use on any Android apps. The ZenFone AR will also be the first phone of its kind to offer AR support. The 8GB of RAM will certainly be needed for AR support.
This will also feature three cameras. A 23-megapixel Sony IMX318 camera will be paired with separate motion-tracking and depth-sensing cameras. An 8-megapixel front camera is also included. The cameras will run with the Android 7.0 operating system as well.
This will all be run with a 5.7-inch qHD Super AMOLED display. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset and 330mAh battery will also keep the phone running effectively. A five-magnet speaker is also included to make the sounds crystal clear and realistic in tone.
Lenovo Has an Alexa-Powered Assistant
The next CES 2017 reveal from day one is a new personal assistant tool from Lenovo that is powered by Alexa. This is the artificial intelligent assistant engineered by Amazon and has been used in the Amazon Echo tool for a while.
The Lenovo Smart Assistant tool is designed to be a competitor to the Amazon Echo even though it uses the same Alexa personal assistant. This is essentially within Amazon’s plan though as the company has been sharing its Alexa technology with other companies as a means of getting that AI onto more hardware options.
The Smart Assistant does many things through the support of Alexa. It can:
- Search through web results
- Control smart home appliances that are linked to it
- Play back music
- Read messages and emails
- Set alarms
The Lenovo product also works as a speaker and a daily activity assistant. It helps users to get information on real time data and to control things throughout the house provided that proper links are set up onto it.
This is also less expensive than the Amazon Echo. While the Echo costs about $160 or Rs. 10,900, the Lenovo Smart Assistant is more affordable at $120 or Rs. 8,200.
It is unclear as to whether it will be available in India though. It will be available in China.
Samsung’s Chromebooks Are Challenging the Market
The Google Chrome OS has been highlighted on Chromebook laptop computer/tablet hybrids in recent time. However, the Chrome OS has been losing steam as Windows 10 has become more popular. Samsung is looking to change that by releasing a series of new Chromebooks that will compete against two highly popular devices, the Microsoft Surface and Apple iPad.
The Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro have been released by Samsung as new products that will bring the Chrome OS out to the masses. The Plus offers an ARM-based chip while the Pro has an Intel Core M3 processor.
These two both contain a series of similar features:
- Each has a 12.3-inch 2400×1600 LED display. This offers a bright display that does not require a separate backlight.
- Both contain 4GB of RAM. This is a higher total than what is found in most other laptop and tablet hybrids on the market.
- Two USB Type-C ports are included on each. These work with 4K video outputs for linking to high-end devices. These also work with charging outlets to quickly power up the battery.
- 32GB of internal storage is included. Each model can also expand upon its memory with a microSD card added into a proper slot. The slot entry point is located in a concealed area on the laptop’s body.
- Each model is made with a metal body that weighs about two and a half pounds total. This is a lightweight option that will fit in well with many cases including ones designed for this in mind.
- Both of these designs are also about half an inch thick when fully closed. This is when there are no attachments added onto either one.
- A 360-degree hinge is included on each model. This allows the user to adjust it from a laptop into a tablet or the other way around. This may be used for display purposes when showing things to others.
- The battery on each model lasts for about eight hours on a full charge. The USB Type-C port can again be used to charge up each one as necessary.
- A stylus is built into each unit. This is similar to how the Apple Pencil works. It uses a clean and clear setup that allows the user to quickly control what is on the screen.
The Chromebook Plus will sell for $449 or Rs. 30,000. It is uncertain as to what the Chromebook Pro will cost although it will cost more for sure.
What is the LG Hub Robot?
The LG Hub Robot is the next reveal from the first day of CES 2017 to watch for. This is a voice-activated AI device similar to the Amazon Echo or the previously mentioned Lenovo Smart Assistant. It can link to smart appliances and devices in your home, report on the weather, play music and much more.
The Hub Robot comes with an adorable design with some blue “eyes” that give it the robot-like appearance it has. This will go on sale in the middle part of 2017 and will go for about $150 or around Rs. 10,000.
Samsung Has An Advanced Washer and Dryer
The clothes washer and dryer have received a substantial upgrade through Samsung. The company released details on its FlexWash and FlexDry washer and dryer system. These will be released to the public later this year.
These work as two washing machines connected to each other. Two loads can be handled at once with one being for colour clothes and the other for whites.
A dryer can be used on each machine to dry off the clothes after they are washed. The user can also take the clothes out and iron them first and then dry them.
An app can be downloaded onto a smart device and can be used to control the machine. This also reviews how well the machines are progressing when washing a full load.
The FlexWash and FlexDry system will be out later in 2017 but it is unclear as to when in particular they will be released.
Alexa On a Fridge?
Amazon Alexa technology is being incorporated into a refrigerator thanks to LG. LG showcased a new fridge model that uses Alexa to adjust many settings in the fridge.
Alexa allows the user to adjust how power is distributed in the fridge and the temperature settings. It can also order groceries with select service providers in mind. This can even play music.
The 29-inch display uses webOS technology. This allows the user to search for things online and to control the fridge’s settings. It can also reveal a transparent display when double-tapped. This allows the user to look in the fridge before opening it. A camera has also been placed inside the fridge to allow the user to look around and see how the fridge is operating in real time.
More Alexa Stuff
The biggest highlight of the first day of CES 2017 comes from the assortment of Alexa-powered devices. This comes as Alexa has been seen as an upgrade over other AI options in the past.
The Alexa-powered items released during CES 2017 so far include the following:
- GE has an LED lamp ring that uses Alexa technology. This allows the user to control many smart home functions.
- Huawei’s Mate 9 smartphone will feature Alexa. This is on part with other smartphones that are using such personal assistants.
- Ford has Alexa support in some of its newest cars. This will be used with navigational functions in mind. This is also to help with controlling some of the functions in the car and making it work.
- Linksys has a new router system that uses Alexa. This will respond to commands to link to different items and can even support passwords.
- Samsung has designed a vacuum machine that works with Alexa too. This is primarily made to help with controlling the settings on the vacuum in terms of how deep it can get into a surface.
- Whirlpool has released a new refrigerator, washing machine and clothes dryer that all work with Alexa. These appliances use the AI to let the user control the temperature settings and other functions by voice.
- There are many portable speakers from many companies that will use Alexa. The options in this case are too vast to list here. These speakers will work with Bluetooth technology for the most part.
A New Electric Car
Faraday Future has a prototype of a new electric sports car on display at CES. Details on what that car will feature are not necessarily available though.
Self-Driving Cars Are Hot Too
Finally, self-driving cars are being highlighted at CES. These include many that will compete with Tesla in the self-driving vehicle market. Mercedes-Benz will use a system with cameras and sensors exactly like what Tesla has. It will also use a mapping program to get accurate direction.
Stick with us for added information on what’s coming at CES as the event goes along.
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