Media Days at CES 2023: Tech Trends To Watch Cover Gaming, Metaverse, Healthcare, Sustainability and More

Introduction

The Coresight Research team is attending CES (formerly the Consumer Electronics Show), hosted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) in Las Vegas from January 3, 2023, with the exhibits running during January 5–8, 2023. The event brings together technology vendors, innovators, retailers and people from around the world to get an early look at key consumer electronics trends in the new year. The scope of CES has expanded in recent years beyond electronic gadgets to encompass new areas such as healthcare, wearable devices and mobility. This year, the show has a strong metaverse focus.

In this report, we present insights from the Media Days preceding the event proper, held on January 3–4, 2023.

Media Days at CES 2023: Coresight Research Insights

1. “Tech Trends To Watch” Presentation Covers Healthcare, Metaverse and More

CTA’s annual “Tech Trends To Watch” presentation, open exclusively to registered media and attended by Coresight Research, highlighted the latest technology innovations and trends to watch in 2023, spanning enterprise technology, the metaverse, transportation/mobility, healthcare, sustainability, agriculture and gaming.

Enterprise Tech

CTA unveiled enterprise tech innovation as the first major theme to watch, presenting several global challenges that confront industry, including supply chain vulnerability, softening demand for semiconductors, labor shortages, stubborn inflation and rising interest rates. CTA predicted that in 2020–2030, innovation tackling these challenges will upgrade the global economy, as automation and virtualization technologies bring about transformation.

CTA highlighted that the development of 6G, beginning in 2024, will improve capacity, data throughput and latency. In addition, CTA stated that innovation in cybersecurity, cloud computing and AI (artificial intelligence)/robotics will work toward achieving security, scalability and simulation capacity. CTA argued that the cybersecurity ecosystem will greatly expand, becoming an industry unto itself.

To tackle supply chain and operational efficiency challenges, enterprises will adopt logistics and warehouse automation capabilities, improving productivity and worker safety, and reducing costs through optimizing uptime and floor space, according to CTA.

Metaverse

Set to be one of the major themes at CES this year is the metaverse, and CTA predicts more innovation in metaverse applications and business strategies in 2023. CTA spoke of the Metaverse of Things (MoT), which will deliver the next generation of the Internet through enhanced virtualization, enabling consumers to engage in virtual spaces in an individualized way, as well as enhanced immersion, enabling enterprises to engage in virtual scenarios. For example, Touchcast, an innovator in metaverse space, provides metaverse as a service, providing a virtual space with a live person, which is notably applicable to shopping scenarios too. CTA shared that as a business strategy, the metaverse will function in a similar way to the current iteration of the Internet, enabling communication, collaboration and transactions.

 

Transportation

Transportation exhibits at CES 2023 span EVs (electric vehicles), the evolution of electrification ecosystems, advanced autonomous systems and applications, and transformation of the in-vehicle experience.

• Electrification ecosystems will provide advances in batteries and charging systems, applicable on land, in the air and at sea.
• Autonomous systems will advance the capabilities of self-driving trucks, which will address challenges related to labor shortages—CTA claimed that by 2030, there will be a shortage of 160,000 truck drivers.
• The in-vehicle experience will be transformed through voice control, 5G V2X (vehicle-to-everything wireless communications), retail and entertainment services and features-as-a-service (FaaS) models.

 

Healthcare

Advances in healthcare technology address digital therapeutics, telehealth and fitness. CTA shared new frontiers in health tech innovation, including on-demand networks (for remote patient monitoring), mental wellness tools (for monitoring between visits) and VR (virtual reality for therapeutic purposes).

 

Sustainability and Agriculture

Sustainability technology advancements in 2023 will address challenges in supply chain, agricultural technology (ag-tech), clean air and water, alternative energy, minimized packaging and recycling.

Select innovators in these areas include the following:

• ACWA Robotics, which uses robotics solutions for water purification
• Jackery, which provides clean power technology via personal windmills
• LeydenJar, which is innovating battery tech by producing pure silicon anodes (less harmful to the environment than those using graphite)

In ag-tech, CTA presented the “Farm of the (Near) Future,” which features intelligent silos, drones and soil sensors, satellite and terrestrial 5G, farming robots, a connected farm and offsite farm analysis platforms.

 

Gaming

CTA released its latest “Future of Gaming” study, an update to the study it conducted in 2019. The study found that the US gaming market comprises 164 million gamers, aged 13–64, who spend an average of 24 hours per week gaming. These consumers are seeking entertainment, escapism and competition but also increasingly connection and socialization. Technology application will bring this desired connection through upgrades to hardware, displays, haptics and the metaverse, according to CTA.

2. Nvidia’s Special Address Highlights Innovation in Gaming, Automotive and Robotics

US-based technology company Nvidia delivered a special address highlighting its latest innovations across gaming, automotive and robotics. Nvidia speakers included Jeff Fisher, SVP of Gaming; Stephanie Johnson, VP Global Consumer Marketing; Deepu Talla, VP and GM of Autonomous Machines; and Ali Kani, VP and GM of Automotive.

Fisher unveiled several innovations in Nvidia’s GeForce graphics processing unit (GPU) that deliver enhanced, immersive gaming experiences:

• Nvidia launched its new GeForce RTX 40 Series gaming laptops, which are three times more power-efficient than the previous series. The GeForce RTX 4070, 4060 and 4050 Laptop GPUs will be available at $999 from February 22, 2023.
• Nvidia announced the release of its new GeForce RTX 4070 Ti, which leverages the company’s new Ada Lovelace architecture. The GeForce RTX 4070 Ti will be priced at $799 and will be available from January 5, 2023. It will deliver twice the power of the previous RTX 3090 Ti, according to the company, providing gamers with AI-powered graphics and delivering a more immersive gaming experience.
• Nvidia announced GeForce Now, its cloud gaming streaming service, which will offer higher frame rates using RTX 4080 graphic cards. The service will be available exclusively through the company’s new Ultimate membership tier, available at $19.99 per month. Powered by Nvidia’s Ada Lovelace architecture, streaming will be available at up to 240 frames per second, upgrading the cloud gaming experience, according to the company.

 

On the robotics front, Talla announced new updates to Isaac Sim, Nvidia’s robotics simulation application. In a major update, Isaac Sim is now available in the cloud, enabling increased collaboration and accessibility. Additional new features include Isaac Orbit, which is a new operating environment tool for robots.

In the automotive space, Kani announced several major updates, including Nvidia’s new strategic partnership with Foxconn to build automated EVs. In addition, Nvidia announced that Mercedes-Benz is leveraging its Omniverse open 3D development platform, which enables enterprises to build and deploy digital twins, and digitally design and plan next-generation manufacturing facilities. Mercedes-Benz is using Nvidia’s AI and metaverse technologies to reduce waste and decrease energy usage in developing and testing products.

3. LG Stresses ESG Goals, Unveils LG Signature OLED M TV and Announces TV Tech Upgrades

Technology conglomerate LG announced a range of new launches and initiatives during its press conference at CES. The company’s s sustainability and accessibility initiatives include its new “Life’s Good” program, which seeks to support the development of sustainable tech solutions, including desalination technologies, plastic alternatives, bioplastics and devices for the visually impaired. LG’s ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) initiatives are guided by its “Better Life Plan 2030,” which seeks to use 600,000 tons of recycled plastic and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050. LG is also working to improve the accessibility of its products, adding voice guidance for the visually impaired and developing a sign language engine for the hearing impaired.

LG launched a new TV, the LG Signature OLED M—the first LG OLED with wireless transmission. The TV measures 97 inches and offers 4K/120 Hz video. LG also presented its ultimate gaming solution, the LG OLED Flex TV, featuring a monitor with a 240 Hz refresh rate. LG introduced new technology upgrades to its LG OLED EVO model, including a new AI Alpha 9 processor, a 70% increase in brightness, hundreds of free and premium channels, the ability to connect to fitness devices, and the world’s first TV metaverse platform.

 

Alissa Baker, US Home Appliance Product Manager at LG, announced a new LG Refrigerator with MoodUp, a customizable and interactive refrigerator with features such as InstaView, which enables users to knock twice to see inside. Other products announced include the LG Styler ShoeCase and LG ShoeCare, which use steam technology to sanitize and deodorize shoes.

On the automotive side, LG proposed re-envisioning the car as a living working space, which can be integrated into daily life. The company is developing a cockpit computer with a telematics communication module, an automotive display and an automotive vision system.

4. Hisense Announces Global Growth and Highlights Upgrades to Its LED TV Series

David Gold, President of Hisense USA, claimed that electronics company Hisense has exceeded industry growth and achieved superior quality, receiving 50 awards last year. He stressed Hisense’s growing international presence: the company sells products to 160 countries and regions. It has a number-one TV in China and has made acquisitions of global brands including Toshiba TV, Gorenje and Sanden.

Stephen Yao, Assistant General Manager of Hisense USA, introduced Hisense’s first 8K laser household TV and its new ULEX X LED TV, which boasts a High-View Engine X chip, 20,000 mini-LED lights, 2,500 Nits brightness and a contrast ratio of 150,000:1. Hisense’s 110-inch ULED won a CES Innovation Award; it features backlight control, an improved contrast ratio of 150,000:1, dynamic range and improved brightness. Gold also discussed Hisense’s upgrades to its mini-LED series, unveiling its new UK6 series, priced at $500 and available in 50- to 85-inch sizes.

 

5. Panasonic Prioritizes Sustainable Tech and Introduces Updates to Home Products

Panasonic kicked off its press conference by discussing its Green Impact Plan, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. The plan outlines key priorities, including increased usage of recycled materials, reduced emissions and the implementation of hydrogen technology—Panasonic has developed the first full-scale hydrogen fuel plant.

The company also discussed a range of updates:

• Actor Kal Penn introduced Panasonic’s recent mobility updates, revealing that transportation accounts for 27% of total US greenhouse gas emissions.

 

• Allan Swan, President of Panasonic Energy North America, discussed Panasonic’s role as the leader in EV batteries, stating that the company is rapidly expanding its battery production capacity, with plans for mass production of higher capacity batteries by March 2025.
• Andrew Poliak, CTO of Panasonic Systems of North America, discussed Panasonic’s vision for the future of sustainable mobility, announcing the launch of an audio system for EVs that uses 67% less power, a Nano X portable air purifier and a partnership with Amazon that will combine Alexa and Siri into a single voice assistant system.

 

• Michelle Esgar, Director of Marketing and Experience at Panasonic Electronics, discussed updates for Panasonic home products. Highlights included the Panasonic MultiShape, a device that uses interchangeable heads, enabling usage as a razor or toothbrush. Esgar also announced Panasonic’s Take Back Tomorrow Program for consumer electronics, which encourages recycling of used razors; the company will offer consumers a discount on the MultiShape if they send back used razors to Panasonic.
• Other updates include Panasonic’s new flagship Nvidia-compatible OLED TV and a new model of wireless earbuds.
• Panasonic unveiled updates to its Lumix S5II and S5IIX, which feature auto-focus and pro video features.

6. Ottonomy Unveils Its Yeti Robot for Unattended Deliveries

Autonomous robot startup Ottonomy unveiled its newest model of delivery robot, Yeti, which can achieve unattended deliveries by dropping packages at a doorstep or by transferring them into lockers, meaning it does not require a human present. Yeti is highly maneuverable, weighs about 200 pounds and has a battery life of four to five hours. According to Ottonomy, its biggest challenge is to keep up with demand, as it sees 10–15X growth as achievable.

 

7. Canon Focuses on Latest Software and MR Products

Canon announced that Kokomo, a VR video calling software, will be available next month. Mike Larson, Senior Fellow, New Business Acceleration at Canon, discussed Free Viewpoint, software that enables a better viewing experience at sporting events by offering limitless perspectives, enabling fans to control what, who and how they watch. The software is already in use by the NBA at two arenas, including the homes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets.

Jason Mack Williams, co-creator of Kokomo, discussed Canon’s MREAL technology, which is still in the market research phase. MREAL is a mixed-reality (MR) visor, and Canon is exploring business and industrial use cases for the product.

 

Kohei Maeda, New Business Development Adviser at Canon USA, discussed the company’s Active My Line of Sight (AMLOS) product, which aims to improve engagement among remote users streaming an in-person event. Maeda discussed applications in education, enabling students to see live feeds of classroom sessions, and screen caps, acting as a layer of AR.

8. OVR Technology Unveils ION3, a Wearable Scent Device

OVR Technology unveiled its ION3 device, a wearable scent device that marks the first consumer product available from OVR. The device is associative, wireless and adjustable for comfort. The device features a scentware cartridge with eight primary aromas (soft, fresh, earthy, green, citrusy, floral, sweet, woody) that can be trigged individually or combined to create thousands of different combinations. These rich and complex scents provide variety unique to the digital world, according to the company. OVR’s scent studio enables users to create their own aromas, which can then be combined with other media. OVR uses a subscription service that includes Bluetooth, a micro-electric tray, a scentware cartridge, a mobile creation studio and software developer plugin.

9. TCL Shares New Q-Series and S-Series TVs and Unveils RayNeo X2 AR Glasses

TCL announced that it will be moving forward with two TV series: its Q-Series and S-Series. The S3 model is smart and versatile, with 1080p full HD resolution, HDR and Bluetooth personal audio. The S4 model features 4K ultra-HD, Dolby Vision and frame insertion. TCL’s Q-Series includes the Q6, Q7 and QM8, which include features such as enhanced color, quantum dot technology and improved brightness. The QM8 model is TCL’s mini-LED flagship, with high bright ultra-display, two times peak brightness and over five times the number of local dimming zones.

TCL also unveiled its RayNeo X2 device, the world’s first binocular full micro-led optical waveguide AR glasses, powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 and featuring built-in speakers, microphone, real-time translation, image brightness up to 1,000 Nits, smart navigation, first-person video and photo capture and immersive XR experiences.

 

10. Samsung Shares Sustainable Future Initiatives and Discusses New Features for Connected Home Systems

JH Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Samsung Electronics, stressed the company’s sustainability initiatives. Samsung is committed to a sustainable future, unveiling a new environmental strategy last September.

 

Inhee Chung, VP of Samsung’s Corporate Sustainability Center, shared that Samsung’s smart home system was awarded the industry’s first Smart Home Energy Management Systems (SHEMS) certification. Chung shared upgrades to SmartThings Energy’s AI Energy Mode, which now supports more devices and increased reduction in energy usage. Samsung also unveiled new features of its net zero home initiative, including increased usage of solar panels and batteries and energy-saving appliances to produce, store and use energy more efficiently. Samsung also discussed the results of its partnership with Patagonia to address microplastics. Samsung has developed washing machine technology to reduce the release of microplastics by up to 54%. The cycle technology is now available in Europe and will be available in Korea soon.

Jaeyeon Jung, EVP and Head of SmartThings, unveiled the launch of SmartThings Station, a smart home hub and fast charging pad. The device includes a programmable button, enabling the device to turn off lights or change the temperature. SmartThings Station is compatible with Matter devices, improving home connectivity and convenience for users.

Alana Gomez-Solis, Communications and Content Specialist at Samsung, discussed other features of SmartThings, including pet care, enabling users to check on pets when not home. Other features include Smart Trainer with Samsung Health on TV, SmartThings Cooking with a connected oven and Family Hub+. Gomez-Solis announced a new Family Hub+ with a 32-inch screen, which can be used to control other SmartThings devices, watch TV, stream music and more.

Samsung unveiled a new feature for TV, Relumino Mode, designed to improve accessibility for the visibly impaired by improving contrast and color.

11. Omron Launches New Remote Patient Monitoring Services and Updates to Omron Connect App

Ranndy Kellogg, President and CEO of Omron, unveiled Omron’s new remote patient monitoring service and updates to the Omron Connect App. Omron’s new service, Viso, which launches in 2023, aims to address chronic care management in the UK. Viso enables patient data sharing clinicians for patients who have chronic conditions such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation and diabetes. The service also features physician controls and titration recommendations, reducing the need for office visits. VitalSight, Omron’s first remote monitoring system, which launched two years ago, sends automatic notifications when action is needed for patients with uncontrolled stage 2 hypertension, which affects 37 million people in the US.

Omron has rolled out educational updates to the Omron Connect App, including studies, articles and recipes. The app also now allows any user to designate a care team. Omron plans to launch community features to enable users to connect, as well as a challenges feature for exercise-related goals with daily rewards later this year.