Spotlight on the CES 2016

The highly anticipated 2016 edition of the Consumer Electronic Show presented as an annual showcase was a success once again, Innovations have marked the event in an exciting way. This electronics fair, the largest gathering of its kind in the world (3600 exhibitors, 153 countries represented), took place from January 6^th to 9^th in Las Vegas. On the program, virtual reality (the true trend of the year), 3D printer, app-connected objects and an overview of upcoming technologies.

2016: a virtual year

The innovations of virtual technology have gained momentum and have piqued the curiosity of consumers this year. The desire to make 3D a virtual reality has always been a coveted idea, but it never became as much a possibility up until now. Remember that the company Oculus VR (acquired by Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook), has presented their first version of a device using VR technology in the 2013 CES’s edition. They are back this year with a marketable product called Rift on the cutting edge of technology that will be available for commercial use in 2017.

Innovations

Also, the show featured gadgets and other hardware innovations to watch this year. Among the many, 4K ultra-high definition TV with a screen that defies all norms of thinness with 2,57 mm, automated car that requires no driver and 3D printer that surprised more than one with the progress it has shown since its first release. Indeed, it is now quite possible to '' print '' human body parts, to replicate digital objects using the 3D scan, etc. The possibilities that this technology brings are immense.

The connected fridge

Again this year, app-connected objects were particularly honored, but mostly the biggest improvement was that they were ‘’really convenient for consumers.’’ No watches or esthetic objects, but rather a touchscreen fridge allowing you to manage your grocery items. Samsung launched the connected fridge with several uses; not only to have access to a calendar as a multitasking display (calendar, appointments etc.), but also to have constant knowledge of your inventory, thanks to a camera and a management software designed to notify you when you run out of milk, for example. In addition of having both speakers and Bluetooth at its disposal, the connected refrigerator also offers a very special feature. Samsung has partnered with MasterCard in order to develop an online shopping system that communicates with the data from your inventory suggesting you a grocery list based on your frequent eating habits. Pratical enough, that is the word!

Much more

In summary, the 2016 CES was marked by the enthusiasm of the new virtual technology and its commercial release planned for 2017. The advanced 3D printers have also become an excitement in science and the practicality of app-connected objects literally has wowed us. Not to mention what awaits us: L'Oréal’s patch against UV rays, the issue of digital security and digital spying, robotics technology in education and continuity of the '' SmartHome'' trend. With these launches, the year looks eventful. By Amanda Vinet, Operations coordinator