As we step into the new year, the anticipation for CES—a major consumer electronics show—builds in Las Vegas, kicking off on January 7. This event, known for showcasing cutting-edge technology, is expected to be flooded with a diverse array of AI-enabled gadgets, leaving many hoping for innovation beyond the capabilities of our smartphones.
AI has been a driving force at CES for a few years now, reflecting a broader cultural obsession with artificial intelligence. While last year’s showcase was a tidal wave of AI technologies, the focus this year is anticipated to shift towards integrating AI into existing devices rather than solely promoting AI as a distinct feature. According to Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager at IDC, attendees can expect to see more AI wearables that enhance current devices rather than serve as standalone products.
Despite the rapid growth of AI technology, there remains a challenge for startups entering this space. With established giants like OpenAI and Google at the forefront with their advanced models, new players are finding that implementing AI through hardware is a necessary yet tricky way to stay competitive. As Anshel Sag from Moor Insights and Strategy notes, startups must pivot toward integrating AI into physical devices since creating new AI models offers limited competitive advantage.
While several products aimed at showcasing AI functionalities were highlighted last year—such as the Humane AI pin and Rabbit R1—many failed to exceed user expectations. Meanwhile, devices like the wearable Friend necklace attracted controversy due to privacy concerns tied to its always-listening feature. Others, like the Plaud.AI pin, which offers meeting summaries, hint at growth in this sector but have yet to prove their long-term viability.
CES is set to unveil a new wave of AI tools and wearables, including necklaces and earbuds designed for AI interactions. However, their success hinges on more than just adding AI capabilities. Sag emphasizes the challenge of differentiation in a saturated market where AI is quickly becoming a commonplace feature rather than a unique selling proposition. As devices increasingly offer similar AI interactions, consumers may be left wondering what makes one product stand out from another.
The conversation shifts to successful examples like the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which integrate AI but also provide a variety of other functionalities beyond AI alone. As AI rapidly evolves into a baseline expectation, startups must find innovative ways to distinguish themselves, particularly through privacy and data management in their products.
Ultimately, as the market matures, the key question remains: What real-world benefits do AI devices offer beyond their AI capabilities? The anticipation for this year’s CES lies in seeing whether these innovations will genuinely enhance consumer experience or simply add to the noise of AI’s commercialization.
