If you’ve ever watched 80s science fiction movies, you know that predicting the future of technology is no easy task.
But at CES 2024, some amazing gadgets will give you a glimpse of your future life.
And from transparent televisions and flying cars to form-fitting gym leggings, that future looks more sci-fi than ever.
Considering ChatGPT has exploded into our lives over the past year, it’s no surprise that we saw quite a few nifty AI devices at CES.
So whether you’re looking for a robot butler or an AI personal trainer, there’s a good chance there’s a gadget coming soon that has what you need.
transparent tv
One of the most exciting developments at CES 2024 is the announcement of fully transparent TVs by LG and Samsung.
In what they claim could be the next big advancement in television, the South Korean electronics maker unveiled a wireless see-through device on Monday.
At a conference in Las Vegas, the company unveiled a 77-inch wireless screen.
Billed as “the world’s first 4K, wireless, transparent OLED TV,” the LG Signature OLED-T can be placed in the center of a room and is made to look like a clear glass pane when not in use. Masu.
When turned on, viewers can choose to leave it partially transparent or make it opaque.
“OLED T creates a sense of openness,” said LG’s Frank Lee.
“The TV no longer needs to dominate the room. This strengthens the relationship between the TV and the space in which it resides.”
LG unveiled a 77-inch wireless screen on stage during a Monday morning press conference.
Wireless, transparent TVs aren’t ready for public release yet, but they’re being touted as the future of TV
Gym leggings with a shocking fit
While most gadgets are meant to make life easier, some of the technologies on display at CES 2024 seem to have the opposite purpose.
Barunbio Energywear’s training wear looks like regular gym wear, but it actually hides some amazing technology.
WE-Stim (Wearable Electrical Stimulation) gear provides low-power electrical stimulation to your entire body during your workout.
However, no batteries are required. Clothing uses static electricity generated by your movements as electricity.
“It enhances cell activation, signal transduction, metabolic activity, blood flow, and induces the movement of ions and molecules within cells,” the company explained.
WE-Stim clothing is designed to deliver small electric shocks along the seams and claims to improve muscle performance.
robot butler
Not one, but two different butler robots were announced at this year’s CES.
Samsung and LG have unveiled an AI robot assistant that can feed your pet, schedule laundry, and remind you to take your medication.
Samsung’s new version of the Ballie robot is a round yellow robot with AI-powered camera hardware and a projector.
Samsung says it will recognize your face and greet you when you get home.
A promotional video shows how to text a robot to check on your dog.
You can also project video calls, workouts, and other work or entertainment footage onto the wall.
Samsung said that when connected to other smart home devices, Ballie will wake them up, allowing the robot to feed pets or turn on the washing machine.
LG’s competing robot was also released this week, and the company calls it a “smart home agent.”
This AI assistant looks a lot like a small animal, with a digital screen on its face and legs and wheels.
This robot is designed to follow you around the house and perform small, information-based chores.
It can’t do laundry or wash dishes, but LG says it can learn about your mood and habits.
This may include prompting owners with upbeat music when they feel sad.
LG’s competing robot was also released this week, and the company calls it a “smart home agent.”
LG announced its smart home AI agent at a CES press conference in Las Vegas this week, but it’s not yet available to the public.
Virtual laptop with 100 inch screen
While other companies are focused on making screens bigger and better, one company has done away with screens altogether.
Developed by startup Sightful, Spacetop promises users a 100-inch screen without any of the inconvenience of physical hardware.
Augmented reality glasses allow laptop users to see a giant screen in front of them that appears to be floating in space.
But at $2,150 (£1,690), the Spacetop has a lot to offer.
And while a laptop’s display may be innovative, the laptop itself may be held back by substandard hardware.
This system is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chip. This is the same chip Meta used for his Quest 2 in 2020.
It also only has 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, which is a big difference from what you can get from a regular laptop at a similar price.
Sightful’s Spacetop uses augmented reality glasses to give users a 100-inch display without the need for a physical screen.
AI assistant in your pocket
The walkie-talkie-like gadget is already being touted as the “iPhone of artificial intelligence.”
Rabbit r1 uses a built-in chatbot to perform daily tasks for its owner.
According to the company, these tasks can be anything from asking a simple question to booking an entire vacation.
R1, unveiled this week at CES 2024, marked the beginning of a race to create a device that does for AI what smartphones have done for the internet.
What’s more, at just £159, it’s a fraction of the price of competing devices, including Humane’s AI Pin, which was recently launched for £550.
The idea behind it is to eliminate the need for people to scroll through hundreds of different apps on their smartphones and instead give them one big super app.
The gadget works by taking control of all of its owner’s online accounts, giving the AI access to their profiles on apps like Uber and Deliveroo.
However, US startup Rabbit said it always asks for permission and explanations before carrying out any work, especially work that involves payment.
The Rabbit r1 is a walkie-talkie-style gadget with a built-in chatbot that has already been hailed as the “iPhone of artificial intelligence.”
creepy robot friends
Rounding out this year’s selection of AI assistants is WeHead’s slightly bizarre human face.
Billed as an “AI companion with a human face,” the company uses a combination of configured screens to create a convincing face that users can talk to.
At CES 2024, MailOnline interacted with WeHead devices programmed to promote businesses, but the company says the devices can also be used for customer service.
However, MailOnline found that the AI frequently interrupted users and gave confusing answers.
MailOnline tried to talk to the WeHead device, but it kept calling the user “bro” and explained it was a term of endearment.
flying car
Of course, no futuristic technology roundup would be complete without at least one flying car.
Several different flying vehicles were announced at CES 2024, but perhaps the most exciting is the new S-A2 from Hyundai-owned Supernal.
Once operational, the S-A2 will be able to move people around the city, avoiding traffic congestion on the roads.
The electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is seeking approval in 2026 as one of the first U.S. flying taxis.
The vehicle seats five people, one pilot and four passengers, and is powered by eight electric rotors.
During flight, all eight rotors rotate to point forward, allowing the vehicle to fly like an airplane.
Neil Marshall, head of manufacturing strategy at Supernal, told MailOnline: “Our goal is to reach a price point that is affordable and accessible to the masses.”
“This is not just for the wealthy and executives.”
S-A2 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aims for approval in 2026 to become one of America’s first flying taxis