5 key outtakes from CES 2020

CES 2020

Each year, Las Vegas plays host to CES – the largest consumer electronics show in the world – where brands showcase new products and innovative prototypes while experts discuss tech’s future impact. Ignition attended and here are our 5 key outtakes from CES.

We will be publishing our own CES trend report next week. If you’d like a copy, please register your interest.

1. Pivoting and Rolling TVs

The biggest headlines were made by TVs such as Samsung's massive The Wall and LG's roll-up OLED, to 8K models everywhere. Samsung launched a new rotating TV that pivots. The Sero, a 43-inch 4K TV that can switch from landscape mode (the default) to a portrait orientation, is coming to the US and other global markets. So you’ll be able to watch Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat content, and the portrait video recordings from your camera roll blown up on a relatively big screen — without the annoying pillarboxing black bars on the left and right sides.

2. Accessibility-tech stood out this year

As brands become more aware of the commercial importance of serving the needs of people with disabilities, we’ve witnessed an uptick in ability-aware devices. We were impressed by Voiceitt, an app that aims to help those with motor impairment communicate easier. Users train an AI to recognize the particulars of their speech and interpret for others. Though it’s still in beta and phrase-specific, it’s easy to see how this app could change the lives of millions who have difficulty communicating.

3. Inclusivity

As a women-owned business, we were proud to see that our client, femtech darling Elvie, has teamed up with Milk Stork to install a breastfeeding safe space on their stand, so working mothers can easily pump and store milk on the conference floor.

The Mammary One campaign stems from the insight that 44% of women avoid big industry events because of poor lactation facilities, with only 24% of working mums calling conferences they've attended 'breastfeeding friendly'.

Calling out CES for its poor record on gender diversity and lack of breastfeeding facilities, Elvie has forgone putting its products on centre stage to turn its stand into a 'pumping parlor'. We salute you Elvie!

4. DIY musical projects

Build your own beats with the Beat Box from Rhythmo. After constructing the cardboard kit, you can use the device for basic music production.

5. And finally… Barkitecture is a thing!

Streaming service Quibi, the short-form video startup, revealed its proprietary technology: Turnstyle. During its keynote speech, the company demoed the feature, which it hopes will provide mobile users with an easy transition between portrait and landscape views.

Quibi plans to release Barkitecture in April, a show about dog house design.