This year, Thaloz was honored to attend CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, a landmark event in the technology world. Alongside Sebastián Martínez, our CEO & Co-Founder, we're excited to share our insights in this blog post. We'll delve into the major highlights, industries that made an impression, and the emerging tech trends that stood out at this prestigious conference and showcase.

About CES  

CES stands out as one of the most prominent tech events in the realm of product development and technology at large. The 2024 edition held particular significance, marking the 100th anniversary of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).

Owned and produced by the aforementioned Consumer Technology Association, CES stands apart as the singular trade show that comprehensively showcases the entire technological landscape in a single event.

Taking place in the dynamic city of Las Vegas, Nevada, this year's event unfolded across various hotels and stages, including iconic venues like the Venetian, Las Vegas Convention Center, and Aria. The sheer magnitude of the event, drawing in over 135,000 attendees, was astonishing — I mean, huge. 

And the top highlight for us? Certainly, it was the privilege of attending, allowing us to share with you the most remarkable announcements, product launches from major tech companies, and more. Our journey through this technological odyssey wasn't just about exploring advancements but also an endeavor to comprehend how these innovations will shape the industry's future.

Let’s look at CES by the numbers:

As mentioned earlier, CES garnered recognition from various companies and media outlets, solidifying its status as one of the largest tech events globally. And the numbers don't say anything different, let's take a look:

• The event drew over 135,000 attendees, setting a record with more than 40% originating from over 150 countries, regions, and territories.

• A total of 2.5+ million net square feet of exhibits featured over 4,300 exhibitors, encompassing more than 1,400 startups in Eureka Park.

• Impressively, 60% of Fortune 500 companies participated, and the event boasted over 1,000 speakers contributing to 250+ conference sessions.

• The CES 2024 Innovation Awards saw a record-breaking 3,000+ submissions, introducing AI as a new category.

• The presence of 5,000+ global media and content creators led to extensive coverage, underscoring the global impact of CES 2024.

Exhibitors and event attendees

The CES event was bustling with exhibitors and attendees from across the globe. Some showcased remarkable booths, while others, like ourselves, relied on the extraordinary experience of exploring the vast array of venues: Central, East, West & South.

The event was divided into pavilions, hosting both startups and major companies like Google, Sony, Mercedes Benz, and Amazon, among others. Alongside these industry giants, there were also over 1,400 startups representing countries such as France, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Japan. We discovered ingenious products and solutions in these hubs, each born from a unique blend of local talent, culture, and vision.

What's fascinating about this diversity is that each company had its space to showcase technological innovations, providing a glimpse into the hard work invested in their products. The biggest companies showcased their latest developments, spanning various industries, including Sustainability, Automotive, Robotics, Telecom, Gaming, Healthcare, Fintech, and others, all integrating Artificial Intelligence. Meanwhile, some startups sought investment opportunities or presented their inaugural products.

The AI focus at CES: A fundamental component for tech’s growth

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has progressively become a transformative force across various industries, seamlessly integrating into products, services, and everyday tasks. At CES, AI surpassed its conventional role as an add-on; it emerged as a fundamental component integral to numerous product launches and innovative tech solutions.

The event unveiled a paradigm shift, highlighting how AI is not merely an enhancement but a cornerstone for driving innovation. From the unveiling of self-driving vehicles to groundbreaking AI-powered healthcare solutions, each industry showcased the pivotal role that artificial intelligence plays in shaping the future of technology. 

CES became a stage where the synergy between cutting-edge technology and AI took center stage, underlining its foundational significance in the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry.

What about Hardware and Software?

CES 2024 underscored a crucial aspect of modern technology: the seamless integration of hardware with software. This synergy was evident in numerous exhibits where sophisticated software applications complemented advanced hardware technologies, creating holistic solutions for various user needs.

One notable example was Concha Labs, which showcased innovative listening devices available for everyone that blend in with different skin and hair colors, all operated through an intuitive app. This integration highlighted the endless possibilities when hardware and software are designed in tandem.

At CES, we engaged with many product and business owners facing challenges in integrating software with their hardware innovations. These encounters highlighted our role in aligning our services with their needs, whether for consumer-facing apps or internal systems. We observed a trend of companies preferring to outsource software development or strategically expand their tech teams with Latin American talent for its quality, favorable time zone alignment, and cost efficiency.

Our expertise in software development and connecting businesses with top-tier tech talent is at the core of Thaloz's mission. We specialize in crafting integrated solutions, whether it's developing software for cutting-edge hardware or ensuring their seamless operation together.

Innovation Awards Winners

CES conducts an annual Innovation Awards program, a prestigious competition that applauds exceptional design and engineering in consumer technology products. This program acknowledges honorees across various categories, singling out the top performers in each.

A panel of judges, consisting of experts from various fields, including designers, engineers, and professionals from the media within the consumer technology industry, carefully evaluates the entries.

Now, let's explore some winners from the 2024 edition:

• LG 4K Transparent OLED TV: The world's first 77-inch UHD transparent OLED TV, reflecting one's taste and personality while pursuing a non-standard interior.

• Category: Honoree

• Honda Motocompacto: An all-electric personal transportation with sleek and simple styling and an innovative, ultra-compact foldable design.

• Category: Best of Innovation

• EyeCane: The world's first solution empowering those suffering from AMD and vision loss to rediscover their lost vision.

• Category: Honoree

• Jackery Solar Mars Bot: An intelligent solar storage and charging robot with autonomous navigation and sun-tracking capabilities.

• Category: Honoree

Go check out all the honorees on the CES official website here.

Keynotes & Networking

CES 2024 transcended traditional displays and demos; it served as a platform for insightful talks led by industry leaders and a nexus for endless networking opportunities among tech professionals.

The keynote sessions explored diverse topics, ranging from the latest tech trends to the future of digital innovation. CEOs from prominent companies such as Best Buy, Elevance Health, HD Hyundai, Intel, Nasdaq, Qualcomm, Siemens, Snap, and Walmart graced the stage, unveiling new cross-industry collaborations and revealing exciting product launches. These sessions showcased strategic partnerships with key players in enterprise technology, providing valuable insights into the future direction of the tech landscape.

Yet, one of the most enriching aspects of CES 2024 was the opportunity for networking. The atmosphere and sense of community were palpable in casual booth discussions or formal meetings. I had the privilege of engaging with a myriad of professionals – sharing my vision, learning about their groundbreaking work, and exploring potential collaborations.

^{My tips for the next CES}

Planning to attend CES next year? Here are some tips and suggestions for your trip and the event. I hope you find them helpful!

1. Plan your trip: CES takes place in Las Vegas, a popular tourist destination, so book your flights and hotel early.
2. Download the CES app: This tool is essential for organizing your schedule, locating exhibitors, and navigating the vast convention center. It also lets you connect with fellow attendees and stay updated on events.
3. Create a schedule: With over 4,000 exhibitors, seeing everything is impossible. Prioritize the booths you want to visit based on your interests.
4. Be prepared to walk: The convention center is huge, so anticipate covering a lot of ground. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle to stay refreshed.
5. Network: CES provides an excellent opportunity to meet new people and build connections. Attend networking events and introduce yourself to individuals at the booths you visit.
6. Take breaks: CES can be overwhelming, so schedule breaks throughout the day to rest your feet and recharge. There are plenty of seating areas in the convention center.
7. Have fun: CES is a thrilling and dynamic event. Relax, enjoy yourself, and immerse yourself in the incredible world of new technology.

Wrapping up

Reflecting on our time at CES 2024, it's clear that the event has left an indelible mark on our team. The innovations we witnessed, our conversations, and our connections have given us a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to bring back to Thaloz.

This experience has reaffirmed our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and continuing to provide top-tier software development services. The insights gained at CES will undoubtedly influence our strategies and approaches, allowing us to better serve our clients and contribute more effectively to the tech ecosystem.

See you at the next CES?