Last week, the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) unfolded, gathering the world’s leading tech and electronic brands to exhibit their latest products and innovations. This year’s event did not disappoint, presenting a dazzling array of technological breakthroughs that are set to redefine industries. From groundbreaking AI-assisted devices to cutting-edge home automation solutions, CES 2024 was a testament to how far technology has come and where it’s heading. We explore some of the most captivating launches that caught our attention, each heralding a new era of innovation and convenience.
The Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens
Panasonic has unveiled a new addition to their L-mount lens line, the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens, setting a new standard as the most compact and lightweight 100mm 1:1 macro lens available for full-frame cameras. This lens stands out with its 100mm focal length and a variable aperture range from f/2.8 to f/22. The lens’ focusing system consists of a Double Focus Dual Phase Linear Motor and features a 20.4cm focusing distance, a first for macro lenses. Measuring about 82mm long, 73.6mm in circumference, and weighing in at 300g, the Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro truly is a mini yet mighty lens.
The Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit
Designed for vloggers, influencers, and creatives always on the go, the Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit will transform the way you create. This AI-driven camera stand intelligently follows your every move, offering 360º horizontal tracking capability and 90º horizontal tilt. It seamlessly integrates with DockKit, an Apple API, enhancing your iPhone camera’s face and body tracking features. This integration allows for smooth, automated motorised tracking, ensuring you’re always in the frame. The stand features a rechargeable battery, delivering up to 5 hours of battery life as well as a wall-socket charging option.
The Zeiss Holocam
Zeiss is revolutionising the photographic industry with the introduction of the Zeiss Holocam. The Holocam can turn any glass surface, from your living room mirror to your vehicle’s windscreen, to a camera thanks to its invisible sensor technology. The Holocam is made up of a thin polymer film, providing up to 92% transparency. By combining projection, detection, illumination, and filtering functions, the Holocam is also capable of displaying holographic and augmented reality content on any glass surface. Initially aimed at enhancing functionality within vehicles, the Holocam is capable of transforming a myriad of industries. The“large aperture invisible camera” might be transformative to some; however, the technology does raise some concerns in terms of privacy and security.
The LaCie Rugged Mini SSD
Creators highly regard LaCie’s Rugged SSD lineup for its speed and durability, effortlessly handling demanding workflows. The latest addition, a compact Rugged Mini SSD, boasts 4TB of storage, impressive write speeds up to 2000MB/s, and compatibility with USB 40Gbps, USB 10Gbps, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 hosts. A notable aspect of this SSD is its exceptional durability. Its rubber casing, made from 30% post-consumer recycled materials, offers dust and rain resistance and can endure a 3-meter fall and withstand up to 1 ton of car pressure.
Sony X Siemens XR Headset
VR headsets, traditionally popular in the gaming sector with products like the Sony Playstation VR, are now expanding their reach. At this year’s CES, Sony revealed a collaboration with Siemens, introducing a groundbreaking XR headset aimed at professionals in creative industries. The headset will feature 4K OLED microdisplays, the new Qualcomm XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, wearable controllers, and a design similar to that of the PlayStation VR 2. Unlike the Apple Pro Vision, the Sony-Siemens headset is designed to aid in product development and creating spatial content experiences. With the intention to revolutionise the creative and entertainment sectors, the XR headset is set to equip a new generation of digital storytellers with the tools to craft immersive 3D experiences.
Artificial Intelligence Robots
At CES 2024, LG and Samsung unveiled their new smart home assistant robots. LG’s Artificial Intelligence Agent is a walking, talking robot that can recognise faces thanks to its built-in camera, and provide traffic updates for your daily commute, weather forecasts as well as calendar reminders for the week. It works as the perfect home assistant, capable of activating your smart lights upon your arrival, alerting you to security issues like disabled alarms or open windows, and even monitoring pets, allowing you to check up on your furry friends throughout the day. Additionally, it regulates home comfort by adjusting air conditioners based on its built-in temperature, humidity, and air quality sensors.
Samsung has revisited their 2020 unveiling of Ballie, the innovative home assistant robot known for its ability to navigate around homes and offer smart home assistance. Initially creating a significant buzz, Ballie was reintroduced at CES 2024 with upgraded features. Mirroring LG’s robot in its ability to control smart home devices, deliver weather updates, and monitor pets, Ballie stands out with its distinctive built-in projector. This feature allows users to project content onto walls, floors, ceilings, and even doors, providing a unique and versatile viewing experience. Samsung has announced that Ballie is set for release in 2024.
Swarovski’s AX Visio Binoculars
Swarovski, renowned for their exquisite crystals and premium binoculars, made a groundbreaking announcement at CES 2024 with the introduction of the AX Visio Binoculars, the first AI-enhanced binoculars in the world. These smart binoculars can recognize over 9000 species of birds and animals instantly. They incorporate an augmented reality display, which enriches the experience for birdwatchers and hunters by superimposing detailed information about the observed species directly onto the viewed image. The AX Visio is also designed with a 13-megapixel sensor and can capture photos and videos. Adding to its sophistication, the binoculars come with integrated smart features such as Bluetooth and GPS, making it an exceptionally valuable tool for those who love outdoor exploration and adventure.
