Q: What new technology gadgets do you expect we’ll see in 2016 from CES?
A: With the annual tech show known as The International CES set to open next week, the speculation on what we’ll see is filling the Internet.
As with most shows, we’ll see a plethora of “solutions searching for a problem” that make most consumers scratch their heads, but there are always insights into what are likely to be the hot gadgets next year.
Virtual reality
A number of companies have loosely committed to launching elaborate virtual reality headsets in 2016, such as Oculus Rift and Sony (PlayStation VR), but the general expectation is that we’ll see a lot more from the E3 show in June.
For now, you can get a sense of what’s coming by using your smartphone with options such as Google Cardboard or Samsung’s Gear VR.
UAVs, aka drones
Last year’s CES devoted an entire section of one of the convention floors to these aerial devices, and the expectation is that it will be even bigger this year.
Despite public backlash and regulatory pressures, the FAA estimated that up to 1 million drones would be purchased this holiday season, which is what prompted their new registration requirement for just about anything that can fly.
The biggest improvement will likely be in the onboard cameras, as they expand to 360-degree and virtual reality cameras, and add night-vision capabilities.
Automotive technology
CES has become a precursor to the North American Auto Show, where technological advances and prototypes take center stage.
The race to develop self-driving vehicles is certainly huge, with potential partnerships between Google and several carmakers in the works, but general gadgetry is what you can expect in 2016.
The trend has been toward turning your car into the largest tech gadget you’ll own, so expect to see a continuation of merging your smartphone with your car (Siri, Google Now, etc.) and other Internet-connected devices in your home.
The IoT ‘revolution’ continues
“The Internet of Things” was one of the big buzzwords from last year’s show, and you can expect it to be even bigger this year.
Lots of easy-to-install Internet-connected devices such as thermostats, doorbells, door locks and security cameras, connected kitchen appliances and lighting are being sold every day.
The biggest challenge has been getting all of these devices to talk to each other, so expect to see companies gathering and promoting their interconnectivity over any revolutionary new items.
The robots are still coming
Domesticated robots — such as the Roomba — are nothing new, but as the cost of the technology has come down, expect to see more educational/recreational robots that are kid- (and pet-) friendly.
Wearables
Wearable technology such as Google Glass, smartwatches and specialized connected clothing have failed to gain any market traction because they still lack any real utility.
Most of the devices just feel like unnecessary expensive extensions of what we really cherish: our smartphones. But expect the industry to keep trying!
I’ll be posting what I see at CES at our Facebook page for anyone who is interested.
Ken Colburn is founder and CEO of Data Doctors Computer Services. Ask any tech question you have on his Facebook Page.
