Everything You Need to Know Before the CES 2024 Conference

Every January brings one of the most highly anticipated events in the tech world—the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). As one of the longest-running and most influential trade shows in America, CES has become the definitive stage for unveiling the latest tech breakthroughs and futuristic products.

The first CES took place over 50 years ago in New York City, attracting over 17,500 attendees. Decades later, CES continues to be a magnet for tech enthusiasts, professionals, and media around the globe.

Whether you’re planning to attend in person or catch the livestreams from home, here’s your definitive guide to CES 2024.

Keep an Eye on AI

Since the explosive debut of ChatGPT in late 2022, AI has evolved into a dominant force across industries. At CES 2024, artificial intelligence will take center stage.

Nvidia has confirmed its focus will include generative AI, which produces text, visuals, and data through machine learning. Meanwhile, Amazon's Robert Boetticher will present “Cracking the Smart Car,” diving into AI’s role in automotive advancements.

LG CEO Cho Joo-wan will also speak under the theme “Reinvent your future,” showcasing AI-powered home appliance innovation. And while OpenAI won’t present at CES (having held its own DevDay in November), AI will be everywhere—from smart wearables to intelligent home products.

One standout is SeerGrills, named a CES 2024 Innovation Awards Honoree for its “Perfecta,” the world’s first AI-powered grill. AI is also powering Intel’s new Meteor Lake chipsets, featuring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for optimized workloads—expected to be showcased in new product lines from brands like Dell.

Virtual Reality’s Popularity Still in Question

Virtual Reality will maintain a presence at CES 2024, though it faces a steep climb. Despite booming interest in 2020, VR usage has significantly declined—CNBC reported a nearly 40% drop in headset and smart glasses sales in 2023.

Meta, the company behind the "Metaverse," will join Unity for a panel titled “Augmented & Virtual Reality in the Creator Ecosystem.” Meanwhile, Brelyon, an MIT-originated startup, will unveil a headset-free virtual monitor aiming to disrupt the AR/VR space. Whether this innovation will reignite interest in VR remains to be seen.

Gamers Welcome Next Gen GPUs

Among the most awaited product drops is Nvidia’s rumored “Super 4000” GPU line. Their current top-tier model, the RTX 4090, debuted at $1,599, up from the RTX 3090’s $1,499. Despite high prices, Nvidia continues to dominate the market with high-performance GPUs acclaimed by sites like Tom’s Hardware.

Leaks suggest the new RTX 4070 Super may feature 16GB of VRAM—up from 12GB—positioning it against AMD’s Radeon RX 7000 series. There’s speculation prices may stabilize, providing more accessible options for gamers and content creators alike. AMD is expected to save any direct competition for later in the year.

In Brief

Though CES 2024 spans only a few days, its impact will be felt all year. Expect major reveals from tech giants like Nvidia, Samsung, LG, and more. Whether you’re attending in person or following online, CES promises a preview of the innovations shaping tomorrow’s world.