Travel Tech at CES 2020
It’s that time of year again where the tech world descends on Las Vegas for the annual CES event. And this year, CES 2020 looks set to be a pivotal one for Travel Tech and gadgets as the industry adopts new technologies to make our devices smarter, faster and more flexible than ever.
Here are a few of my interest areas as I cover the 4,000+ exhibits next week searching for all the new and future devices for travellers on show at #CES2020.
5G Connectivity
We keep hearing about 5G but few of us still have, or can make use of, it. Here in the UK, some cities had 5G coverage in mid-2019, but the full roll-out is not expected to be completed until 2022.
Most current-day smartphones and tablets do not yet have 5G capabilities.
Motorola was among the first to address this with its 5G Moto Mod and the Samsung Galaxy S10/Note10 are probably the most prominent flagship devices to have the technology built-in.
Currently, no Apple iPhone models support 5G and there are estimated to be around 100 million in use today!
As carriers hurry to build their 5G networks, the expectation is we will start to see more and more 5G ready devices
CES is the world’s gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years
CES
Foldable Displays
2019 will go down as the year of the foldable!
Although there were a few offerings around prior, last year saw the Samsung Fold, Huawei Mate X and the return of the iconic Moto Razr.
Lenovo even had a foldable PC.
The problem with this technology is its price. All three smartphones above launched with at over $1,000 each and the specs were very mid-market at best.
Will we see more affordable flexible displays at CES 2020 and what new ways could they be integrated into travel tech and gadgets?
Smarter Wearables
Wearable tech is possibly the most interesting market for travel this year at CES 2020.
The devices are more reasonably priced, there is healthy competition presenting plenty of choices and most importantly…….. it is being adopted everywhere.
Smartwatches lead the way and even though I picked the Apple Watch Series 5 as my top pick for 2020, there will be many new offerings at CES and during the year that could top it.
As usual, Apple will not be attending CES.
Other than the new devices, what will be interesting is how brands incorporate the use of wearables. Take the Bose Frames as an example.
They have support for the Bose Augmented Reality platform. Using Bluetooth links, when you approach certain places the frames can provide audible information back to the wearer.
Join the Conversation
{Tech} for Travel will be at CES 2020 for the full week with daily round-ups on the site and live-tweeting for all the travel tech goodness from Las Vegas.
What one device would you like to see launched that would improve your travels?
Are you heading out to CES?
Comment below or join the conversation on Twitter.