Taking place every January in Las Vegas, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) doubles as a crystal ball for the trends set to shake up IT and technology and should be high on every tech-savvy company’s itinerary. Here, we’ve compiled the predictions that will shape the next 12 months, courtesy of CES 2016.
Drones
Drones might seem straight out of science fiction, but it’s only a matter of time before they start impacting the way we work and live. Although most drones currently on the market come in the form of a remote-controlled copter, this year’s CES saw tech manufacturer Parrot launch a brand-new model that can set flight, steer, and land by itself.
Smart home products
If you’re serious about bridging the gap between online and offline touchpoints, you should factor in the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT). This network of devices, which connect to the internet by sensors and can do everything from capturing customer data to measuring productivity, will have a seismic impact on our homes and workplaces.
At CES 2016, companies unveiled a slew of smart home products that prove that IoT is becoming more sophisticated and powerful every month. Apple’s HomeKit system, which lets you turn off your lights and adjust your thermostat using Siri, is a case in point.
Palm-sized computers
Customers might have rapidly embraced smartphones, but if CES 2016 is anything to go by, businesses will need to adjust to yet another shift. This year’s convention saw manufacturers launch personal computers that are high on video output and horsepower and fit in the palm of your hand. For instance, Intel has debuted the Compute Stick – a four-inch device featuring a powerful processor and 32 gigabytes of storage. If it takes off, it could have a domino effect on personal computing.
From the Internet of Things to pint-sized computers, 2016 is looking like an eventful year. What forms of consumer technology are you most anticipating – and how do you think they will evolve your business?