CES 2015 heralds new internet dawn
A wave of connected products are being unveiled during this week’s Consumer Electronics Conference in Las Vegas
Attendees at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. The Internet of Things has been a major talking point at the gathering
The annual gathering of tech industry heavyweights began this week in Las Vegas, with many observers predicting that the so-called ‘Internet of Things’ would take centre stage at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Among the shiny new televisions and near-identical looking iPhone cases are a huge amount of devices that are touting their smart capabilities. Connected everyday technologies will be shown off, including cars, home security systems, and even – ridiculously – a WiFi connected kettle.
Samsung has warned that companies need to be open and collaborative if connected devices are going to transform the world
The Internet of Things is the central theme of the tech industry currently, according to the Consumer Electronics Association’s Senior Vice President Karen Chupka. She told reporters that many of the firms exhibiting at the event were aiming to show how everyday devices could be connected to computers and smartphones.
“It’s all about the opportunity to connect everyday items like cars, home security systems and kitchen appliances to networked devices like PCs and smartphones for greater control and management of our everyday lives”, said Chupka.
Among the other products to be shown off was a connected gun from Texan firm TrackingPoint, which allows firearms to have a streaming video camera on their sites. This would help precision targeting from the safety of cover for hunters and soldiers. How many consumers that need such a thing remains to be seen.
While there has been a great deal of excitement for the internet of things during CES, some firms have sounded a word of warning about the issues the industry might face in the future. Samsung has warned that companies need to be open and collaborative if connected devices are going to transform the world.
Samsung CEO Boo Keun Yoon said in his keynote speech at CES: “The internet of things has the potential to transform our society, economy and how we live our lives.” However, he added, “It is our job to pull together – as an industry, and across different sectors – to make true on the promise of the internet of things.”
