Tech Trends at CES 2020

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was held in beautiful Las Vegas this year, and in case you are not familiar with the event; it is a time for all of tech’s big (and small) players come together to showcase new products, discuss trending topics in the industry, and basically “geek out” for three days. Think Coachella, but for electronics aficionados. While the event was a bit overwhelming to the senses, we were able to compile some key moments from the event.  

What We Saw at CES 2020 

There was a widespread interest and increased enthusiasm for medical wearables at CES. When you stop and think about it, this makes a lot of sense: a new decade is under way, and more people are looking to make drastic changes to their lifestyle and overall health. One exhibitor that stood out most was Carewear. Carewear produces the first wireless wearable LED patch for athletes. The patch contains more than 3,500 LEDs and is said to relieve pain and expedite the recovery process in 30 minutes. How does this work? Each LED emits wavelengths of blue and red light that relax the muscles and improve circulation, in turn healing the injured tissue. This patch is an incredible innovation for medical wearables and could mean that athletes can get back on the field soon after the time of injury.  

At the Geek Meets Chic panel, which our very own Madison Maxey spoke on, there was one question posed that is worth exploring: How can the industry speed up the process of getting wearable tech to market, without sacrificing certain elements that may take longer to produce? In other words, how can wearable tech be mass-produced to meet consumer/company demands? The answer to this question is not a simple one, but the first aspect we must look at is the technologies embedded within the wearable and how those can be more easily (and seamlessly) integrated.  

E-Textile Trends 

There were a few key trends we noticed in smart textiles and wearables... 

Medical   

Besides products that help speed up recovery time, we also noticed several wearables that are used to diagnose conditions, aid in sleep, and regulate body temperature. It appears medical wearables are heading in a direction that puts control back into the patient’s hands and involves them more in their wellness plan. Although these products can help physicians better understand their patient’s health, they are also instrumental in holding people responsible for their health. Which is a very good thing.  

Apparel 

As for apparel, one wearable kept everyone talking: Myant’s Skiin. Skiin is a smart clothing product containing embedded sensors that monitor the wearer’s heart and breathing rates, temperature, movement, and sleep. Those wearing Skiin will be able to analyze the data collected via a mobile app, which will provide tailored advice for a healthier lifestyle. Skiin currently consists of undergarments for both men and women, but Myant plans to expand to more items in the future.  

Automotive 

One thing we did notice about the automotive interiors on display were how technical, yet simple they were. The BMW I Interaction Ease left all attendees speechless. Not only because of its futuristic exterior, but the features within. The vehicle’s seats featured embedded touch surfaces and LED lighting. Also, all modules for the interiors seemed to be almost entirely connected to a smartphone or external device.   

What to Watch  

There are some other technologies that were consistent throughout several products. Among those, being advanced sensors and flexible batteries that make wearable tech easy to wear and charge. Looking beyond just wearables, several products on display emphasized subtlety over flashiness. One company, Mui Lab, created a wooden smart display that can control smart home devices (literally) at the touch of a button. This “Calm Design Device” also has WIFI connectivity and includes built-in Google Assistant.  

Final Thoughts 

CES 2020 was one for the books and has left us feeling more inspired and excited for what’s to come. We observed such pivotal change in wearable technology and smart technology from the exhibitors, and it truly feels as though a new decade is here. So, what do we hope to see over the course of the next ten years? We hope companies continue to implement simple, user-friendly (yet sophisticated) technological components in their products. This is something that BMW has done well with their I Interaction Ease concept car. Aside from that, we hope to see companies continue to involve the consumer in their product; making them more engaged. While this may not be considered a wearable, L'Oréal has done this with their Perso device (users can customize their own product via an app, and the product is dispensed through a physical device). It certainly seems as though dreams of a Jetsons-esque lifestyle may soon become a reality.