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ach January, the very latest electronic gadgets are showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. From large- screen TVs to flying cars, and everything in between, thousands of new releases compete for the attention of the early adopters and industry professionals who flock there in their thousands. Though the town may be better known for its casinos, the gamble here is to be
the product that will change the world for consumers in the year ahead. The biggest trend to come out of this year’s show was
integration of digital assistants into products. Google showcased upgrades to its assistant, most notably the new interpreter mode, which allows text and voice translation in 27 languages, and is already being trialled at hotel concierge desks in the US (see p.38 'Hotel tech'). Amazon’s Alexa appeared in a host of new products,
from cars to smart ovens, and even a smart toilet. And Apple, which rarely opens its ecosystem to other companies, debuted its Airplay 2 technology on a range of third-party TVs, and even an iTunes app in a Samsung TV. All this integration is great for the home and personal vehicle but there are also possibilities for easy customisation of hotel rooms, rental cars and even business class plane seats. Just imagine the possibilities of having your own playlists, calendars and lighting already in place when you check in to your room, or board the plane. Another big area at this year’s show was the raft of
new cars, ranging from electric models with increased range, to autonomous motorcycles and Uber’s plans for a flying taxi. We’ve put together a selection of some of the most
interesting products at this year’s CES for the business traveller.
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FOLDABLE PHONES There has been talk of foldable screen smartphones for a number of years, but the Royole FlexiPai is the first to make it to market (though Samsung and Huawei have now announced models). The device features a 7.8-inch screen and can fold in half to make it hand (and pocket) friendly. The clever bit here is the flexible AMOLED display which, the company claims, is virtually unbreakable. Inside, it features the powerful Snapdragon 855 processor and dual 20MP and 16MP cameras. It might look like you’ve put your iPad in a vice, but this really could save you from packing your tablet and phone on your next trip.
A CASE THAT FOLLOWS YOU
Ever had one of those suitcases that seems to have a mind of its own? Well, this one really does. But rather than constantly veering off into your fellow passengers, the Ovis smart luggage follows obediently by your side, like a well-trained show dog. This claims to be the first “vision-powered, side-follow carry-on”. That means it uses a lens and AI technology to not only stay at your side but also to avoid obstacles and predict your route. The case also features GPS tracking, an “Anti-Lost” smart alarm (should it stray from your side), a weight sensor, and charging for your phone with removable battery. All in a cabin-friendly size.
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