Qualcomm, for example, recently revealed some intriguing new AI features as part of its next-generation chipset (including an always-on camera feature). At this week's CES, chip makers are eager to showcase a variety of machine learning and AI features, such as applying natural language processing to better understand the tone of messages you receive on your phone and prioritize those that sound important; or the ability to monitor vocal sounds, which could conceivably identify asthma, the onset of depression, and other health problems.
Just as in recent years, digital health, activity trackers and technology in the service of sex will be a part of the CES agenda. Robert B. Ford, president and chief executive officer of Abott -- which makes, among other things, rapid over-the-counter Covid-19 tests -- is a keynote speaker. As has Peloton chief executive John Foley, who has had a pretty news-packed 2021.
Adrienne So, senior associate editor at Wired, reports that the Withings company recently received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for its ScanWatch for medical applications and that this could help set the bar higher for what this kind of devices can do. Sensors haven't evolved much in recent years, but form factors have (Adrienne says there will be some particularly…unusual wearable designs at this year's Cess). Many wearable manufacturers are pushing software that allows data to be shared with primary care physicians. And Wired product expert Jess Gray says sex tech will be all about customization this year, with toys offering programmable vibration, multiple internal motors, and a variety of body-safe materials.
As far as the smart home goes, Adrienne So says we can expect virtual briefings on the usual smart speakers, robot vacuum cleaners, pet dispensers, water usage monitors, luxury toilets, fancier bidets and toothbrushes from teeth with bluetooth. However, the launch of Matter, a new smart home standard that is supported by Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung and expected to be launched in 2022, could at least make these devices a little more compatible with each other.
Until that happens, though, much of the smart home technology will be the same "new" technology we saw virtually at CES 2021. We probably saw some in person in January 2020 as well, along with that robot who delivered the toilet paper when you ran out, the face mask built with fans and filters to purify the air around you, the virtual personal assistant who guided you through the yoga classes at home…
Julian Chokkattu, Scott Gilbertson, Jess Grey, Parker Hall, and Adrienne So contributed to this article.