CES 2023

May 28

CES 2023. We came, we saw….we are tired!

Human creativity, perseverance and curiosity converged this year in Vegas. From the big players like Amazon to the growing brands like Govee, we saw so many ways consumer can use technology not as the end point, but the conduit for a more fun and connected life. We don’t look for the strongest signal everytime, but look at what’s helping to solve real consumer problems and helping to remove barriers, making it easier for us to just be human.

Among the hundreds and hundreds of booths, tech trials, weird wireless wonders, some key imagination rich themes emerged at CES 2023 that focus on entertainment and consumer experience…two of our fav things!

Play, & Practicality

These themes came to life through voice activated AI, smart power solutions, baby robot buddies, personal wearables, and a slew of connected products that are truly working towards an interoperable future. We know that even during recessions (which we aren’t in one- but are we?) people still spend on entertainment “Roger & Zaragoza-Lao (2003) mentioned that communities that offer entertainment services are more likely to have healthier children. The computermediated games in general that can support entertainment and socialization aids to promote positive mental and social health of the elderly (Theng, et al., 2012). (academics call computer games comutermediated…why, not sure)! It is now more than ever that we need to pull out Jenga, go to an amusement park, and find a friend to do an adventure run. If some of these co’s below keep growing, play life will get even better!

PLAY

Play went from high-fi to low-fi with AI robot buddies, vibey skin suits, and mini games..Here are a few co’s doing cool things!

OWO- Haptic Feedback suits that prove the simulation is real! Slowly we will be woven into the digital fabric of the simulation, one cool invention at a time! Some call it the simulation, some call it the metaverse. These suits are poised to elevate the gaming experience, and give you all the feels- You can reserve right now!

Moxie AI robot buddy- There is a real fear about robots replacing human connection which should remain top of mind, but there is a place for smart robots in the house. With strong policy and consumer protection, we can enable products like Moxie to elevate learning, work as a utility for practical needs, and help us actually move away from screens and back to each other.

Govee- Hi-fi lighting for all we say! Their tagline should really be “It’s a vibe”. From connecting mood lighting to your gaming experiences, to taking a dorm room from blah to badass, Govee has well priced, safe lighting for the world to play with. Their coolest offering is for gamers. Their custom gaming system brings effects that react in real-time to the cutscenes, victory screens, and gaming highlights!

Myhixel- The most technical sexual health product in the world. I never thought I would say “AI & sexy times” together, but here we are. Myhixel has a unique name and a very tech based approach to helping men in the bedroom. I mean, it’s gamified and has real time data. What more could you ask for!

Dimension X- Virtual world design platform enabling storytellers to build faster immersive experiences that are non-linear and extensible. Build once and deploy across all device types with speed. This reminds us of when Shopify helped to create templates and more accessible ways for retailers to create websites. Rather than each site needing to be a full build, amazing and flexible templates were created. We hope more companies are born that reduce the barriers for creators to realize the worlds in their heads!

Somnium Space- One of the players in the virtual world space has gone hardware on us. They have launched a headset…They are leaning into the open developer space and we hope the creator community checks them out! Their virtual world has been working to find an audience, and this bold move could speed up that process quickly!

Roland- Was the bees knees of CES with their amazing digital instruments experience. From flutes to drums, the focus was on sound quality, not driving your parents mad by using amazing headset sets, and a wireless world where music can be played and created with no boundaries.

Ant Reality optics- AR meets VR compatibility with these bad boys. The convergence of worlds is getting better and better with glasses like these. They will one day allow us to live in all the worlds at once, and we are stoked!

Cookie shot anyone?- Not at CES….But we did have a hankering for a sweet treat late night after all the talks and found the best use of a robot in the history of robots…

WHY PLAY MATTERS

— A 2013 study found that playful adults reported having lower stress levels. Play also helped them use healthier coping styles like acceptance and positive reframing —-

PRACTICALITY

Practicality - thank our lucky stars was another starring cast character at CES. What’s the point, if the cool tool can’t be used. Sound gets in the way or it’s just too complicated to turn on.

Valkerie is amping up VR fitness with a companion device that activates your muscles as you work out, providing real resistance, unlike any other VR workout- Creepy, practical, and amazing all at once!

Nova- This new kid on the block is one part fun, one part class, and all practical. Listen to music, talk to friends, and look fancy in audio earrings. Our guess is the tech still has a way to go, but the way wearables are converging with what we adorn ourselves with makes life easier and means we may forget less stuff at home!

Milo- They have gone old school and created these adorable “walkie-talkies” where you can have group convos on the slopes, at the festival, or out on the water. When Wifi lets you down at the festival, keep tabs on your people and where the car was parked!

Metatwinbot- Not able to put a VR headset on, no problem. Smart companies like Metatwinbot are helping to ensure true accessibility in the metaverse. Set up their device, create a digital twin and travel worlds without even touching a headset.

As we left the show floors and wrapped the last of the talks about what the metaverse really is, we were optimist about this year. Much like many pervious transition period in history, we are driven to create true value, innovate with less, and focus on what is truly important to furthering the mission of a more connected, entertained, and safe world. Next year, maybe a few more flying robots, but today It’s all about “innovating the now “ and we are here for it! See you soon!