Samsung’s Ballie, the home robot that made its debut at CES 2020, has returned with some exciting AI upgrades at CES 2024. This spherical robot, about the size of a bowling ball, now features a spatial lidar sensor and a 1080p projector, allowing it to project movies and facilitate video calls. It can even serve as a PC monitor. Ballie is voice and text controllable, capable of managing both smart and non-smart home devices. It offers useful features like plant-watering reminders and remote medical services. However, details regarding its availability and pricing remain unknown.
Volkswagen has also embraced artificial intelligence by integrating ChatGPT into its cars and SUVs. Developed in collaboration with Cerence and OpenAI, this feature will be added to models equipped with the IDA voice assistant, starting in Europe. The AI-powered chatbot goes beyond controlling the infotainment system and aims to handle a wide range of queries and tasks. However, the implementation of this feature in U.S. models is still under consideration.
CES 2024 has showcased numerous groundbreaking technological advancements. Samsung has teased a new generation of display innovations, including the In&Out Flip, which can fold both inward and outward, as well as monitor-sized folding and sliding OLEDs. Ultrahuman, known for its smart rings, is venturing into the smart home market with the Ultrahuman Home. Additionally, the Rabbit’s R1 Pocket AI introduces a unique device that simplifies daily tasks like hailing a car or finding dining options.
However, not all news from CES 2024 is positive. Carta, a cap table management company, faces controversy for attempting to broker shares of a startup without proper consent, raising questions about trust and integrity in such financial dealings. Superpedestrian, once a hopeful player in the e-scooter industry, is now auctioning off over 20,000 scooters after ceasing operations in the U.S. due to financial struggles. Startups like Here and Pitch also experienced setbacks, with the former shutting down its investment platform and the latter downsizing its workforce.
In the world of artificial intelligence, concerns arise about the future of identity verification known as Know Your Customer (KYC). Generative AI tools have demonstrated the ability to create deepfakes convincing enough to pass KYC tests, raising concerns about the security of sensitive financial processes. Additionally, Amazon’s Alexa is expanding its capabilities with three new experiences, allowing users to chat with fictional characters or historical figures, create songs using voice commands, and play an AI-powered version of the 20 Questions game.
Other noteworthy stories include the introduction of Google’s Gemini AI, a groundbreaking generative AI platform with versatile models, and Meistrari’s development of a system to simplify prompt creation and evaluation for large language models. Duolingo, an AI-focused language learning platform, recently trimmed its contractor workforce, reflecting the ongoing changes in the industry.
In the broader tech landscape, mobile virtual network operators are gaining momentum, real estate services giant Fidelity National Financial experiences a cyberattack, and car rental company Hertz decides to sell off a portion of its electric vehicle fleet due to lower demand and higher repair costs.
CES 2024 has showcased a plethora of technological advancements, from intelligent home robots to AI-powered chatbots integrated into vehicles. While some companies face challenges and setbacks, the overall landscape of the tech industry continues to evolve rapidly, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
