CES 2024: AI is the talk of the town as NVIDIA, Microsoft, others unveil new tech, OpenAI to give it a miss

The eagerly anticipated Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 has become a hotspot for leading tech and gadget companies to unveil their latest innovations and plans for the upcoming year. Hosted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES 2024 promises to be the first major technology showcase of the year. NVIDIA is set to make significant announcements during the event, with a particular focus on its AI initiatives and the highly awaited GeForce RTX 40-series Super GPUs, creating a buzz in the gaming industry. The rumoured Super GPU series may feature models such as the GeForce RTX 4080 Super, GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super, and GeForce RTX 4070 Super. Expected to be based on AD103 and AD104 graphics processors and the Ada Lovelace architecture, these Super variants are anticipated to deliver enhanced features and faster performance compared to their non-Super counterparts. Official details regarding features and performance are yet to be disclosed by NVIDIA. The CES 2024 officially kicks off on January 9, 2024, but NVIDIA will take the spotlight on January 8 with a special event. Enthusiasts can catch all the live updates from the NVIDIA announcement on their official YouTube channel. The CES event will run until January 12, featuring additional innovations from chip-makers like Intel, Qualcomm, AMD, and others. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s absence at CES will not diminish the impact of generative artificial intelligence, a trend set off by the company in the previous year. Despite CEO Sam Altman not appearing at the trade show, numerous gadget makers will showcase consumer applications for AI technology in areas such as devices for the visually impaired, safety systems, facial recognition software, and cabin-monitoring systems inside autonomous cars. OpenAI’s influence remains strong, akin to Apple and Steve Jobs, as gadget makers strive to develop products compatible with OpenAI’s groundbreaking technology. Altman considered a symbol of the AI frenzy, faced headlines in November when he was briefly ousted by the board but reinstated after a substantial employee backlash. OpenAI is currently collaborating on a secretive AI hardware project with former Apple designer Jony Ive. AI’s presence at CES reflects a broader industry trend, with funding for generative AI projects skyrocketing to $23.78 billion by December 2023, a fivefold increase from 2022, according to PitchBook data. Tech analyst Maribel Lopez notes that AI has become a ubiquitous element in products, declaring it the “year of AI in everything.” CES 2024 will feature diverse applications of AI, including Germany’s Bosch showcasing an almost invisible gun-detection system and Japan’s NEC unveiling AI software for analyzing human vitals and mental states. Automakers are emphasizing a “hyper-personalized” experience through AI-powered in-vehicle virtual assistants and cabin monitors. Companies like Cerence, Cipia, and Amazon are set to announce partnerships and innovations in this space. PC and smartphone makers, including Intel and AMD, will highlight how AI is integrated into their products, aiming to tap into a new revenue stream. Microsoft, for instance, announced a new AI button on the Windows keyboard, which will be showcased at CES. The consumer reception to AI capabilities in devices remains uncertain, but the CES floor is abuzz with discussions about the potential consumer utility of integrating AI into everyday technology. (With input from agencies)