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CES 2018: Voice-Controlled Assistants Steal the Show
The biggest technology show of the year is taking place this week in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The show is called CES 2018.
The Consumer Technology Association estimates about 170,000 people will attend. About one-third of them are reported to come from countries other than the United States.
The show takes place every January. It was formerly called The International Consumer Electronics Show, or CES.
More than 4,000 businesses are demonstrating products in areas such as gaming, self-driving cars, digital health, artificial intelligence and robotics.
One of the biggest stars at CES 2018 is the voice-controlled digital assistant. While the technology is not new, many companies are showing off the latest in virtual assistants.
Toyota's e-Pallet concept is unveiled during a news conference at CES International, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Mayfield Robotics' Kuri home robot is surrounded by attendees during CES Unveiled at CES International Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Devices controlled by digital assistants – especially those activated by voice - were already big sellers in 2017. This year, Google, Amazon and Apple are expected to release even more products to keep up with rising demand.
Digital assistants are powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. They are designed to learn user preferences over time and then “think” and act on their own.
Some of the biggest developments in technology have come in the area of home automation. Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple’s HomePod and Microsoft's Cortana are a few examples of voice-activated devices. All include “smart” speakers that “talk” to users inside the home and can perform operations.
Experts with the Consumer Technology Association say sales of smart speakers are expected to nearly double in 2018, to $3.8 billion. "That market is not just heating up. It is a wildfire," researcher Steve Koenig told Agence France-Presse.
The internet-linked products can play music or find information when asked questions. They can also control equipment such as lighting, cameras, televisions and temperature controllers.
The HiMirror Mini, an internet-connected smart mirror with Amazon's Alexa, is displayed during CES Unveiled at CES International Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Attendees take pictures of ForwardX Robotics' CX-1 self-driving luggage during CES Unveiled at CES International Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Among new “smart” home products to be released at the CES are voice-controlled washing machines, refrigerators, showers and toilets.
Some businesses will demonstrate robots that are designed to help people do things or attend to their needs. New virtual-reality and augmented-reality technologies will also be shown. Many of these will be aimed at video gamers or sports lovers seeking to feel like they are more involved in the game.
CES is also traditionally the place for major electronics manufacturers to demonstrate their newest televisions. In an effort to get people to buy, companies are continuing to advertise new technologies, including “4K,” ″HDR” and “OLED.” Many of the televisions launched this year will come with voice controls.
Chloe Szulzinger demonstrates on CareOS, an operating system that connects multiple devices in the bathroom, during CES Unveiled at CES International Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The show also has many new physical fitness and health-related devices. Some are designed to help people create the best personal fitness plans to reach their goals.
Wearable health devices are equipped to study and measure body conditions, while others help recognize signs of disease.
I’m Bryan Lynn.
Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. His story is based on reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse and other sources. George Grow was the editor.
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Words in This Story
virtual – adj. not existing physically, but instead on a computer or the internet
artificial intelligence – n. the ability of computers to copy human behavior, such as making decisions or offering suggestions
preference – n. the liking of one thing over another
virtual reality – n. the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment
augmented reality – n. an enhanced version of reality created by the use of technology to add digital information on an image of something
digital – adj. using or involving computer technology
automation – n. the use of a machine or mechanical system to do work normally performed by humans