By: Jen Soch
This year 140,000 flocked to Las Vegas to check out the latest and greatest in consumer electronics. We attended to discover which gadgets hold promise and potential to connect with consumers in the future. This year, real and actionable centered on Connected Devices.
Moments before we hit the show floor, Chris Anderson, editor in chief of Wired, set some expectations: Electronic themes on display at CES often take ten years to get to the point of consumer adoption. For example, 10 years have passed since our first look at the internet-connected television screen, and the time for consumer implementation is now.
Personally, I spent my show floor time looking at the connected homes of the future. I was fascinated by a small model home on the show floor that set my expectations for how Connected Devices will change my consumer behavior.
The home showcased everything from a refrigerator that talked to my washer/dryer, to a water heater the size of a boot box that hung on the wall. Tablets replaced light switches and allowed me to close blinds, check to make sure the garage door was closed, and even suggest grocery orders to supplement what was in my fridge. And sharing in this connected home has never been easier. The TV pulled up Facebook and Twitter for instant sharing and even suggestions from friends.
When will we see this in our homes? First, we must agree on some standards in software. If the electronic manufacturers can agree on system standards, we will see affordable solutions and consumer implementation in the next five years. Personally, I can’t wait. After the connected home, I will just need a robot to cook, clean, and watch my kids. Maybe I’ll find that next year…