We also expect to see advances in safety and autonomous driving technologies: more sophisticated LiDAR and other sensors for seeing what’s around the car, and more clued-in braking, steering and other systems for responding to what they see. This is great news in theory. In practice, it can be unsettling to see cars taking over major parts of the driving experience.
Sony might seize the moment in mobile
CES isn’t synonymous with innovation in the mobile space – at least not when it comes to Android smartphones and tablets. Intel and Nvidia typically announce Android-compatible mobile processors, but beyond that it’s usually quiet until a few months later, when Mobile World Congress takes place in Barcelona.
However, rumours point to a fruitful 2015 for Android devices. Samsung may introduce new additions to its already extensive family of tablets. Acer and Asus remain prolific, and we expect to see both mid-range and high-end Android tablets from both manufacturers.
Perhaps the biggest rumour in the Android realm is that Sony will debut its next-generation flagship devices at CES 2015. However this may be a bad idea so close to the release the Xperia Z3 family last year. An Xperia Z3 Ultra of sorts seems more plausible.
There are also rumours that LG has something up its sleeve – supposedly a reprise of its curved smartphone, the G Flex, which debuted around the same time last year. We’re also expecting to see some product announcements from low- and mid-range manufacturers like ZTE and Alcatel One, though their devices don’t always make headlines.
Don’t forget about the PC
Lastly, for PCs, the biggest news that will cut across all brands will be the unveiling of Intel’s fifth-generation Broadwell-U chips. Consumers got a taste of Broadwell last year with the low-wattage Broadwell Y, otherwise known as the Core M. This time around, Broadwell U brings the new 14nm process to more powerful Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 chips. As we’ve seen with the Core M, the new process significantly reduces power consumption compared to the fourth generation Haswell chip. The upshot? Notable increases in battery life on new laptops.
CES will see the usual conga line of new ultra-light laptops, convertibles and all-in-ones, some of them debuting new technologies. Expect to see at least several tablets and laptops equipped with Intel’s super-wicked RealSense depth-camera technology. Pen lovers who’ve glommed onto Microsoft Surface Pro series should also keep their eyes open for competing tablets with active pen support.
Last year at CES, we saw 4K monitors dive to prices under $600. While we probably won’t see that kind of aggressive pricing with 5K panels, expect to see more such models at prices that might finally have you reaching for your credit card. At least 30Hz 4K panels appear to be a thing of the past.
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