From the Australian: The mega-extravaganza of the tech world in Las Vegas is showcasing an array of new devices that get smarts from computer chips, sensors and artificial intelligence, but go further by opening doors to augmented or virtual realities.
The Consumer Electronics Show, which begins this week with a series of media events, will offer trade professionals a look at new robotics, connected cars and a dizzying assortment of gizmos from connected sneakers to drones.
This year’s show will see results of a boost in computing power from artificial intelligence, which can help power things like autonomous cars, and deliver new experiences such as augmented or virtual reality.
“Virtual reality is changing the game for a variety of industries including health care, agriculture, manufacturing and business,” said Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Technology Association that organises the annual show, in a Reddit chat.
“Doctors are using VR to enhance traditional therapies, architects use VR to design stronger buildings and travel agencies are using it to simplify vacation planning.”
CES will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the gathering, and organisers promised it would have the largest showcase of VR technology ever.
One CES panel discussion will examine how virtual reality is transforming television, movies and even news with immersive forms of video.
A host of virtual reality experiences will entice attendees at the trade-only show.
Cars will feature virtual reality displays to provide a better sense of the environment around them, while similar technologies will be showcased for smart glasses, medicine and beauty makeovers.
Robin Raskin, who heads the Living in Digital Times centre of the show, said augmented reality is catching on with try-and-see beauty apps, in-store virtual mirrors and toys.
Augmented reality, she said, “lets us look at the real world and add valuable, entertaining and immersive information to it.”
