Waveform: CES 2020 Predictions and Tech Trends
The Start of the New Decade
In this special bonus episode of the Waveform podcast, hosts Marques Brownlee and Andrew Manganielli dive into the exciting landscape of technology as they kick off the year 2020 at CES in Las Vegas. They discuss the spirit of innovation and share their personal outlook for both the upcoming year and the next decade.
2020 Predictions: The Short Term
• Smartphone Refresh Rates: A prediction that all flagship phones for 2020 will adopt higher refresh rate screens (120Hz).
• Smartwatches as Accessories: A discussion on the resurgence of traditional watch aesthetics mixed with smart technology from brands like Fossil and Garmin, catering to those who want a timepiece to look like a watch.
Bold Predictions for the Decade
• Optical Zoom: Expect to see true optical zoom in smartphones by the end of the 2020s, potentially reducing the need for the multi-camera arrays currently seen on devices.
• The Decline of 8K and Curved Screens: The hosts argue that 8K resolution will not become common due to lack of content and long television upgrade cycles. They also speculate that the curved screen fad will fade away as it lacks practical utility for most media consumption.
The EV Challenge
"Owning an electric car is not just owning a car. It's almost a lifestyle change."
The hosts discuss the ambitious, perhaps unrealistic, goals set by traditional legacy car manufacturers regarding the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). They emphasize that widespread adoption depends on infrastructure, home charging convenience, and how effectively companies can convince consumers to switch their habits.
CES 2020 Observations
The team explores the show floor, noting that this year features more interesting announcements than previous, quieter events:
• OnePlus Concept Phone: A device featuring electrochromatic glass that can hide camera lenses.
• The Weird Side of CES: A lighthearted look at peculiar gadgets, such as Charmin’s toilet paper-delivering robot, highlighting that finding unique, bizarre tech is a staple experience at the convention.