CES 2020 Recap: Electric Cars, Gaming Tech, and Smart Homes

CES 2020 Overview

The podcast hosts and guest Austin Evans provide a comprehensive analysis of CES 2020, discussing trends, standout gadgets, and the shift in the show's focus. They reflect on the balance between conceptual prototypes and practical technology, highlighting the atmosphere of the event.

Notable Hardware and Displays

• Razer Tomahawk: A compact PC chassis featuring the Intel NUC compute element, allowing for full-sized graphics performance in an ultra-small form factor.
• High-Refresh Displays: Discussion on the push for 360Hz gaming monitors, noting that while extreme, they offer tangible clarity improvements for competitive esports.
• OnePlus Concept One: Observations on the implementation of electrochromic glass to hide camera sensors, potentially functioning as an integrated Neutral Density (ND) filter.

Automotive Trends

The show explores the industry's heavy pivot toward electric vehicles (EVs) and mobility solutions:
• Sony's Prototype EV: A surprise reveal that impressed the hosts with its design, despite being a non-commercial feasibility study.
• Ford Mustang Mach-E: The hosts debate the branding decision of naming an SUV a Mustang and discuss the consumer education gap regarding electric vehicle technology.
• Toyota's "Woven City": A fascinating project involving the construction of a smart city at the base of Mount Fuji, designed for autonomous traffic and living.

Smart Home and Demos

"Tech is so great when it works."

Despite the excitement, the hosts emphasize that CES is defined by demos—some successful, others failing in real-time. They discuss:
• The proliferation of Amazon Alexa integration into everything from kitchen appliances (like the Instant Pot) to high-end luxury vehicles.
• The reality gap between future, sci-fi concepts—like smart doors with vein ID scanners—and what actually makes it to consumers.
• The value of experimental "concept" products in gathering public feedback before mass production.