2022 Tech Trends Seen at CES-Attention to Japanese Startups
The world's largest tech trade fair "CES2022" was held in Las Vegas this year. Last year, the trade fair was forced to be held online entirely due to the spread of the new coronavirus. This year, attention was also focused on holding in a new form, both face-to-face and online. Panasonic decided not to participate in a hurry at the end of December due to concerns about coronavirus, decided to participate in virtual, and some tech giants such as Microsoft and Google announced early abandonment of participation in normal times. Although the impression that it was far from the event was not wiped out, about 2,300 companies, including more than 800 startups, participated in the trade fair that predicts future tech trends. New products such as artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, digital health and smart homes have been announced.
Participation from overseas for thorough infectious disease control
Popular Japanese startup booth (c) SkyDrive
In 2020, before the spread of the new coronavirus infection, the number of visitors was more than 170,000, but this year it has decreased significantly to 45,000. Still, it is interesting that about 30% of the participants are from 119 countries outside the United States, and the percentage of visitors from overseas is not so different from 35% in 2020. By the way, only people in the industry can enter. In addition, this time we will implement strict measures against infectious diseases at the time of admission. To receive the admission card, you must show your vaccination certificate, and you are required to wear a mask while using transportation such as indoor exhibition halls, lectures and conferences, and shuttle buses. On the other hand, there is also a rule that you are free to wear a mask at the outdoor venue unless instructed by the staff. Participants will be given a free PCR test kit provided by Abbot when they receive the admission card, and overseas participants who are required to perform a PCR test when returning to Japan will be required to make a ticket reservation and present their passport to return to Japan. A PCR test kit was provided.
This year's attention
Sony's new business EV (Source: SONY homepage)
This trade fair attracts a lot of attention not only from industry insiders around the world but also from fans so that it is said that you do not know where the game changer is hidden. According to the announcement by the organizer after the closing, the highlights of this year are the following four. 1. Automobile technology More than 190 automakers exhibited. What surprised the world was the announcement of Sony's entry into the electric vehicle business. Although EV has been announced as a concept car, it announced the establishment of the electric vehicle business company "Sony Mobility" in the spring of 2022. Finally, he revealed that he is considering launching an EV in the full-scale market. Introducing 3D audio technology that emphasizes entertainment, which is one of Sony's strengths, into the vehicle with a highly complete appearance, and advocating a new way to enjoy the vehicle. Although the price and release schedule of the released vehicle "VISION-S 02" were not mentioned, the world was paying attention to the entry of major tech into new businesses, and the stock price on the day rose by about 5% at one point. Other tech companies such as Xiaomi in China and Foxconn in Taiwan are also planning to enter the EV business to break away from the mobile phone and PC business, and Apple launched electric vehicle development including fully autonomous driving in November last year. Announced to accelerate, it is a hot field. What attracted a lot of attention at the venue was the concept car released by BMW, whose body color changes from moment to moment.