Strategizing CES 2019

With earnings season almost upon us, Q4 2018 and YE 2018 results along with many associated statistics will be announced in the coming weeks. These numbers represent a fundamental component of tracking the many businesses and industry segments in which we work.

Many of those stats enable us to project what the next quarters/years may hold.

Next week’s CES, with its future focus, offers a window into the near and distant future.  Taken together, last year’s performance coupled with the future of consumer electronics, provides additional insights for business.

CES has something for everyone, all 180,000 of our closest friends and acquaintances who will attend, checking out the latest products and services.  With something for everyone and the amount of floor space to cover, we have found that strategizing CES works best to be sure we prioritize what we wish to see.

Here is a snapshot of the areas that we intend to cover.

Overall trends – New and emerging tech is what CES is all about.  Early stage technologies, many of which are start-ups, are introduced at a few booths.  Some of these techs appear in increasing numbers in subsequent years.  Some fade away entirely.  It is always interesting to see how they fare.

Machine learning/AI – Machine learning/artificial intelligence started out with a low profile at CES.  We expect to be barraged this year with AI nearly everywhere, as companies of all kinds strive to incorporate it into their products.

Voice activated/enabled – Alexa, Google and Siri have enjoyed significant growth in recent years.  We look forward to seeing an increasing number of voice-activated products as well as upgraded versions of the stand alone, AI based home speaker systems that control smart devices.

Facial recognition, eye tracking and gesture-based products – We anticipate a similar increased presence in these technologies, many of which will be incorporated into “every day” products.

Automotive – Once a relatively small part of CES, automotive has become a significant part of the show.  The rise of autonomous vehicles has spurred the development of systems to enable what many consider the car of the future, all with numerous sensors, cameras and displays.

Smartphones and TVs – Both have matured with an installed base of products that has not seen the same growth as in recent years.  We expect to see foldable displays and TVs even thinner than prior years.  It is hard not to be pulled into the enormous exhibit areas from the likes of Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense, Huawei and a few others.

5G – 5G is the next generation cellular broadband that in due time is likely to be used in homes as well, replacing existing wired infrastructure.  We anticipate that several companies will announce their plans for 5G as the latter part of 2019 is expected to see a ramp up of the next gen tech deployment.

Smart home – Smart home products have become a major business with new products and vastly improved older ones seemingly coming to market constantly.  Thermostat/HVAC controls, door locks, security systems, door bells, electrical outlets and other devices are going to be a major factor this year at CES as these products increasingly are in our homes.

Blockchain – While still in the nascent days of the development and use of blockchain, notwithstanding the fact that it is on nearly everyone’s game changing technology of the future list, there will be a lot of blockchain hype at CES.

VR – Virtual reality made a very big splash at CES and other conferences a few years ago.  It has now diminished significantly and we do not expect to see much of it at all at CES.  We do expect to see AR and more specifically related to the enterprise than the consumer at this year’s show

 

Of course, there will be many surprises that are truly innovative in the foregoing areas, wearables, sports tech, health related products, drones and robotics, and much more as we traverse the Las Vegas Convention Center and the numerous hotels and other venues that have become a part of the biggest show on earth.

 

As for The Shindler Perspective

Insights for Business – We look back at 2018 as a very good and busy year for us as the business climate was very positive for the many organizations with which we have been working.

In our most recent newsletter, we referenced PriceWaterhouseCoopers’ study on how “US companies plan to pour tax savings into growth.”

Companies have been looking at their futures, deciding which strategies and tactics are the most potentially lucrative and how best to deploy their resources.  Some are seeking financing to grow.

What are your strategies?  If you are considering what would make your organization stronger in the current positive business environment, our team approach can assist by providing an independent and knowledgeable perspective.  Contact us to discuss how we can contribute to your success.

Digital Hollywood – Our Future of Film panel in October, with a group of savvy industry execs discussing and even challenging many facets of the industry, was well attended and well received.  See the details of the panel here, including a link to the archived video of the robust discussion.

Infinity Film Festival Beverly Hills – We were pleased to have been a panelist at the inaugural Infinity Film Festival in November.  Event Cinema, the panel topic, is defined as fewer than five exhibition days, as differentiated from full theatrical distribution, which is seven exhibition days, or generally more than one week.  The panel consisted of an eclectic group of industry executives and film makers.  Additional information on the panel may be found here.

Big Tech – With Big Tech in the news seemingly daily, and Facebook perhaps even more so, our Management And Ownership: Facebook Faces Its Entrepreneur Quandry continues to strike a chord with tech and creative organizations.  It is a concept that can make the difference between success and failure.

Ten Steps – eBook –Bob Hessler, a colleague, read Ten Steps to a More Profitable Company and the Seven Steps Beyond and graciously created a unique e-book.  Check it out here.

Comics reflect reality – Tracking the numbers is imperative for all businesses.  If you are not tracking yours, you could find yourself looking at graphs like these created by Dagwood Bumstead.  Make tracking the numbers a resolution for the new year.

Comics reflect reality – It’s Awards Season and with it many of us will be exuberant about one movie or TV show while noting that some of our friends and acquaintances think differently.  Movies are a regular source of material for comics.  Here are some of my favorites:

Hall Full – Same picture, different perspective

La Cucaracha – A giant screen TV – just like we expect to see at CES

F- Minus – There is always one in the family that does not like the movie

Dilbert – The battle for the living room

Wumo – A different take on Little Red Riding Hood

 

We post frequently on a wide variety of topics that impact us and the companies with which we work.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIN.

Roberta Shindler and I wish everyone a healthy, happy, and of course, prosperous new year.

For The Shindler Perspective, Inc.

Marty Shindler

Chief Executive Officer

© 2019 The Shindler Perspective, Inc.