Seven Trends to Watch at CES 2015
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What happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas. It ends up in your home, at your workplace, and even aboard your next flight. We’re talking about the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show, which kicks off January 6 in Las Vegas… so scratch that gadget itch. If you’re in the airline industry (or just a frequent flyer), here are some key trends and products to watch.
1. Bigger, Better Televisions
Big-ass TVs will still show up at CES, and their development ends up benefitting IFEC systems as imaging quality improves. However, the smartphone has become the very sun, around which a growing system of interconnected electronics now spins. Passengers, IFEC masterminds and airline cabin designers alike should be watching what dominates CES, because well-connected passengers make for a better airline industry.
2. Swivel Book
Acer Aspire R 13 goes through its paces. Photo: CES
Acer will introduce the Aspire R 13, a contortionist laptop featuring the appropriately-named Ezel Aero Hinge. The Aspire R 13 swivels at two complimentary points, allowing it to function as a flat tablet, a notebook and everything in between: this includes a sort of tent-mode that will occupy the constantly-diminishing space between your eyeballs and the seatback in front of you. This is crucial in light of in-flight entertainment’s bring-your-own-device trend.
3. Digital Projector
Lenovo’s Android-powered Yoga 2 tablet carries its own digital projector and five-watt subwoofer. An ultralight business tool, or an opportunity to screen Frozen in the coach-class lavatory? The choice is yours, but remember: there’s probably a queue.
4. Luggage Lock
Also, you’ll want to keep an eye out for next-generation travel security. DigiPass is introducing the eGeeTouch Smart Luggage Lock: no more tiny keys to lose or combinations to remember – you lock and unlock your suitcase with your smartphone.
5. iPassport
To protect travelers from next-generation identity theft, iWallet is introducing iPassport. This RFID-shielded passport case is biometrically locked, 007, so only you can open it with your fingerprint or linked smartphone.
6. Eco Headphones
AudioQuest NightHawk. Photo: AudioQuest
In the field of headphone design, AudioQuest is targeting Bose and Panasonic, as well as your very perception of reality: The company says its NightHawk headphones employ “mind-bending eco-friendly materials and performance that bests even the most pricey flagships.” The headphones are made with “liquid wood,” a combination of natural wood and reclaimed plant fiber. Even if you don’t know what “Balanced Equitangential Airflow” means, AudioQuest promises that the NightHawks will sound really, really good.
7. Portable Guitar
Jamstik in action, via product video
In-flight creativity doesn’t have to be limited to keyboards and sketchbooks. Jamstik is an ultra-portable guitar neck controlled via iPad or iPhone, which you can play without disturbing your fellow passengers. “Air guitar” has taken on a whole new meaning. Is there room in an IFE scheme for in-flight jam bands? I like to think so.
What makes CES so exciting for the airline industry is how the new generation of gadgets empowers the customer to take charge of his or her own travel experience.