The SAP mobile team is kicking off the new year the same way we have for the past 2 years – by taking some time to look at what’s happening in the consumer technology world at CES 2014.
There is always such a buzz leading up to the trip to Las Vegas for the conference that consumes the city. I’m looking forward to the long taxi lines, the crowds and a new focus this year – spending time in the Samsung booth. In the past SAP has attended CES to take explore the consumer market and how these products, trends, and technologies make their way to the enterprise.This year, we’re adding on a new focus of exhibiting with Samsung in the “KNOX Zone”, showcasing our mobile security solutions and mobile apps for the latest secure Android devices from Samsung.We’re excited to be a part of the busiest booth at the show.
Samsung is putting a big focus on KNOX for the enterprise. To learn more about SAP and KNOX, read my recent blog.
In addition to being in the Samsung booth, I am planning to explore new innovations at the show and share them with you. Here are a few:
- An Explosion of Wearable Devices CES is known as the gadget show, and what is cooler than wearable gadgets. From fitness devices to smart watches to virtual reality contact lenses, we expect to see many interesting spins on wearables for our increasingly connected world. The interesting angle is the related explosion of data tied to these devices that will impact the enterprise in the years to come.
- The Smart Home. Last year we recorded a video featuring highlights of CES 2013, and the smart home was one that topped the list. This year we expect to see this grow significantly as connected devices become more mainstream. Smartphone-controlled appliances and locks, lightbulbs and thermostats that talk to each other will be fantastic to see.
- Smarter Cars The consumerization of the automotive industry took a jump start when Apple announced partnerships with many car manufacturers with iOS7. Last year I stopped by automotive zone to check out what was happening – and expect this year will be even better. Connected car technologies are advancing, it is expected that Google will announce an Android partnership with Audi. Many companies are also demonstrating self-driving cars too.
- More tablets Last year tablets weren’t really a top news item at CES, but this year it seems that some new devices will be interesting to track. There are rumors about the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the Galaxy Note Pro and the impressive Exynos chip. Other rumors include an Asus dual-boot Windows 8/Android tablet. Huawei and Acer also have tablet and chipset news coming out at the event. Google and Apple will be absent from the show.
CES remains the best place in the world to take the pulse of the consumer electronics business – and I would argue the best place to get an early look at what the enterprise will be thinking about in 12-18 months. Stay tuned for my post-show report!
