We're Back from CES 2017 and There's Something You Should Know

PDT had boots on the ground at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) last month as we do every year, scouting the latest developments in electronics. From drones to robots, super-thin screens to wearables, the show was jam-packed with solutions that track, connect and make life a little easier.

Reflecting on the show, a technology we all as product developers need to have on the radar is Amazon’s Alexa.  Of course, the Echo has evolved quickly from a wireless speaker and voice command novelty, to an automation/assistant/entertainment powerhouse. But the real story is the brain behind it: Alexa.

We saw Alexa integrated into many smart home solutions like Netatmo’s Home Wireless Monitor, and learned at the show that Seiki, Westinghouse Electronics, and Element Electronics will be equipping their 4K ultra HD smart TVs with Alexa, enabling users to search for shows, play music, and control their smart home tech with their voices. Alexa is proliferating the auto industry, too, as Ford and Amazon have partnered to bring voice command to the driver’s seat, enabling users to ask for news, request directions and even add items to Amazon shopping carts. (We’ll be releasing another trend report following the Chicago Auto Show as well- sign up here to make sure you’re notified when it’s available)

Amazon now claims that tens of thousands of developers are leveraging the Alexa skills set to build their proficiency with the technology. And since Alexa is available beyond the U.S., in UK and Germany, we expect global domination soon. If you’re a manufacturer of connected devices, you’d best be looking at its capabilities now because once Alexa can be leveraged everywhere, there’s no stopping it.

Certainly, as we work on airline passenger experience solutions, medical applications and consumer-driven technologies, Alexa is on our minds.

If you didn’t get a chance to go to CES this year, I invite you to take a look at what stood out to our team- from Alexa-enabled tech and beyond.  https://www.pdt.com/2017-ces-trend-report.html