Each January, all the major players in the world of tech gadgets gather in Las Vegas for the annual Consumer Electronics Show. With more than 100,000 attendees each year, CES is where many top brands showcase their latest devices, and this year was no different.
Apple® and Samsung® headlined many of the 2024 tech releases announced at CES, showing off new phones, fitness wearables, transparent TVs, and even a spatial computing headset. Not to be outdone, competing brands like General Electric, LG, Intel, and JBL wowed the crowds with their next-generation tech gadgets. Nintendo® even joined the party, albeit through an unintentional leak revealing plans for its latest game consoles.
There was so much to see at CES 2024 that it can get overwhelming. Not to worry — we put together this guide to the 12 most exciting new tech releases of the upcoming year to help you hone in on your next purchases.
From some truly ingenious smartphones to groundbreaking medical devices, here are our most anticipated devices for what should be a banner year in the tech industry.
Apple Vision Pro
One of the most exciting tech gadgets debuting in 2024 is Apple’s entry into the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headset market. The Apple Vision Pro has a much higher price point than any competing product, but it has plenty of features to justify that expense. Think of it as a VR headset combined with Google Glass but with far greater capabilities than either of those devices on its own.
While the Vision Pro has a high starting price point of $3,499, it boasts some features that could blow away traditional VR headset models like the Meta Quest 3 ($499-649) and PlayStation VR 2 ($549). Not only is it Apple’s first 3D camera, but its mixed-reality display promises a level of immersion never before seen in consumer tech devices. Furthermore, its specs are all top-of-the-line, far outpacing what most competitors in the field can currently offer.
For instance, the Apple Vision Pro offers 4K image resolution with an impressive 5,000 nits of brightness, while the Meta Quest 3’s display maxes out at just 100 nits. (That’s right, the Vision Pro is a jaw-dropping 50 times brighter!)
In addition, both the Vision Pro and Meta Quest operate as standalone devices — a big advantage over Sony’s PlayStation VR 2, which only works when paired with a PS5 console. The Apple Vision Pro doesn’t even require a controller, as users can control it using eye movement, voice commands, and hand gestures instead of a physical keyboard or joystick.
While most competing AR and VR headset models focus primarily on gaming applications, the Apple Vision Pro is more ambitious. Apple calls the Vision Pro a “spatial computer,” as it blends its digital display with the physical space around the user, creating an immersive VR/AR experience that feels like less of a departure from real life.
However, it’s important to note that several highly popular app developers have indicated that they won’t immediately support Apple’s Vision Pro. Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube will all reportedly be unavailable at launch for Vision Pro users. Additionally, many rumors persist that Google and Meta might join that list, as both companies offer competing VR/AR headsets.
Samsung Galaxy S24 (Standard, Plus, and Ultra Models)
Like Apple, Samsung has several new gadgets worthy of spots on this list, starting with its Galaxy S24 phones. Compared to previous Samsung Galaxy models, the S24 devices are lighter and thinner, and they offer far higher refresh rates for gaming. At 2,600 nits, the Galaxy S24 phones also offer much brighter screens than any previous smartphone from Samsung or Apple (or most other competitors, for that matter).
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this year’s flagship Samsung phones is the introduction of AI features via Samsung’s proprietary Galaxy AI, which packs many valuable new features into these devices. For example, Galaxy AI can generate language translations in real-time. In other words, if you’re speaking English and the person on the other end is speaking Spanish, Galaxy AI can provide live translations via audio and text transcriptions, making the language barrier a thing of the past.
Additionally, Galaxy AI offers users the ability to perform Google image searches with just a tap of a finger, along with a generative edit function for photos that allows you to move, expand, or remove background subjects. Samsung even added extensive AI models to its cameras, vastly improving its already-impressive zoom capabilities, nighttime photography, and more.
While the S24’s standard ($799) and Plus ($999) models hit the same starting price points as their S23 counterparts, the top-of-the-line Ultra ($1,299) model gets a $100 price increase over the S23 Ultra. This price hike is likely due to the inclusion of a new advanced cooling system in the S24 Ultra, which could be worth it for users who do lots of gaming, along with a camera that packs a whopping 200MP, which ties the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra for the highest-megapixel phone camera ever produced.
As it turns out, consumers seem undeterred by the slightly higher price point. Pre-orders for the Galaxy S24 series are smashing all previous records — on January 25, Samsung said that 1.21 million units have already been pre-ordered in South Korea alone, and roughly 60% of those were for the top-shelf S24 Ultra.
Rumored Apple iPhone 16 (Standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max Models)
Much like Samsung’s flagship phones will get an upgrade in 2024, so will Apple’s ever-popular iPhone. While the rumored iPhone 16 won’t debut until September, there are already plenty of rumors regarding specifications.
One persistent rumor is that the Pro and Pro Max models will boast larger screens than the 15 Pro models. Impressively, it also sounds like the iPhone 16’s OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screens will require less power than previous models due to advancements in display efficiency, improving the devices’ battery life even in the models with bigger displays.
Another expected change is the inclusion of the popular Action Button from the 15 Pro models in all four iPhone 16 models. This multi-function button gives users easy, instant access to such actions as turning on the phone’s flashlight or camera, activating Focus Mode or Silent Mode, and turning on translation features.
There are also rumors about the iPhone 16’s camera setup. With the iPhone 15 models, Apple finally included a camera system that can compete with the best Android phones, and it sounds like the company has even bigger things in store for the 16 series.
While it almost certainly won’t match the megapixel count of the Samsung S24 Ultra’s incredible 200MP camera, rumor has it that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will integrate a brand-new Sony imaging sensor that supports high-tech features such as dual conversion gain and analog-to-digital converters. In short, these features could enable the 16 Pro Max to take photos with a much more broad dynamic range than any previous smartphone camera.
We expect to hear much more regarding Apple’s plans for the iPhone 16 series later this year. For now, there are plenty of juicy rumors flying around to pique our interest.
Samsung Galaxy Ring
Finally, it appears that the Oura Ring fitness tracker has some serious competition, as Samsung recently announced its own new smart ring. Like the latest iPhones, concrete details about the Samsung Galaxy Ring are sparse, as it isn’t expected to hit the market until at least the third quarter of 2024.
According to Samsung representatives, the Galaxy Ring will enable users to track their sleep patterns and spot potential signs of sleep apnea. In addition, it can indicate changes in blood oxygen and body temperature, while also providing alerts if it senses a troublesome heart rate. The smart ring will reportedly provide medication reminders and alerts regarding interactions between medications as well.
Buyers will be able to choose from a variety of sizes and colors, though it’s not yet clear if the Galaxy Ring will be available in more than one basic style. We couldn’t find any info on pricing or an exact release date, but it’s safe to say that the Galaxy Ring will be one of the most closely watched consumer tech developments of the year.
Apple Watch X
The Apple Watch celebrates its tenth birthday this year, and the company is reportedly celebrating with the release of a thinner, sleeker watch. While it’s not yet clear if the latest Apple watch will hit stores in late 2024 or early 2025, we’re already getting plenty of rumors about its design and features.
One such report says that Apple is designing a new MicroLED display, an updated version of LED technology that boasts longer battery life, better response times, brighter colors, and improved contrast. It also sounds like Apple is replacing its current bands with new magnetic bracelets, although this would end the Apple Watch’s longstanding tradition of making all models compatible with all band styles.
As for health features, Apple reportedly has some big plans in store, including blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection. Additionally, there are rumors that Apple is working on an infrared blood glucose monitor for the next generation of its wearable tech, although this feature might not be ready for the Apple Watch X.
One feature you likely won’t see with the latest iteration of Apple’s smartwatch is blood oxygen readings via pulse oximetry technology. In late 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission temporarily banned sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 due to patent infringement issues regarding their pulse oximetry tech.
While the ban has been lifted and both watches are back on the market, Apple could use all the good press it can get regarding its next smartwatch. Based on the early rumors, we feel like the latest version could be the most impressive one yet!
GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker
CES 2024 also had some exciting new kitchen devices on display, including General Electric’s groundbreaking new smart indoor smoker. While a traditional smoker requires a relatively large outdoor area with plentiful ventilation, GE’s new device changes everything you thought you knew about smokers. The appliance’s active smoke filtration technology allows users to smoke meats, cheeses, spices, and more from the comfort of their kitchens.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker is its small footprint, as it’s only slightly bigger than an air fryer or toaster oven. It has a built-in probe-style meat thermometer, a transparent glass front door, and an interior lightbulb that makes it easy to keep an eye on your foods as they smoke.
The GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker also uses far fewer wood pellets than a traditional outdoor smoker, and it’s simple to customize the level of smokiness in any food. At $999, this revolutionary kitchen gadget is already available on store shelves.
Transparent TVs (Samsung Transparent MICRO LED TV and LG Signature OLED TV)
It’s a big year for new tech gadgets at Samsung, as it’s one of two companies (along with LG) that’s debuting a transparent TV. Samsung is no stranger to producing innovative televisions that merge seamlessly with their environments, as its popular Frame TV has blended into gallery walls in homes around the world since 2017.
LG and Samsung are using slightly different methods to produce these see-through TVs. The LG Signature OLED TV has an OLED screen that uses organic light emitters to illuminate each pixel, while the Samsung TV utilizes inorganic emitters which are similar to the technology in typical LED displays.
Either way, the result is a screen that’s not just see-through but also has better image clarity and contrast than a normal TV. Another impressive aspect of transparent TV technology is the fact that it has virtually unlimited options regarding screen size. Imagine watching your favorite streaming services on a super-high-definition, movie-theater-sized display from the comfort of your own home — it’s a distinct possibility thanks to these new TVs.
While these TVs might be prohibitively expensive at first — Samsung’s standard MICRO LED TVs cost up to $150,000, and that’s for the non-transparent model — movie nights will never be the same once these companies produce a more affordable version of their new screens.
Intel Core Ultra Processor
Intel is poised to make a big splash in 2024, thanks to its new Core Ultra CPUs. The specs on these new processors are undeniably impressive and represent a big upgrade over previous models.
Intel representatives say they’re 11% faster for multithreading applications (in which the CPU executes two or more programs at the same time) than any competing chips from AMD, Qualcomm, or Apple, and they use 25% less power than Intel’s previous generation of processors. There’s even a “neural processing unit” for AI integrations.
You can expect to see the Intel Core Ultra Processor used in a broad selection of new Windows PCs in 2024, including those from Lenovo, Samsung, Acer, Asus, and MSI. Even better is the fact that they won’t cost an arm and a leg, as some models like the Acer Swift Go 14 start at just $999.99.
Nintendo Switch 2
One of the most widespread rumors in the gaming world is that the Nintendo Switch 2 will debut sometime in 2024, likely around the start of Q4, just in time for the holiday season. Like some other devices in this guide, concrete details are slim at this point (Nintendo won’t even confirm that they’re working on a Switch 2 at all), but that’s not stopping people from getting excited about the possibilities.
Leaked emails between Nintendo and Activision imply that the Switch 2’s hardware will be roughly comparable to last-gen console systems like the Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One, which were both released in 2013. Of course, the Nintendo Switch products are hybrid devices capable of mobile gaming, so it’s not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison.
It remains to be seen whether the Switch 2 will support 4K images or stick to 1080p high-def imagery. Interestingly, one popular rumor says Nintendo might ditch the higher-quality screen of the Switch OLED from 2021 and return to an old-school LCD screen as a cost-cutting measure.
Gamers can likely expect improved battery life and faster internal memory, and early rumors also suggest Nintendo will make the Switch 2 backward compatible with previous iterations of the Switch, meaning you can play games made for the original Switch on the Switch 2. The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to retail for around $400.
Ultra Wide Band (UWB) Wireless Headphones
Bluetooth earbuds have become widely popular over the years, although audiophiles have often complained that Bluetooth’s bandwidth limits result in subpar audio quality. However, the introduction of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology — currently used in devices like Apple AirTags — could produce another mobile audio revolution in 2024.
The significantly wider bandwidth capabilities of UWB have made it possible to produce lossless high-resolution audio in wireless headphones, a breakthrough that could leave the now-ubiquitous Bluetooth earbuds in the dust. Another big advantage of UWB is the fact that it’s incredibly energy-efficient, meaning these new wireless headphones could last for days between charges.
What’s even better is that the vast majority of modern smartphones already support UWB technology, including phones as old as the iPhone 11 (2019), Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus (2021), and Google Pixel 6 Pro (2021). The Canadian company PSB Speakers (which recently celebrated a half-century in business) will produce the first UWB wireless headphones to hit the market.
So, what’s the catch? The only negative of UWB technology for wireless headphones is the fact that, compared to Bluetooth, it has a very short range. For instance, Bluetooth headphones can still produce audio of reasonable quality up to 100 feet away from the host device, but UWB headphones could cut out if you wander a mere ten feet from your phone.
JBL Bluetooth Speakers
There are tons of Bluetooth speakers on the market these days, but JBL continues to impress with its combination of modern features and reasonable pricing models. JBL announced three new portable speakers at CES 2024: the Xtreme 4 ($379.95), Clip 5 ($79.95), and Go 4 ($49.95).
The JBL Xtreme 4 really lives up to its name, as it boasts impressive dustproof and waterproof capabilities. It incorporates JBL’s new AI Sound Boost tech, which uses AI to cut distortion and promote clearer (and louder) audio output. It has six speakers (two drivers, two subwoofers, and two of JBL’s proprietary Bass Radiators) and an impressive 24-hour playback time between charges.
The JBL Go 4 is the company’s smallest speaker, but it still incorporates the Xtreme 4’s dust and water resistance. It also offers seven hours of battery life, which is impressive for such a tiny device that costs less than 50 bucks.
Meanwhile, the Clip 5 wireless speaker splits the difference between the Xtreme 4 and Go 4. True to its name, the Clip 5 has a carabiner that allows users to attach it to just about any item, from backpacks to belt loops. Compared to the previous Clip 4 model, this wireless speaker has much greater bass performance, while still offering 12 hours of playback time.
Withings BeamO Health Multiscope
CES 2024 also had some exciting medical devices to discuss, including the Withings BeamO device, marketed as the world’s first “four-in-one vital monitor.” The device is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration but is expected to cost around $220 when it gains FDA clearance and hits the consumer market.
The impressive device includes four sensors: a contactless thermometer, a digital stethoscope, an electrocardiogram, and a miniature oximeter. This means that this one device can measure body temperature, gauge heart and lung health, detect cardiovascular issues, and assess blood oxygen levels.
While the BeamO could prove useful for a wide variety of individuals keeping track of their vitals, Withings says it will be especially valuable for people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They can track their own health statistics at home, cutting down on costly and time-consuming trips to the doctor’s office for checkups.
The Withings BeamO has a companion app that transfers data to your doctor, as well as telemedicine functions that provide audio streams between doctors and patients. Once it gains FDA approval, the BeamO could be legitimately life-changing for individuals with chronic diseases that require consistent monitoring.
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