The biggest week in tech is here: the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES). ZDNET is on the ground in Las Vegas and also keeping a virtual eye on the products and concepts that debuted before the show’s first day.
Also: CES 2025: What to expect and how to watch
So far today, we’ve seen announcements from big names like Samsung, LG, and HP, as well as new and innovative brands with cool concepts. Here’s the tech gear that impressed us the most so far.
- AI-integrated TVs
TVs are always big at CES, and this year, the common thread among new TV models seems to be AI integrations. For example, Samsung’s new lineup of TVs takes advantage of AI upscaling to make older content look better through HDR Remastering, which enhances standard dynamic range content to high dynamic range levels.
LG’s AI-powered TV technology includes features like AI-powered recommendations with voice recognition, an AI chatbot and AI search, and an LG AI Concierge that tracks your preferences alongside search history to provide contextual insights based on what’s playing on your screen.
Also: Every Samsung TV announced at CES 2025
Plus, Google is improving its TV experience by incorporating its Gemini AI assistant to converse with your Google TV without needing to say “Hey Google,” and the ability to ask more complex questions.
2. An alternative to Dolby Atmos
Eclipsa Audio is Samsung and Google’s answer to Dolby Atmos. One big difference in this new 3D audio format compared to Dolby Atmos is that it doesn’t have licensing fees; it will be a free and open-source audio format. So far, the format is available only on Samsung’s 2025 lineup of Crystal UHD to Neo QLED 8K TVs and its 2025 lineup of soundbars, but we’re excited to hear it in person nonetheless.
3. Smart home collaborations
Smart home devices are about to get even smarter thanks to a few key collaborations we’ve seen at CES. First off, Ring and Kiddie are pairing up to launch a new collection of smart smoke and combination detectors featuring Ring technology. When the alarms detect harmful levels of smoke or carbon monoxide (CO), you’ll receive a notification through the Ring app.
Also: Ecobee just launched a surprisingly affordable smart thermostat at CES 2025
In addition, Home Depot is throwing its hat into the ring of smart home tech with its new Hubspace devices, which will debut later this year. These new devices include a Remote Switch to control on/off functionality and brightness control for lights, as well as two Vissani AC units with smart climate control and customizable schedules and modes.