Five Technology Trends to Watch

CEA Examines the Future of Consumer Technology in Five Technology Trends to Watch
 
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® released the 2014 edition of Five Technology Trends to Watch, an annual publication that examines five prominent technology trends that will influence the consumer electronics (CE) industry in the years ahead. The publication was released during a panel discussion at CEA’s Industry Forum in Los Angeles, a three-day conference designed to inform and connect CE industry leaders. 

This year, Five Techs examines key technology trends from the Internet of Things (IoT) to driverless cars, digital health care, robotics and the future of video distribution and consumption. Geared toward industry professionals, this publication provides in-depth analysis and outlines related issues and market forecasts for the coming year. Each section also explores consumer perspectives, partnerships, key players and public policy issues.

"A Hundred Billion Nodes" looks at how the IoT is using vast webs of information to "learn" consumer habits and needs and enrich our lives. As more digital devices replace their analog forbearers, there are growing opportunities for electronics to take over many of the analog tasks now handled by humans. "There is an implied assumption that the Internet of Things will bring greater productivity," writes CEA’s Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac. 

Meanwhile, CEA’s Senior Manager of Business Intelligence Jack Cutts looks at where the major auto makers are in testing and refining their driverless vehicles, and the legal and social implications of ceding the open road to science in "On the Road to Driverless Cars".

"The technology industry is always changing, evolving and innovating and this report provides crucial insight into the trends that are revolutionizing our lives and impacting our future," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. "Using exclusive CEA market research, the trends highlighted in this report show promise and hold significant potential in the marketplace."

Five Technology Trends to Watch is a special supplement to CEA’s bi-monthly flagship publication, It Is Innovation (i3). The complete publication can be found online at CE.org/FiveTechs.