Highlights of Cutting-Edge Innovations: Digital Trends’ Premier Tech Awards at CES 2024

It’s tough to capture the buzz and excitement that surrounds CES. The event is sprawling with fresh ideas and new products, making it a hotbed for innovation. With thousands of companies vying for attention, manufacturers have to bring something truly intriguing to the table to get noticed. Every year, we highlight a selection of standout products that not only capture our interest but also promise to drive the industry forward. Here are our Top Tech of CES 2024 awards, celebrating the best and most innovative announcements.

LG Display has been teasing us with its transparent OLED screens for years, but it wasn’t until 2024 that LG Electronics turned this tech into something you’d want in your living room. The LG Signature OLED T, at first glance, resembles a massive aquarium, but with one button press, it transforms into a futuristic display. Another press rolls up a black film from its hidden base, making it look like any other high-end OLED TV. This simple yet brilliant solution reimagines a commercial technology for home use. While its affordability remains a question, there’s no denying its revolutionary impact on consumer tech.

Samsung took an already coveted QD-OLED TV and made it even better. The S95D series boasts brighter panels and an impressive new antiglare system. This system doesn’t just rely on a matte finish; it includes an internal layer that absorbs light, drastically reducing reflections. If you’ve ever struggled with glare on an OLED TV, you’ll understand how significant this improvement is.

TCL went big at CES 2024—literally. Introducing the 115-inch QM89, now the largest consumer television in North America. This QD-mini LED TV isn’t just enormous; it also promises incredible specs, with 5,000 nits peak brightness and 20,000 local dimming zones.

Not to be outdone, Hisense showcased the 110-inch UX, which claims a jaw-dropping 10,000 nits of peak brightness and 40,000 local dimming zones. Known for over-delivering, Hisense might even surpass its own impressive specs. The UX definitely stood out at CES 2024.

Kia, a major player in the EV transition, unveiled its PBV Concept, signaling a futuristic shift in vehicle design. The PBV—short for Platform Beyond Vehicle—introduces a versatile set of design principles suitable for diverse use cases. From optimized taxis to utility work vans, the PBV Concept offers modular and accessible layouts that challenge traditional vehicle designs.

The Supernal S-A2, an electric aircraft, drew plenty of attention. With wings and eight pivoting rotors, this futuristic machine aims to transport up to four passengers at speeds up to 120 miles per hour. Though it’s still a concept, Supernal plans to start flying in 2028, backed by Hyundai Motor Group and a robust team.

Honda made up for its slow start in the EV market by unveiling two Blade Runner-esque concepts: the Space Hub futuristic van and the wedge-shaped Saloon. Both aim to charge from 15% to 80% in just 10 to 15 minutes, and Honda plans to sell them by 2026.

Nvidia’s RTX 4080 Super stood out among PC components. Building on the RTX 4080, this Super version tweaks the specs slightly for a bit of a performance bump. What’s really significant is the price. Nvidia has been criticized for increasing GPU prices, but the RTX 4080 Super is priced at $1,000, more reasonable for high-end gaming.

The ROG Zephyrus G14 stepped up its game again. This compact gaming laptop now features a significantly thinner design with a larger touchpad and a more refined look, aiming to bridge the gap between gaming and mainstream laptop use. Throw in an OLED screen, and you’ve got a year-long frontrunner.

Asus stunned the crowd with the PG27AQDP OLED gaming monitor, boasting a 1440p resolution and a 480Hz refresh rate. Exclusive for now, this monitor is setting new benchmarks in OLED gaming.

The ThinkBook Gen 5 Hybrid captured imaginations with its dual-system design. Essentially two devices in one, this hybrid machine is both a Windows 11 laptop and an Android tablet. It offers myriad possibilities, from running Android apps in a window to using the screen separately while the base connects to an external monitor. It’s a versatile tool blending the best of both worlds.

Hyte’s Nexus Link ecosystem is another standout. Starting with an all-in-one liquid cooler, this system allows you to daisy-chain up to 18 devices through a Type-M or Type-C connection, all controlled via Nexus software. This integration could redefine PC setups.

MSI’s Claw portable gaming PC wowed the crowd with its focus on power and performance. Using Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7 155H chip, it showcased impressive gaming capabilities on the show floor. A 53 watt-hour battery and quiet cooling system could make it the go-to portable gaming device.

Sometimes it’s the simple things that impress the most. The HyperX Alloy Rise keyboard offers customizable hot-swappable keys and a unique gasket mounting system for a premium feel. Its ease of customization makes it a potential favorite among gamers.

One of the coolest iPhone accessories we saw was the Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro. It serves as a wireless charger and tracks your face for various activities, keeping you in frame whether you’re making videos or video-calling. It’s both an engineering marvel and fun to use.

Clicks’ Creator Keyboard also intrigued iPhone users. This case comes with a physical keyboard, enhancing typing experience and freeing up screen space. Available for pre-order, it’s functional and quirky.

Health tech also shined at CES 2024. The Withings BeamO is a small handheld device that tracks heart and lung health, offering an ECG reader, oximeter, stethoscope, and thermometer. It integrates beautifully with the Withings app, showcasing a refined, user-friendly design.

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro also made waves with its sleek and practical design. Featuring advanced specs and innovative gaming controls, it promises to be a strong competitor to flagship phones.

Samsung’s Bespoke Flex refrigerator impressed with its AI-driven food management system. It not only tracks food inventory but also suggests recipes based on available ingredients and dietary restrictions. This smart fridge could make meal prep a breeze.

Eufy’s X10 Pro Omni offered incredible value, combining vacuuming and mopping with a dock that handles emptying, refilling, and mop drying. For $799, it offers features usually found in pricier models, making it a fantastic deal.

CES 2024 was a showcase of innovation and creativity, setting the stage for the future of tech and consumer products.

By autod9