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Final Reflections on CES 2025

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As I write this, I’ve just returned home from the 2025 CES conference. With about 36 hours to let my thoughts settle, I’ve outlined my biggest takeaways from this year’s event. Here they are, in no particular order.

First, the evolution of consumer earbuds is remarkable. As I discussed in an earlier blog, these devices have expanded far beyond simple audio delivery. Whether assisting the hard of hearing, enhancing sleep, communicating with AI assistants, translating languages, or even measuring pulse oxygen levels, earbuds are transforming into multifaceted tools. The hardware trends are also worth noting: open-ear designs are gaining significant traction, eclipsing the popularity of traditional formats. Interestingly, the days of the single-ear “monaural” headset appear to be behind us—though one notable company seems to have missed that memo.

On the display front, we’ve hit a pivotal moment in the journey toward direct-view LED (dvLED) technologies. Hisense showcased micro LEDs illuminating their panels, signaling that this transition is far from slowing down. This evolution—both in display technology and in the declining prominence of displays at CES in general—will surely continue.

As expected, artificial intelligence dominated the CES landscape once again. While much of it felt overhyped, I’m confident that machine intelligence will soon become so embedded in everyday technology that it will cease to stand out as a separate talking point. This evolution is necessary—and one we’re at least slowly approaching.

Health tech offered some intriguing shifts in focus this year. Discussions have moved beyond patient care to emphasize overall human wellness—how to extend both life spans and the enjoyment of those lives. At the CES Healthcare Summit, industry leaders grappled with the sector’s notorious resistance to technological adoption. It was refreshing to hear candid admissions, like one attendee bluntly stating, “We have to get over ourselves.” This self-awareness reflects a growing public sentiment demanding better, faster innovation in healthcare.

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From a UC/AV integration perspective, groundbreaking innovations were sparse but not absent. If you knew where to look, a few gems stood out. For instance, Twelvesound’s processing technology, which transforms simple stereo signals into spatial sound, was an impressive feat. (Take a look at my interview with their founder on my YouTube channel.) Similarly, iContact Camera tackled the age-old videoconferencing eye-gaze issue with a simple yet ingenious solution—a true embodiment of the “Keep It Simple, Stupid” (KISS) principle. It’s surprising no one thought of this earlier. (That CES interview and demo are also on my channel.)

As I’ve mentioned before, I rarely cover the headline-grabbing stories or keynote presentations at CES—there’s already extensive coverage of those elsewhere. Instead, I prioritize the lesser-known, innovative discoveries like iContact and Twelvesound. This approach stems from a realization I had nearly two decades ago: CES is no longer an event one person can fully experience. To cover it comprehensively, you need a team. As a solo attendee, I focus on the areas where I feel my time is best spent.

I hope this series of CES blogs has been a worthwhile read. If it’s sparked any questions or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s always a pleasure to engage with fellow professionals in the industry.

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