Without time to follow the US impeachment process or read the news about the vaccine roll-out, we are sending out this newsletter basically submersed in press releases and the information that we have collected. So, we are focusing on news for this edition of The Audio Voice, and we will continue to update the website with more CES stories probably for weeks to come.

Otherwise, a word of praise for the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) for putting together what was so far the best attempt of a "virtual" trade show ever - for whatever that is worth. The First-Ever, All-Digital CES was well produced - the Microsoft platform held up well, even if the website interface was sometimes painful to work with - and the ongoing TV-channel style presentation was valuable and got us actually following some of the conferences and debates for the first time. We always know those things take place during CES - but who has time for conferences during CES, right?

Overall, CES 2021 will be remembered for lots of innovations and presentations in automotive and transportation, digital health, fitness, 5G, smart cities, work spaces, and sustainable products. Of interest to our industry, a lot happened in power and battery-related technologies. But that was not our focus for the show, and we are still digging through the news to find new tweeters and woofers, news about streaming, and wireless audio. I guess that will continue.

I am certain that the most positive note is that CES gained a much wider and more global audience with this format - which is what matters for the brands that have presented their new products, roadmaps, and strategies. The automotive brands certainly did a great job promoting their latest technologies, which usually don't get the attention they deserve at dedicated auto shows, and are usually just drowned out by too much noise during a regular CES show.

If a publication intends to cover automotive technologies and car sound at CES, it needs to have a dedicated team to just follow those companies and presentations. If we need to visit companies in the semiconductor field and meet with the technology standards organizations, we need another dedicated team during five days. And more teams are needed to follow hi-fi and home audio, general consumer electronics, and another to follow start-ups and meet with new technology companies. And no, audioXpress doesn't have five teams to cover CES. What we do is, plan ahead, walk fast, browse the show with hawk vision, exchange lots of business cards, wave to friends while passing by, take lots of photos, and we follow-up for weeks after that. With a virtual show, that's not happening and what is possible to do takes simply too much time.

We are certain that the all-digital CES 2021 has enabled some business for those who depend upon it. That’s important. But now, if ever there was a doubt, we know what a "best all-digital show" effort looks like… and no. Thank you, but no. We don't want to do this again in 2022.

“CES looks different this year, but the foundation of the show – innovation, connection, collaboration – remains strong and consistent. The digital transformation will continue for years, even as we return to Las Vegas in 2022. We have seen the value of connecting digitally and we can welcome even more people from around the world," says Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA.

Yes, I get the message "now that we experienced the convenience of digital..." but frankly, unless much better online platforms are built, there's a strong chance that all that is left from this experience will be a better on-demand channel. Staying at home doesn't mean more convenience.

The good news coming out of the latest CTA market report points to overall positive results and forecasts for the technology industry. The CTA US Consumer Technology One-Year Industry Forecast details that retail sales revenue will reach $461 billion in the US in 2021 – a 4.3% increase year-over-year. And as millions of Americans remain home and rely on tech to stay entertained, connected, and healthy during the pandemic, streaming services, 5G connectivity, and digital health devices will stand out in the tech sector in 2021. The Audio Industry overall should follow that positive trend.

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