At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), there were plenty of presentations and keynote speeches. Here are five of our favorites in no discernable order. Some were inspirational. One was actually quite funny.
Kevin Spacey, actor and star of “House of Cards,” “The Usual Suspects” and “American Beauty”
Photo credit: Netflix
“So if you change someone’s behavior by what they see, and what they can experience as if they are actually there, if you can effect your feeling and thinking, you can amplify their understanding, and then imagine harnessing that kind of power in the service of the story.” – KEVIN SPACEY
Kevin Spacey’s keynote focused on the importance technology may have within the future of story telling. He pointed to Virtual Reality, one of the more popular trends appearing at CES, as the most exciting option. The star of “House Of Cards” sees its advantage as not just an immersive form of entertainment, but for VR’s potential as an empathy machine. This will allow users to experience the feelings, trials and tribulations of others first hand. “I think through interactivity and immersion, this to me, is the next frontier and this is what truly excites me.”
Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel
Photo credit: CES
“The world is becoming smart and connected… but the next step is that computing is gaining senses. It can see but not only can it see in two dimensions but it can start to see in three dimensions with depth and perception… we call this the ‘sensification of computing’ when computing is allowed to expand beyond its silicon.” – BRIAN KRZANICH
During Intel CEO Brian Krzanich’s exhausting presentation, we were introduced to a video depicting the digital “fireworks” of a team of drones spelling out the name “Intel” above an outdoor orchestra, 3D capture technology that puts you right into the game, replay technology allowing you to freeze then spin around any perspective you’d want to see during your favorite, televised game, Curie (a wearable chip that measures all sorts of data when it comes to your health, speed, distance and performance ability), a drone with a display embedded in the controller, a helmet with a built-in augmented reality visor allowing workers to pinpoint issues in any construction scenario and an Adrenaline Dress designed by Chromat. And that’s not all. It was all pretty spectacular resulting in what might have been the most buzzed about keynote at this year’s CES. But the whole shebang was best summed up in the quote mentioned above. Forging ahead, Intel plans to play a role in discouraging internet bullying and insuring their chips remain conflict free prompting Krzanich to proudly state “at Intel it’s our mission to improve the lives of every person on the planet through their experiences with technology.”
Reed Hastings, CEO and Co-Founder of Netflix
Photo credit: CES
“We are just beginning to break down the barriers so the world’s best storytellers can reach audiences all over the world. We’re shooting a sports comedy in Mexico, a crime drama in Italy and a dystopian film about bio engineering in Korea. The possibilities of building connections between cultures and people are endless and important.” – REED HASTINGS
Hastings opening quote during his Keynote speech presaged Netflix’s announcement as a global streaming service. Thanks to the popularity of smart devices, Netflix has insured its leadership as a platform for media distribution. What remains is breaking down those barriers that would allow the content to be viewed outside of Netflix’s current market. Lo and behold, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe will now enjoy the fruits of its labor. All this while possibly binge-watching the entirety of “Daredevil.”
Chelsea handler, Talk Show Host and Comedian
Photo credit: CES
“And now here you are in Las Vegas. With Britney Spears. She’s in the audience tonight.” – CHELSEA HANDLER
As a sort of presentation within the keynote, the stars of Netflix’s popular series were interviewed by comedian Chelsea Handler. Apparently, Handler has a few documentaries premiering on the network as well. However, the most amusing exchange occurred between Handler and “Narcos” star Wagner Moura. And it started off with Handler teasing Moura with the above quote. You see, Moura apparently wasn’t prepared for the fame that would come from portraying notorious kingpin Pablo Escobar. He wasn’t interested in being a “big star” which prompted Handler to make the above observation. Moura’s response? “Hi Britney.” It was a funny if not cheeky moment that cut through the seriousness of most of the presentations at CES.
Mary T. Barra, CEO of GM
Photo credit: CES
“The auto industry will change more in the next five years than it has in the last fifty.” – MARY T. BARRA
We’ve included this if only for the historical significance of a keynote being delivered by GM’s first ever, female CEO. “Embracing new technology and societal needs is the core of the Chevrolet brand,” gave way to a list of recent strategic alliances with Lyft and Mobileeye while gaining frequent input from the senior leaders at Facebook. This all culminated in the rollout of the new electrically fueled Cheverolet Bolt EV, a car that, in Barra’s words, “delivers on our promise of low price, high range and an unparalleled level of connectivity. It amounts to an upgradable platform for new technologies.”
