Now that 2016 has finally opened, technology enthusiasts surely cannot wait to check out what are in store for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year. New inventions and one-of-its-kind technology will surely surprise more than 150,000 people that have vouched to attend the exhibit of over 3,600 companies this week.
The CES is the most strategic event for tech giants, and even aspiring ones, to brag their new products or creation. As last year's CES event has been the best so far, with surprising revelations from brands like LG, Lenovo, HP, Intel and Microsoft to name a few, there is basically a big pressure to outbest it this year.
While many seem fascinated with high-end products, mobile devices are almost always a head turner for many. Some smartphone companies reportedly put their announcements on hold for the Mobile World Congress, which will take place in March this year in Barcelona. Big mobile vendors are saving their energy and resources for the bigger break. This is most particularly true for Samsung's Galaxy S7, LG, HTC and Motorola, leaving other small-time companies and Microsoft in the CES. Meanwhile, since Apple does not participate in trade shows, its rumored iPhone 6c and Apple Watch 2 will be launched in a different event.
However, still, CES is starting to prove itself as the new launching pad for smartphone products. In 2015, guests were excited as they witnessed the release of new models from LG, Asus and Acer. Well, this year, spectators are likely to watch Acer's Liquid Jade Primo, the first mobile phone not powered by Microsoft Windows 10. Also, Sony will hold a huge press conference but will only display its Z5 series.
Also, Chinese brands like Huawei and ZTE will once again try their luck to attract consumers during the CES. Huawei is teasing the market with either its Honor brand or Mate S, whereas ZTE will show off an unlocked version of Axon smartphone or its smart projectors. And the audience might also see Alcatel OneTouch.
Aside from the smartphone itself, the event will also cater on hardware manufacturers, which create the components that will power our future cellphones. After unofficially unveiling last November, Qualcomm can formally introduce its highly advanced Snapdragon 820 chipset. Competing against is Mediatek's Helio X20 chipset that partnered with Blu, which is the maker of unlocked phones for the U.S. consumers.
With a lot of people complaining of the battery life, CES will surely display cutting-edge battery technology solution to address smartphone battery longevity. With Huawei initially launching its new batteries that could speed up charging up to 10-fold faster than the usual, CES spectators anticipate more Chinese companies to display thrilling demos.
Aside from those mentioned earlier, other low-key mobile companies set to display their new products include CAT and Freetel. While Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi and Meizu prefer to skip the party this year.
