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BIG NEWS Ultra HD made its mark at CES 2013, then expanded its presence significantly in 2014. We saw more of the top manufacturers (Sony, Samsung, LG) showcasing a greater variety of models and screen sizes. BIG QUESTION When will pricing enable mainstream accessibility?

BIG NEWS The buzz around 4K TVs in 2013 was quickly followed by a key question: where is all the 4K content coming from? This year, we saw announcements about exclusive content deals with partners like Netflix & ESPN (Sony pictured). BIG QUESTION How quickly will other creators move to 4K production?

“IT WILL BE THE FIRST FORMAT THAT IS INTERNET ONLY.

BROADCAST, CABLE, SATELLITE- THEY'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE

ULTRA HD AT LEAST IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.”

REED HASTINGS, NETFLIX

BIG NEWS Viewers can access content that makes the experience more immersive than anything we’ve seen before. This LG serves up dynamic sports stats in real time. BIG QUESTION Will this experience be too overwhelming for the average viewer?

BIG NEWS TV players like Sony showcased TVs with streaming social features embedded into the ‘first screen’ experience BIG QUESTION Will users want something this “push” or prefer to opt in to social through mobile devices?

BIG NEWS Curved TVs aim to enhance the viewing experience through better depth perception - while many experts contend it’s worse. Samsung introduced a bendable TV that lets viewers make the choice in the moment. Curved smartphones designed to better address natural grip. BIG QUESTION Do consumers care about curved devices?

BIG NEWS Broadly held belief that smartphones would kill cameras has yet to prove out. Our connected and visual culture is giving rise to the “Digital Still Camera” with NFC & WiFi features that enable greater connectivity (Sony pictured here). BIG QUESTION When will Smartphones have the resolution of digital cameras?

BIG NEWS Smart appliances made their mark in 2013, but heated up in 2014 – with connectivity through mobile apps that make the technology more relatable to everyday life. BIG QUESTION When will we see e-commerce partners take this to the next level (Fresh Direct, Amazon)?

BIG NEWS You couldn’t turn a corner at CES without running into wearables. There were more categories for more specific segments: pet owners, moms, sports enthusiasts and people with health conditions. We saw more glass manufacturers creating devices for enhanced reality. BIG QUESTION Is there a wearable market beyond fit bands & smart watches?

BIG NEWS Pebble proved they could go from a Kickstarter project to 300K in retail sales and counting. At CES 2014 they unveiled sleeker looking styles (including brushed steel) and launched the Pebble app store. This will be the first open platform for sharing apps optimized for wearables.

BIG QUESTION When will wearables truly become mainstream?

BIG NEWS IN 2014 a record nine automakers were at CES, showcasing innovations like Audi’s self driving A7, Ford’s car to car communication, 4G Internet connections (General Motors) and a dedicated app store (Chevrolet). BIG QUESTION Are we really 5 years away from driverless parking?

BIG NEWS Android integrates into dashboards of Audi, GM, Honda and Hyundai as developers now create for the car the way they create for the Smartphone.  BIG QUESTION Will this lead to more ubiquitous availability & standardization?

“AUTOS ARE THE NEXT BEACHHEAD IN THE SOFTWARE WARS.”

BRIAN COOLEY, CNET

BIG NEWS  At CES 2014, the number of companies showcasing 3D printing tech increased from four to thirty. What seemed futuristic one year ago, is quickly getting commercial traction. MakerBot CEO touted that his company has already sold 400K 3D printers globally. BIG QUESTION How quickly can 3D printing make mass products more personalized? Imagine a custom sneaker sole.    

BIG NEWS  Self aware stuff was everywhere: from Withings’ Aura smart sleep system (light & sound to trigger melatonin release), to the world’s first smart socks from Heapsylon, to the June bracelet that signals when your skin has had too much sun. Digital data is the tie that binds, creating a connected ecosystem that truly is fueling the “Internet of Things.” BIG QUESTION How will marketers enhance personalization while respecting user privacy?  

1.  UHD BECOMES PERVASIVE 2.  4K TVS GET 4K CONTENT 3.  INTERACTIVE TV GETS IMMERSIVE 4.  SOCIAL MOVING TO THE FIRST SCREEN 5.  DEVICES GET CURVACEOUS 6.  THE CAMERA LIVES ON 7.  CONNECTED KITCHEN HEATS UP 8.  WEARABLES GET NEW, NICHE PRODUCTS 9.  PEBBLE PUSHES STYLE & SUBSTANCE 10.  AUTO INNOVATION WAR HEATS UP 11.  3D PRINTING PROLIFERATION 12.  SELF AWARE STUFF (AKA INTERNET OF THINGS)

THANK YOU.

STACY MINERO MANAGING DIRECTOR, CONTENT STRATEGY TWITTER: @slminero  

CONTRIBUTORS: JORDAN BITTERMAN: @ jordanbitterman SETH WALTERS: @SWalt81 CINDY GUSTAFSON: @cindygus JEFF MALMAD: @1od MARK EVANS: @etrain ELLEN FERRARI: @iamfunellen SUSAN NOBLE: @ssnnoble