As CES 2025 unfolds, Counterpoint Research analysts are at the show, dissecting the event’s key announcements and their implications for the tech industry. Here are our quick takes:

1. NVIDIA: Kicking off the Era of Physical AI and Automotive Advancements

   

   Source: NVIDIA

   NVIDIA’s keynote at CES 2025 was a testament to its leadership in AI and its expanding role in the automotive sector. CEO Jensen Huang introduced Project DIGITS, a personal AI supercomputer equipped with the Blackwell AI chip and designed for AI researchers to develop models independently of cloud infrastructure. This marks a shift towards democratizing AI development, making high-powered AI accessible at a desktop level.

   NVIDIA also unveiled its GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, built on the Ada Lovelace architecture and promising up to 2x performance of their predecessors. But the most exciting reveal was in the automotive domain. NVIDIA’s Drive Thor platform, powered by its latest AI technology, aims to revolutionize autonomous driving with enhanced perception and decision-making capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in self-driving technology.

   Our Takeaway

   NVIDIA’s strategy of advancing both hardware and AI frameworks positions it uniquely in the market. By bridging the gap between AI research and practical applications, NVIDIA is paving the way for a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into everyday life, from smart homes to autonomous cars. Its focus on "physical AI" reflects a vision where AI doesn't just process information but interacts with the physical world, driving automation in sectors like logistics and manufacturing.

2. AI TVs: Redefining Home Entertainment

Source: Counterpoint Research

Samsung and Hisense showcased their next-generation displays, integrating AI to offer an enhanced viewing experience. Samsung’s Vision AI technology enables real-time interaction, such as actor identification and subtitle translation. Hisense’s 163-inch TV, with a brightness peak of 10,000 nits and powered by the Hi-View AI Engine X, sets a new benchmark in home entertainment technology.

Our Takeaway

These developments highlight a trend where TVs evolve from passive devices to interactive hubs, blending AI with display technology to offer more personalized and immersive experiences. The integration of AI allows for tailored content recommendations and smarter interfaces, making TVs central to the connected home ecosystem.

3. Chipmakers: The Next Leap in Processing Power

Source: Qualcomm

While NVIDIA led with its comprehensive AI agenda, other chipmakers like Qualcomm, Intel and AMD presented their latest CPUs and GPUs, focusing on performance enhancements and efficiency. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series chips for mini PCs and Intel’s 14th Gen Core processors demonstrate the continuous evolution in processing capabilities.

Our Takeaway

The advancements by chipmakers reflect a mature market where performance gains are more evolutionary than revolutionary. The focus on AI acceleration and energy efficiency is crucial, as the demand for more powerful yet sustainable computing solutions grows.

4. Laptops: Innovation in Form and Function

Source: Lenovo

Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable and IdeaCentre Mini x introduce new form factors and computing capabilities. The rollable display expands from 14 to 16.7 inches, enhancing multitasking, while the Mini x, with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 4, offers a balance of power and portability.

Our Takeaway

Lenovo’s innovations point to a future where device adaptability meets user demand for versatility, catering to an increasingly mobile and productivity-focused audience. The rollable display could redefine laptop design, providing users with the flexibility to adjust screen size based on their needs.

5. Wearables: Smarter, More Durable Devices

Source: Garmin

Garmin’s Instinct 3 smartwatch introduces AMOLED technology for the first time in the series, enhancing display sharpness and color vibrancy. Alongside this, the Instinct E Smartwatch provides a lighter, more affordable option, continuing Garmin’s commitment to durability and functionality in the premium segment. With longer battery life, improved display and AI-driven fitness tracking, Garmin pushes the boundaries of performance and affordability in wearables.

Meanwhile, French tech brand Circular has unveiled its second-generation smart ring, the Circular Ring 2, which places a strong focus on heart health. It features an FDA-approved Atrial Fibrillation detection algorithm and improved sensors for more accurate data. The smart ring now offers up to eight days of battery life, making it a strong competitor in the health-focused wearable market.

Our Takeaway

The focus on health tracking and durability is intensifying in the wearables market. Garmin’s addition of AMOLED technology and a lighter, more affordable option with Instinct E highlights the growing trend of bringing premium features to a broader audience. Meanwhile, Circular’s emphasis on heart health monitoring with the Circular Ring 2 reflects a shift towards more specialized wearables that cater to users’ health needs. As AI continues to drive smarter, more personalized experiences, wearables are becoming essential tools for improving both physical and mental well-being.

6. Smart Home: AI-Driven Convenience

Source: Panasonic

The Roborock Saros Z70 and Panasonic’s Umi platform showcase how AI is making smart homes smarter and more autonomous, moving beyond basic automation to proactive management and personalization.

Our Takeaway

These smart home advancements signal a shift towards holistic home management systems, where AI anticipates needs and adapts to user behaviors, making homes more efficient and user-centric.

7. Automotive and Agricultural Tech: Advancing Autonomy

Source: Counterpoint Research

BMW’s Panoramic iDrive represents a leap in user interface design, integrating AI to offer a more intuitive driving experience with voice commands and haptic feedback. Meanwhile, John Deere introduced its autonomous 9RX tractor, showcasing how autonomy can revolutionize agriculture. The tractor uses 16 individual cameras for a 360-degree view, allowing farmers to manage fields more efficiently and safely while addressing labor shortages with precision farming technologies.

Our Takeaway

The automotive and agricultural sectors are both embracing AI-driven autonomy to enhance productivity and safety. BMW’s Panoramic iDrive exemplifies how AI can refine the driving experience, while John Deere's autonomous tractor demonstrates the transformative potential of AI in farming, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. This dual focus on autonomy underscores AI's broad applicability across diverse industries.