From entirely new product categories to innovative evolutions of electronic tools we use each day, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the stuff of every technophile’s dream. Once we stopped geeking out (pun intended) over the PowerRay aquatic drone, we were able to compose ourselves enough to assemble this list of four trends from CES.

1. GIS is a growing part of everyone’s life, whether at home, work, or play. One example of an emerging GIS application is the connected car by spatial analytics technology company Esri. During the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform, Esri presented its mapping and spatial analytics technology, which works with Microsoft’s Cortana to provide geospatial context to increase safety and improve overall driving experience.
2. It’s all about design. While we’ve by no means reached the technology threshold, a product’s industrial design has become increasingly important. Who wants a clunky, hulking piece of plastic sticking out from behind a plant in their home, when they can have a sleek, visually-appealing gizmo like Alexa that looks like it belongs there? PS: Cylinders are the coolest shape in tech right now.
3. IoT isn’t going anywhere – except maybe CES 2018. Whether you’re closing your blinds, brushing your teeth, or mowing the lawn, IoT is there. In fact, about 71% of parents have purchased at least one IoT device, according to a study by BabyCenter. IoT security? Well, that’s for another convention.
4. Is voice the way of the future? Almost every major player in the world of tech is integrating voice commands with their product. You can practically hear Alexa, Siri, and Cortana screaming at each other from across the room – but do people actually want this capability, or are companies doing it just because they can? Only time will tell.

CES is an great reminder of what’s hot in tech now and what’s coming in the future. Even the wackiest inventions can teach us something about the way the world works and where it’s going. ‘Til next year, CES!

Can you out-Geek us? If we missed it, send us your favorite Geek-worthy moments from CES 2017!

Image credit: Consumer Technology Association