【"""the inherent eroticism of"""】

Whether you noticed or """the inherent eroticism of"""not, the annual Consumer Electronics Show did happen this year.

CES 2021 took place in January, even with the COVID-19 pandemic that's gripped the world for the past year anda democratic crisis in the United States that garnered most of the spotlight (and rightly so!). Instead of packing thousands into a convention center in Las Vegas, tech companies and journalists enjoyed the all-virtual tech conference from the comfort of their homes.

Despite the change in format, CES 2021 managed to deliver plenty of fascinating trends and glimpses into the future of technology. From normal advancements like prettier TVs to more timely innovations like smart masks, here's what went down at CES this year.

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Sustainable tech

Shower karaoke Credit: shower power

With the threat of climate change constantly at our doorstep, the world of technology has to figure out ways to advance while keeping sustainability in mind. Sometimes these innovations are on the frivolous side, such as Shower Power, a portable speaker made of ocean plastics that gets power from your shower's water flow and helps you belt out your favorite tunes during your most private moments.

There are also more serious sustainable products, like Schneider Electric's smart light switches that let you monitor your home's energy use from a smartphone app. It may not be as fun as aquatic karaoke, but there's value in unleashing your inner dad-who-shuts-off-every-light-to-save-money.

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8K TVs

8K TVs are here. Credit: LG

The 4K TV revolution is really only just getting started, as many video games and TV channels haven't even made the jump to 4K yet. But that hasn't stopped TV manufacturers from taking it one step further.

8K resolution has four times as many pixels as 4K (and 16 times as many as 1080p) and, until now, has largely existed in CES concepts and expensive TVs for early adopters. That'll most likely still be the case for a while, but we got confirmation from companies like Sony and LG that consumer 8K sets are coming in 2021. It might be smart to hop on the bandwagon now so you're ready when 8K content starts rolling out in a few years.

COVID tech

This is where we are. Credit: razer

COVID-19 is has been the elephant in every room for most of the past year and the same held true for CES. Rest assured that tech companies have seen the world embrace the idea of wearing masks in public and created a bunch of zany, but potentially cool, alternatives.

The COVID product that arguably stole the show was Razer's Project Hazel. It's a smart mask which features a translucent plastic exterior so people can see your mouth, a microphone in situations where hearing is difficult, and even lighting effects. In other words, it's about what you'd expect a gaming accessory company to make in the COVID era.

Far-off concepts

So innocent looking for something that analyzes feces Credit: toto

As always, CES brought us plenty of products that won't come out for years, if they ever come out at all. Concepts are usually abundant at CES and the virtual 2021 edition of the show didn't disappoint.

Take LG's rollable phone, for example. Was anyone asking for a smartphone screen that cold unroll into a bigger, tablet-like screen on command? Probably not. Is LG working on one anyway? You betcha. The same goes for Toto's "Wellness Toilet," a device that analyzes your, uh, waste and recommends diet and lifestyle changes based on its findings.

It doesn't get any more CES than that.

Topics CES

• Social Good
• Life
• Science
• Games
• Digital Culture
• Shopping
• Deals
• Tech

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• Meta says some AGI systems are too risky to release
• Report: Blizzard working on 'Warcraft' meets 'Pokémon Go' game
• Dramatic dash cam footage shows bystanders rescuing woman from burning car
• 'Outlander' author responds to concerns about actor with domestic violence record
• 'The Traitors' Season 3's latest banishment has me fuming
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• 'Brooklyn Nine
• Original 'Iron Man' suit goes missing, LAPD investigates
• Download this: 'Tiny Bubbles' is the puzzle game your weekend needs
• UPS's new electric truck is emission
• Time travelers were invited to Stephen Hawking's June memorial service
• Leak hints at iPhone SE 2 with notch just like iPhone X
• People are still naming their kids after 'Game of Thrones' characters
• Teach This Poem wins the 2018 Innovations in Reading Prize
• BlackBerry Key 2 will be announced on June 7 in New York

• Best Apple Pencil Pro deal: Save $30 at Best Buy
• Hangry little hedgehog will only cheer up if you give him treats
• Great Barrier Reef brought to politicians' doorstep in artful protest
• 'SpongeBob SquarePants' creator Stephen Hillenburg dies at 57
• Best Dyson deal: Save over $100 on Dyson V11 Origin cordless vacuum
• A deep dive into Apple's 'sweetheart deal' with Ireland
• Transformers' prequel 'Bumblebee' announces tons of early screenings
• Hangry little hedgehog will only cheer up if you give him treats
• Everything Alienware announced at CES 2025
• Drake tripped on Rihanna's dress after not kissing her

• Watch Chappell Roan's Grammy acceptance speech demanding healthcare for artists
• Comedian's ultra
• NASA's InSight will parachute down to Mars Monday for dramatic landing
• Drake tripped on Rihanna's dress after not kissing her
• Apple, Tesla, Spotify: The tech announcements that never happened in 2024
• Christine Blasey Ford will donate remaining GoFundMe money to help trauma survivors
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• Dogs can understand what you're saying and how you say it
• NYT mini crossword answers for January 3, 2025
• Huawei teaser image suggests a phone with a 'pinhole' notch