Let’s talk about the Consumer Electronics Show, which I’ve been processing news from so you don’t have to. I’ll start with their market predictions.
At CES 2025, the Consumer Technology Association predicts a three point two percent growth in the U.S. tech market, reaching five hundred thirty-seven billion dollars, as long as a trade war does not occur due to proposed tariffs by President-elect Donald Trump. The event highlighted generative artificial intelligence, with ninety-three percent of U.S. adults familiar with the technology and sixty-one percent having used an AI tool. Additionally, the AI retail market is expected to grow to seven billion dollars, while virtual try-on technology could reach a two billion dollar market.
The CTA warns that tariffs could significantly impact spending on smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles, potentially causing declines of up to sixty-eight percent for tablets and laptops. Additionally, the rise of Generation Z, expected to make up twenty-seven percent of the global workforce in 2025, may drive further demand for new technology, as this generation is known for being early adopters.
Why do we care?
We are well into the AI-noise portion of the hype cycle, as I will highlight when we talk product. AI is now the overused marketing term, and in many cases can just be swapped with algorithm.
Various portions of the technology industry are both preparing for a trade war and do not want one with China. I’ll focus on the first – consider what your organization needs to be doing to prepare.