5 novel technologies at CES 2023 that marketers should look out for
From digitally printed temporary tattoos to software that turns photos on your smartphone into digital displays, here are five emerging technologies advertisers might want to be privy to.
AjnaLens’ VR headset is designed for skill training / Credit: Audrey Kemp
With more than 2,200 exhibitors and a roster of speakers including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Paris Hilton, this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is expected to be the largest business show in the US since 2020.
Below are five new technologies spotted at the trade show that may be of interest to marketers in the future.
1. Ant Reality Optics’ Mixed Waveguide AR/VR glasses
Gone are the days when consumers must wear clunky headsets to experience the metaverse. Ant Reality, a startup based in Beijing, is developing AR, VR and mixed reality glasses with 1080p resolution that can last up to three hours with the use of small, rechargeable batteries that sit inside of the glasses.
For brands seeking a more sleek mixed reality experience, Ant Reality’s complete system will be available for purchase this summer from $300 to $500, while lens sets will sell between $30 and $50.
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2. Arbeon’s AR scanning technology
Just as QR codes became adopted by mainstream consumers, South Korean startup Arbeon has developed AR technology that may render them obsolete. Arbeon’s mobile app uses cameras on smartphones to aggregate all social media data by scanning a single item.
Once scanned, Arbeon will create a visual hashtag of all other related content on the internet. This poses a new e-commerce opportunity for brands: a quick scan of a product or logo can now redirect consumers to external links.
3. AjnaLens’ award-winning Ajna XR headset
As job training in the metaverse slowly gains adoption, marketers should expect to see more VR headsets built for the task. Just yesterday, Mumbai-based startup AjnaLens launched its inaugural device, a mixed-reality headset called the Ajna XR, which earned the CES Innovation Award in the Virtual and Augmented Reality category this year.
Weighing 390 grams, the Anja XR is one of the lightest headsets and boasts 5k resolution. It’s designed for skill training and job training, with eye-tracking, hand-tracking and diopter lenses, which adjust to the prescription of virtually impaired users.
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4. Prinker’s digitally printed temporary tattoos
For marketers looking for branded items that are more interesting than stickers or pens, Seoul-based Prinker may have a solution: custom temporary tattoos. Founded in 2015, Prinker has produced a portable, handheld device that creates custom temporary tattoos in a matter of seconds. The end result is water-resistant, yet soap-washable.
The Prinker S, which is recommended for professional use, is available for $279 on Prinker’s website, while the cosmetic ink cartridges go for $119.
5. Frameo’s software for ODM wifi frames
There’s a new way to instantly display digital content in brick-and-mortar stores. Enter Danish tech company Frameo, founded in 2015. It has developed an app that will instantly upload any photo or video taken from a smartphone to smart original design manufacturing (ODM) frames, colloquially referred to as wifi picture frames.
To date, Frameo has reportedly worked with over 150 brands, including RCA, Braun, Sylvania and Minolta. The company also says it provides brands with free marketing material, including promotional photos and seasonal content.
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