CheckMag | Best of CES 2024: From Rabbit R1 to LG transparent TV

The Rabbit R1, a new AI hardware-based assistant from start-up Rabbit, has been making waves in the tech industry following its successful debut at CES 2024. This pocket-sized gadget is the result of a collaboration with Teenage Engineering and operates on an advanced "Large Action Model" of 10,000 units selling out immediately after release.

Under the hood, the Rabbit R1 is equipped with a MediaTek Helio P35 SoC running at 2.3GHz, complemented by 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. Its interface is centered around a compact 2.88-inch touchscreen.

Priced at an accessible $199, the Rabbit R1 is not intended to replace your smartphone. Users can interact with the device using voice commands, typed inputs, or even through its integrated camera, which boasts object recognition capabilities powered by advanced machine learning algorithms. Rabbit underscores the efficiency of its Rabbit OS, emphasizing its lightweight nature that strategically offloads intensive computational tasks to the cloud. This innovation positions Rabbit at the forefront of AI hardware releases anticipated for 2024.

The LG Signature OLED T, unveiled at CES 2024, represents a significant leap in OLED TV technology, moving past conventional display concepts to provide a unique transparent viewing experience. While not the first of its kind showcased at CES, it stands out as the first transparent display set to be commercially available to consumers.

This year's model has undergone a significant design overhaul, featuring a motorized, black film behind its 77-inch OLED panel. With the simple press of a button, this film can be activated to convert the transparent display into a traditional OLED Smart TV.

While LG has not disclosed the price, the Signature OLED T is anticipated to be among the higher-priced Smart TVs in the market. However, it does not feature LG's top-tier OLED technology, lacking the MLA panel found in models like the OLED G3, and thus does not reach the same peak brightness levels.

Despite this, the OLED T boasts some of LG's most advanced technologies, including the Zero Connect Box. This feature allows for wireless streaming in 4K at 120 Hz from devices such as a PlayStation 5 (available to buy on Amazon). The LG Signature OLED T Smart TV is expected to be released in 2024, though an exact launch date is yet to be confirmed by LG.

At CES this year, Samsung brought back Ballie, a charming robotic creation first introduced in 2020. Ballie, resembling a bowling ball in size, functions as a mobile robotic companion, trailing users around their homes. Notably larger than its initial version, Ballie now features a built-in 1080p projector, enhancing its functionality to display content and communicate verbally.

The demonstration, conducted through a video exhibit, displayed Ballie projecting images and videos onto various surfaces while actively following a person.

Despite the new feature, Ballie retains its original appearance from its CES 2020 debut: a spherical, yellow body with a rectangular visor. The video portrayed Ballie as a versatile smart home hub, capable of interfacing with various connected devices, including smart lighting and air conditioning systems.

Ballie's communication capabilities have also been expanded, with the addition of text-based interactions, presumably via a companion app. Its AI functionality extends to personalizing the home environment, offering music suggestions and adjusting ambient lighting to suit different activities, such as workouts.

Unlike many conceptual products that never materialize for consumer use, Samsung has confirmed that Ballie will be available for purchase within the year, signaling the company's commitment to bringing innovative robotic solutions to the market.

C SEED has recently launched its N1 TV line at CES 2024, featuring cutting-edge models in 103-inch, 137-inch, and 165-inch sizes. These TVs are notable for their innovative folding screen design, which doubles as a sculptural element when not in use. The 4K MicroLED displays, mounted on minimalist aluminum bases, offer 180° rotation.

Supporting HDR and HDR10+, the N1 series enhances visual quality with a special coating for vivid colors and true blacks. Brightness levels vary across models, with the smaller ones peaking at 1,000 nits and the largest at 800 nits. All variants boast high refresh rates of up to 3,840 Hz, 16-bit color processing, and adjustable color temperatures.

The seamless display experience is ensured by C SEED's Adaptive Gap Calibration technology. Additionally, a built-in 100 W sound system, expandable to 7.1 or 9.2 channels with external speakers, complements the visual prowess. Connectivity options include five HDMI and two USB ports. The premium 165-inch model weighs around 1,350 kg and is available in multiple finishes. Prices for the C SEED N1 TV series start from €180,000 (~$184,223).