PPPPackaging the Hot Takes (Four Ps #252)
CES 2025: Immediate Takeaways, Trends, Themes, and Thoughts of 2052
It's late Thursday afternoon West Coast time, and my cross-country flight home from Las Vegas back to NYC ✈️ is nearly at cruising altitude.
No rest for the weary after a whirlwind 60-hour CES marathon.
(And a special hello to longtime subscriber Jeff Birnbaum, asleep next to me in seat 8A as I write this.)
🔥 Fresh insights. Big takeaways. Unforgettable moments—some hazier than others. 😉 And I couldn’t wait to get my notes down and share them with you. Right here. Right now.
The hottest of takes, right into your inboxes first thing Friday morning! 🛠️✨
These past few days? A barrage of innovation, tech breakthroughs, and non-stop networking. 🎤 Keynotes. 🌐 Trends. 🤝 Meetings. Even some fun mixed in. All shaping the future in ways that matter—whether you’re leading a business, diving into personal tech, or planning for practical solutions in 2025.
Ironically, my week began looking much further ahead than just one year, albeit by accident.
🏞️ Flashback to Monday night. Harry Reid Airport. I’m coming down the escalator, and I see one of those corporate shuttle drivers holding a sign:"Cognitiv at CES 2052." 🤔 Wait, what?
Clearly it was a typo, and meant to say 2025.
But for the rest of the week, I kept thinking: What will CES 2052 actually look like? Honestly, I have no idea.
Except I'm pretty sure you and I won't be there. At least not in person.
👾 Forget AI notetakers. That’s so... today.🚀
In 2052, we’ll send AI clones to these events. They’ll network. Connect. Gather insights. Meanwhile, we’ll be at home, chilling in micro-cryofreeze sleep chambers, catching up on 4-5 days of uninterrupted rest. 🛌💤
But back to 2025, CES this year was absolutely worth the trip. My head is spinning with ideas, and I’m ready to dive into what’s already here. 🔥
THE PROFESSIONAL: Getting (and Staying) Ahead in the Market
Last year’s CES stories were all about gadgets—wearables, headphones, smart cars, invisible TVs—and, of course, AI. But this year? It was ALL AI, ALL THE TIME. 🤖
AI as a Business Revolution: Now that I've gotten the mandated AI blurb out of the way, the truth is that tools that our ancestors could not even imagine now underpin predictive analytics, process automation, and personalization at scale.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a niche tool; and it's already blending into more integrated daily uses than people realize. Truth: millions of platforms and tools have become essential drivers of business growth.
AI is here. AGI is coming. What it is… and what it means. The buzz around AI was palpable, just as it was last year, from generative AI platforms (video, text-to-video, music, presentations, etc.) to autonomous systems reshaping logistics and decision-making.
OpenAI's o3, which was unveiled in late December, crushes nearly all benchmarks. It was certainly the talk of Shelly Palmer Innovation Series Breakfast presented by Michael Kassan's 3C Ventures. Perplexity and Claude kept pace, as well. Meanwhile, Google’s CEO is worried that ChatGPT may become synonymous to AI the way Google is to search.
AI models can now generate high-quality videos and audio in seconds. This year, OpenAI dropped Sora, which lets users whip up lifelike videos from text prompts. Alphabet’s Veo-2 came along shortly after and seemed to have beat it with 4K resolution and more natural movement. Meanwhile, ElevenLabs and NotebookLM are putting AI audio on the map, with applications like realistic voice generation and AI-generated podcasts that users love.
And while most are still catching up to what's already here, a select few are already buzzing about what AGI can and will look like as early as this year (!) Which means the most important conversations in this space will be balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. That came up in every panel, talk, and showcase, whether about AI or AGI. With regulations tightening and consumer awareness growing, companies that prioritize transparency and accountability will have a competitive edge.
AdTech Overload: The digital advertising and marketing landscape is different every time I'm here. Two years ago? Web3 and Roblox were the hot topics. This year? Crickets. 🦗
The ecosystem is overloaded — The side conversations I was part of showed a consensus belief that there are too many players, too many steps, and too high of a tech tax in the current model. Advertisers are spending more and getting less. 👎
Streamlining is the name of the game — As programmatic platforms, social media, and streaming services both open new pathways and restrict others, everything old is new again, and everything new is fighting to break through. And that's especially the case for higher costs and increased inefficiency. Here in Vegas, the emphasis on innovation was curbed by talks of consolidation, renegotiations, alternative solutions, simplification, privacy regulations and the latest calls for the demise of third-party cookies, making zero- and first-party data strategies essential.
Creators & influencers — Their voices are growing louder, signaling a shift toward authenticity—or at least an attempt at it. But what’s next remains unclear.
In 2025, ad success will belong to brands that reduce inefficiencies, embrace nuanced personalization, own their data and content, and make meaningful connections—all while measuring results effectively.
Also: AdTech God may or may not be sitting a few rows behind me on the flight. It’s hard to tell because I’m wearing a mask (as I still do on planes)
FAST + CTV + Streaming Media: Streaming continues to dominate the entertainment landscape. Signs for company-sponsored suites were plastered across the Aria and Cosmopolitan hotels, while Happy Hours and parties celebrated the rise of Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST). Some highlights:
Netflix and Disney+ are doubling down on localized content to stay competitive. Differentiation will depend on exclusive offerings and seamless user experiences.
Fubu and Hulu are coming together… And as the battle for subscribers heats up, smart monetization strategies will separate the leaders from the laggards. 🔥
Evolving Cloud Strategies: May not be the sexiest of topics compared to AI, but cloud computing has become the backbone of marketing operations.
Hybrid and multi-cloud strategies: Businesses are moving away from relying on one provider, opting for multiple solutions to improve resilience and speed.
Edge computing: A true game-changer. By processing data closer to the source, it reduces latency and enables real-time decision-making.
THE PERSONAL: Improving Our Lives With Tech
Innovation isn't just about business. It's about us. From building trust in communities to transforming health and gaming, the tech we saw is making everyday life better, smarter, and more fun. Here’s what stood out:
The Rise of Authentic Communities: Marc Cuban said it best at Wednesday’s breakfast: “Trust is becoming a rare commodity in the digital world, and people are seeking spaces where they feel safe, valued, and heard.” Video content, now the dominant medium for connection, is moving away from broad social platforms to niche, authentic communities. Short, relatable video content is dominating—easily shareable and instantly engaging. 📹✨ And with the decline of third-party cookies, brands are doubling down on ownable data to forge direct, meaningful connections with their audiences.
Meanwhile, Meta is (also) now ditching third-party fact checkers for user-driven moderation. Mark Zuckerberg revealed the change, replacing it with a new X-style Community Notes system across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, where users will write notes and vote on which ones should be applied to posts. Ugh.
Immersive Shopping Experiences: Retail is no longer just about convenience—it’s a creative blend of the physical and digital worlds. The future of retail was on display: virtual storefronts, AR-driven product previews, and seamless payment systems. Imagine browsing a store in virtual reality, picking up items digitally, and completing a frictionless checkout—all from your living room. CES gave us a glimpse into the future of shopping, where e-commerce becomes an immersive experience.
Robots in our Lives: CES showcased how robotics is becoming a tangible part of everyday life. From cars to co-bots in manufacturing to personal assistants at home, robots are no longer confined to industrial settings. Advances in AI and machine learning have made these machines more intuitive, capable of adapting to dynamic environments and performing complex tasks.
Video Games as Lifestyle: Gaming took center stage in Vegas, but not THAT kind of gaming. At least not for me. (I didn't gamble a single dollar.) Gaming wasn’t just a topic—it was a vibe. 🎮
Esports, VR, and blockchain-based gaming models are turning gaming into more than entertainment—it’s a cultural driver.
With younger generations spending more time in virtual spaces, the lines between gaming, socializing, and creating are blurring.
When I close my eyes and think of CES this week, I see cool tech, people having fun, and the potential for Sega Genesis 2026.
Half Dollars, Full fun: Fifty Cent still puts on a great show. Yahoo’s party with Fifty and SI’s Sportsperson of the Year gala were my nighttime event highlights.
THE PRACTICAL: Preparing for Tomorrow
Tomorrow is on everyone's lips, but the impact of innovation can have an immediate ...
Semiconductors at the Core of Innovation: OpenAI and Nvidia won the "most mentioned" company for those playing the drinking game. And at the core of this blitz are the semiconductors, those tiny little engines of the digital world, underpinning innovations in AI, 5G, and IoT. Despite grappling with supply chain disruptions, the industry is investing heavily in advanced node technologies, boosting performance and energy efficiency. Companies like Nvidia and TSMC are leading the charge, but geopolitical tensions are driving regional diversification in manufacturing. Semiconductors have been at the center of trade and diplomacy for awhile, but for businesses, 2025 will be about leveraging semiconductor advances while navigating supply chain complexities.
Encryption is the Safer Way: In the wake of a massive cyberattack attributed to Chinese hackers, end-to-end encrypted messaging apps were a hot topic at CES.
Apps like Signal and WhatsApp ensure messages stay private—accessible only to the intended recipient. 📱✨
Traditional SMS? Not so safe. Encryption is now critical for personal privacy and national security.
The Green and Autonomous Auto Ecosystem: Electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) are no longer separate trends—they’re merging into an integrated ecosystem. Some of the key developments:
Advanced battery tech and expanded charging infrastructure. ⚡
The rise of shared autonomous vehicles (AVs) alongside private EVs, disrupting the social contract, and smart city planning. 🌆
This hybrid model is disrupting logistics and transportation, pushing businesses to rethink mobility for 2025.
Modular Solutions for Growth: Sounds super nerdy, but I found myself writing this word -- modularity -- down more than once in my tiny little blue notebook this week. It's emerging as a practical response to labor shortages, rising costs, and sustainability pressures that so many companies across so many sectors are dealing with.
THE POLITICAL: Big Government's Role
With the fate of Tiktok in the United States facing critical review by all branches of government in the weeks to come -- first at the Supreme Court, no one I talked to at CES believes Trump will let it die. Is keeping it alive good for Trump? good for business? Either way, there is an increasing disdain for Elon Musk across the board. Admiration for what he's built and innovated with Tesla is not diminished by the awe at how badly he's screwed up Twitter nor the anxiety his role as a Trump whisperer could damage society.
Tariffs, Trade Wars and Trouble: As a new administration takes office in just two weeks, threats of potential tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods are looming. Marketers and tech innovators at CES talked about an uncertain landscape. Ongoing export restrictions from nations like Mexico and Canada are also going wreak havoc, and this geopolitical tug-of-war could significantly impact costs, product timelines, and innovation strategies, making trade tensions and tariff policies a pivotal topic of conversation at this year’s event. At a macro level, there is still a considerable amount of tension, anxiety, uncertainty, even outright fear about what's to come with the new administration.
Satellites and Star Power: The EU is stepping up its space ambitions with a new $11.1 billion initiative to launch 300 internet satellites by 2030 under the IRIS² program. This move aims to challenge Elon Musk's Starlink, which already dominates the low-Earth orbit market with around 6,000 satellites in operation. The initiative underscores Europe's drive to boost digital sovereignty and close the gap in global satellite internet infrastructure. 🌍🚀
Eyes on the UK: Great Britain passed the Online Safety Act before the end of the year, mandating that tech platforms adhere to stringent regulations to combat illegal online content, including child sexual abuse and material promoting self-harm. Enforced by Ofcom, these measures require companies to assess risks and implement safeguards by March 16, 2025, with non-compliance potentially resulting in substantial fines.
The Energy Transition: So how will we power all this stuff? CES is a constant reminder of how much energy things need. Battery technology is at the core of the clean energy transition, and this week highlighted breakthroughs that promise to reshape industries. Solid-state batteries, faster charging cycles, and innovations in recycling are paving the way for more sustainable energy storage.
Final Thoughts from the Flight Home: CES 2025 wasn't just about gadgets—it offered a blueprint for a tech-driven, sustainable, and interconnected future. As you map your goals for 2025, consider how these professional, personal, and practical insights can guide your journey forward.
Whether leveraging AI, embracing EVs, or securing your digital presence, the future is about innovation with purpose. Stay ahead by staying curious!
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