Here are a few of the highlights that may be worth looking into for your company.
Cybersecurity
Discussing new technologies, the first annual Cybersecurity Forum at CES is presenting information from security experts and technology developers that enable businesses to better protect themselves from cyberattack.
“The threat of cyberattack is looming, and it’s going to continue to be a growing problem,” says Greg Davis, owner of South Coast Computers, who attended the forum to glean information on new technologies that can enable him to further protect his clients from the threat of security breaches.
“Developers are continually coming up with new technologies, such as antivirus software, that helps small businesses stay ahead of the growing cyberattack trend,” he says. “Those companies that act rather than react to protect their products, data, employees and customers are the ones that will be most likely to circumvent the potentially disastrous effects of security breaches.”
Affordable Cellphone Options
If you provide your employees with cellphones, doing so may become more affordable. At CES, cellphone manufacturers, including those from overseas, are making a big push, as many cellphone carriers seem to be getting rid of their contracts. That means many customers are now responsible for getting their own smartphones.
Chinese smartphone companies operating in the U.S., such as ZTE and Alcatel One Touch, have unveiled a variety of products at CES, including Alcatel OneTouch’s new Watch that works with iOS and Android devices and ZTE’s new 6-inch jumbo smartphone.
4K Display Technology
Also known as UHD (Ultra High Definition), 4K display technology for televisions offers nearly digital cinema quality in resolution and color. If you regularly give presentations for your small business, this revolutionary technology could help make those presentations even more impressive. The closer you are to the screen, the more crystal clear the display, which means that this technology may be especially useful for small group presentations.
Improved Projectors
If you use projectors for demonstration or instructional purposes, the technology in this area is also much improved. For instance, you can find projectors that are more lightweight and portable than ever and offer features like wireless and Bluetooth connectivity and better overall viewing.
Wider, Higher Resolution Monitors
Curved monitors, such as new, wide models from LG and HP that measure 34 inches, are creating extra screen viewing capabilities and a higher resolution experience. The larger screens and enhanced picture quality means that you and your employees can likely work more efficiently at the computer.
Smart Home/Smart Office
A wide variety of smart home technologies are being unveiled at CES, and many of those technologies could be transferred to the office environment. Features such as thermostats with environmental sensors that adjust the thermostat automatically, improved security systems and monitoring devices and smart smoke detectors can help make running an office more efficient and lead to an even safer environment.
There are even door locks that can be locked and unlocked remotely, and codes can be given out that allow access—which makes handing out keys or exchanging them unnecessary.
Wearable Payment Devices
Although the technology is new and the kinks are still being worked out, the wave of the future seems to be in wearable devices like smart watches, jewelry and clothing that can be embedded with a NFC chip that will enable consumers to use such devices to pay for items. Small-business owners know that some sales are spur of the moment—so the more customers who have the ability to pay readily accessible, the better the chances for potential sales.
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