Logo from cesweb.org

That’s right, CES begins in 24 hours, and I couldn’t be more excited. This year promises many new exciting gadgets and tech trends.

I will be your man in the trenches, updating K-UTE social media with the latest and greatest from CES, 2016. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of blogging to follow up. I am most excited about virtual reality. Oculus Rift is expected to come out Q1 2016. This is the year virtual reality makes its big debut. Keep your fingers crossed.

 Kyle Tezak | Oculus Rift 2016

Along with Oculus Rift, there’s Infinadeck, which looks awesome. It is the world’s first true Omnidirectional Treadmill. The VR user can now run-walk. Instead of creating the illusion of walking or running, users can actually walk or run in one location. In the end, it’s all about a virtual world that seems completely real, definitely a big jump to a seamlessly realistic experience.

Does he even know he is walking on a treadmill? Image provided by Infinadeck

This brings a whole new level to gaming realism. Image provided by Infinadeck

I am also curious to find out how good holograms look on Microsoft’s HoloLens because my secret Death Star plans need to be extremely detailed, so I can send them to my rebel friends.

That looks pretty good to me. Image taken from microsoft.com

Microsoft is not the only company trying to create holograms. HOLOSEER is pretty much doing the same thing, and I’m currently trying to set up a demo with them during CES. Whether or not my schedule allows remains to be seen. Either way, SEER is pretty cool, and there are lots of demos on their website www.caputer.com. Stay tuned, I hope to show one to you guys.

A new perspective for the future! Image provided by HOLOSEER

Aside from the many cool gadgets that literally change the way I see things, I also want a peek at self-driving cars. Apparently, these cars have been ready since the last CES. But the population isn’t yet ready, and current laws don’t exactly favor them. One thing worth mentioning, is Nvidia’s emerging relationship with auto retailers. They are now helping to make self-driving cars possible with smarter and nicer-looking interfaces. Count on me checking this out.

I think jet pack and laser gun should be included. Image from prodigitalweb.com.

HUDs or Heads-Up-Displays are also riveting. Multiple versions are to be showcased at CES. HUDs can be used while driving so you drivers can do just about whatever they please. I definitely see lots of practical uses for HUDs, but it also seems like they could potentially distract drivers from important things, like keeping their eyes on the road.

I received the funniest email in preparation for my CES trip titled, “TELEPORTATION will be showcased at CES.” I fell out of my chair it was so funny. Was it possible? But as you might guess, it turned out to be a letdown. It definitely wasn’t the teleportation I was looking for. Nevertheless, it’s still interesting what “Expert Teleportation” is doing, which uses smart glass that basically allows people to communicate and move data very quickly. To my dismay, I don’t think any molecules are being torn apart.

Undoubtedly, Mad Catz will release stuff that looks even more like Transformers. I’ll really be impressed the day I get a genuinely autonomously transforming mouse/robot friend.

All the new phones will be exciting, but what really gets me are their virtual capabilities. The idea that virtual reality goggles can exist inside our phones, capable of augmenting the world we know, is mind-blowing. It would also prevent loss of expensive equipment because of careless drops, and the price tag for an Oculus Rift. All you need is a snazzy head-strap with a place to snap your phone in.

There will be much to see at this year’s CES, which means I’ll probably be distracted the entire time. But please, let me know what you’d like to see at the show in the Comments section (below).

Hope you got your fill of games with the Steam Winter Sale and are enjoying the first week of the New Year!

-Ollie (grabs his camera and prepares for the trenches of CES)