Kaz Hirai’s CES keynote liveblog
2013 was a big year for Sony, with 4K TVs and the hotly anticipated PlayStation 4, among many other products, keeping the company in the news. So, as CES 2014 kicks off, who better to set the tone than CEO Kaz Hirai? We’re here at the Venetian hotel bright and early to share his presentation with you. Stay tuned!
January 7, 2014 8:30:00 AM PST
2013 was a big year for Sony, with 4K TVs and the hotly anticipated PlayStation 4, among many other products, keeping the company in the news. So, as CES 2014 kicks off, who better to set the tone than CEO Kaz Hirai? We’re here at the Venetian hotel bright and early to share his presentation with you. Stay tuned!
G’morning everyone! We’re about to get started. CES is almost officially open!
Just a refresher of what Sony’s announced so far…
The Core, a wearable sensor: http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/07/sony-core-not-wearable-its-a-sensor/
Some UHD TVs with Netflix integration: http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/06/sony-4k-tv-range-2014-netflix/
The waterproof Z1S: http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/06/sony-xperia-z1s-waterproof-flagship-t-mobile/
Apparently “Michael Bay” is still the #4 Twitter topic with the #CES2014 hashtag.
And the compact Z1: http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/06/sony-announces-xperia-z1-compact/
Soooo, let’s just say Sony’s already had quite an eventful show.
Last year, Panasonic’s CEO took the stage to kick CES off, and Kaz Hirai certainly has plenty to talk about in the TV space himself.
Really mellow music here. Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing for sleep-deprived journalists.
We’re being prompted to take our seats.
There are two comfy-looking leather armchairs on stage, so CEA head Gary Shapiro will likely be joining Kaz on-stage.
In the meantime, I’m throwing my notions about a right to personal space out the window. A journalist is literally leaning into me.
Ultra HD is mentioned in 63 PERCENT of tweets with the #CES2014 hashtag. So maybe that could be a theme of the show, eh?
“Flash photography is only permitted for the first minute of this morning’s presentation.” Huh?
Hurry, Zach, get ready to bombard Kaz!
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s going on in the Engadget chatroom: “We’ve officially reached peak wearables hype… smart onesie” – Jon Fingas
Looks like things will get going any second. We’re already five minutes behind.
Lights dimming, that’s our sign.
Some seriously bright lights twinkling on and off up on stage.
We’re starting with a video conveying the show’s relationship with innovation. CES = innovation, kay?
“For all of those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.” Video showing wearables, smart refrigerators — the themes of the show.
Here’s Gary Shapiro!
He’s a smiley guy, with lots of energy for this early morning.
“This week is the home to leaders, innovators and even disruptors.”
“Totally new industries” are being created overnight. The US industry forecast is expected to grow to $208 billion this year, thanks to new categories such as 3D printers, wireless health and Ultra HD.
CEA is tracking all of this industry-inventing, obviously.
“Disruptive innovation improves our lives.”
He’s name-dropped Snapchat, Yelp, Aero, Uber — CEA members that “threatened the status quo.”
OH NO Gary please don’t say “internet of things.” That’s the worst phrase ever, right?
“In an hour the doors will open on a show that will surprise any journalist willing to walk the floor.” Willing? Ha!
This event is about “sharing a five-sense experience.” So there will be food??
Gary’s really emphasizing how inspiring this show can be. I mean, I’m inspired to start my own home theater company. Anyone want to pony up some funding?
He’s talking about a new tech zone at the show focused on the sensors found in all the new wearables and smart devices we’re seeing.
“Internet of everything.” No, that’s not better.
Automotive is also a huge trend this year: nine top companies are here. Audi’s concept car gets 90 mph, 90mpg.
Uh-oh, he just mentioned driverless cars. We have several of those to look forward to at the show.
This is a marathon list-off of tech innovations. Now he’s talking 3D printing.
Ultra HD… 4K… buzzwords.
We’re looking back at visionaries we’ve lost in the last year, including execs from Dolby and Kenwood.
“CES represents the idea that as humans we must reach higher in every endeavor.”
“Anyone with an idea can have a shot at becoming a successful entrepreneur.” That’s where the Eureka Park section comes in.
CES 2014 has more exhibitors and more product launches than ever. It’s the largest CES ever, with 2 million net square feet of exhibit space.
There are 20 tech zones dedicated to emerging markets.
This is nice and all, but where’s Kaz?
Shapiro is talking about US men and women in uniform, saying this show is really about the states and helping people at home here. There’s a US Tech Vets org, too.
CEA is based in Washington, DC, by the way, so they’re definitely promoting tech on the national level.
He says the CEA is partly responsible for getting the FAA to allow us to use our phones during takeoff and landing. “For all of you who enjoyed WiFi on your flight out here, you’re welcome.”
Slight dig at China and its pushing back against “open innovation.” He’s also bashing the “patent troll extortion market.”
People in the audience are digging this innovation-activist rhetoric. Most applause we’ve heard thus far.
I feel kinda bad for all of you who showed up for Kaz — he’s coming… I think.
Gary’s announcing the new “Extreme tech challenge”, codenamed XTC. It’s a startup program with mentors such as Richard Branson and Samsung execs.
He wants you to enjoy the health monitors, the wearable tech, the creative disruption.
“Our opening keynote is Sony, a brand synonymous with consumer electronics.”
Like many of the top brands at CES — Samsung and LG also among them — Sony already has devices in almost every hot category. That includes wearables and 4K TVs.
“Like Sony itself, Kazuo Hirai is a man of many talents.” He’s been involved in many branches where the company succeeded.
Here he is! Looking sharp as always.
“As Gary said, I know a lot of you had challenges getting here, and I’m glad you made it.”
“Every since I was a boy, I’ve been curious… about everything from cars to gadgets to electronics.”
There are some collage-type graphics behind him, reflecting what he’s saying.
He just listed Romper Room as an inspiration!!!
“The kids on-screen were having cookies — where was mine?” I think that’s a metaphor.
The point is that we should maintain our “childlike wonder and imagination,” and creating things is an extension of that.
That’s some philosophy right there!
In ’79, the Sony Walkman was the first portable music player. In ’92, we got the CD.
His first CD was Billy Joel’s “52nd Street,” helpfully shown on-screen behind him.
And of course, there was the PlayStaion, a device so compelling that Kaz moved from the music business to work on the gaming console.
He’s giving Sony a well-deserved pat on the back for the PlayStation 4. (Or so I’m told — Ben Gilbert really likes it!)
“Sometimes at Sony, we zig-zag our way to greater innovations, and sometimes we fail.” Examples: all these products no one remembers.
He’s poking fun at the Betamax, which didn’t stand up to VHS. But at least it was an innovative idea!
The tagline for Betamax was “Watch whatever whenever.” That’s a motto that still applies to media tech today.
“We have to make a connection with people. Our products’ value depends on them.”
“Kando” — emotional involvement; “wow!” He dropped some Japanese in to demonstrate the essence and philosophy behind Sony products.
“The wow happens when your senses are engaged.”
See, Hear, Feel, Dazzled, Amazed.
Products that “wow”: Sony’s 4K TVs, which let you really “feel that atmosphere.” Also, high-res audio.
“The moment of pride when sharing the perfect picture.” Sony *does* have some awesome cams, from the QX lens camera to the fast-focus RX100 II.
And, of course, the PlayStation 4 with remote play.
The Sony Xperia Z1 — “a more intuitive smartphone.”
“We’re spending more and more time looking at culture and consumers. On the horizon, we see a next-generation consumer different than anything before them.”
Generation Remix: digital natives who have grown up using technology from the very beginning.
Technology as a tool, rather than “bowing down to the altar of technology.” Be afraid, be very afraid.
They’ll have the ability to see things differently, to use their fluency in tech to help improve peoples’ lives.
“Evolving out of the box”
“Seeing things differently:” Advanced sensors are improving our experience of tech, from cameras to wearables.
Looking forward, advanced sensor tech will improve color analysis and selective focus in cameras.
“Our sensing technologies have the ability to see the unseen.” In automotive: speed sensing, ability to detect and capture images in detail even when you’re driving in the dark.
In agriculture: ability to send CO2 consistency and other vital stats will help both growers and consumers get optimal-quality products.
The Smart Skin Evaluation Program analyzes your mug for more targeted skin care.
Data can be used to help your treatment plan, either by sharing with your doctor or in your own hands.
4K and 3D displays let surgeons see their operations in “vivid detail.” Yeah.
“Another important dimension of the human experience is of course entertainment.” So that means the PlayStation, the 4K TVs, the headline-grabbing goods.
“More sophisticated storytelling drives a new landscape of engagement.”
Vince Gilligan of Breaking Bad and Michael Lynton of Sony Pictures are here!
Filed under: Sony
AIVAnet 