The technology fair CES (Consumer Electronics Show), one of the largest in the world in the field, starts this Wednesday (5) in Las Vegas, despite the outbreak of Covid-19 cases in the United States.
The return of the in-person convention was questioned after some large companies, such as Amazon and Google, canceled their participation due to the pandemic risk.
But the organizers cited their vaccination and mask requirements to defend the fair, in which journalists, businessmen and technology lovers participate.
“Despite some highly publicized cancellations among our exhibitors, we have over 2,200 exhibitors here at CES 2022 in Las Vegas and they are all counting on us to move forward,” said Steve Koenig, vice president of the group in charge of the convention.
“Why? Well, because these companies seek investors, seek partners, seek to do business”, he explained.
Some health experts warned that many people could ignore the order to wear a mask, but pointed out that daily Covid-19 tests will help contain the spread of the virus.
The event will end on Friday, a day ahead of schedule, and its size has been greatly reduced compared to the 4,500 exhibitors who participated in the last in-person edition, in 2020, before the closures due to the coronavirus in the United States.
“We are worried about the situation and the increase in cases,” admitted exhibitor Bhavya Gohil, who said he was vaccinated and that the organizers’ precautions reassure him.
The fair takes place in a hybrid format, in person and online, thanks to software developed by the European technology conference Web Summit.
Despite the smaller number of participants, the event will have companies offering everything from quirky devices to technology geared towards humanity’s greatest concerns.
One of the main themes of the offer is transport, which is increasingly electric and autonomous.
Space technologies also have a strong presence, following a year that has seen growing interest in space tourism and the development of the satellite internet.
And obviously the metaverse is on everyone’s mind, although its definition isn’t quite clear at this point.
The concept refers to the emergence of a world where the digital and the real come together, which humans will be able to access through virtual and augmented reality equipment.
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