Billed as the most powerful tech event in the world, 2025’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas might be all that and more. The new technology found during the show typically pushes boundaries and kicks down the doors to innovation, say show organizers.
On hand at the show again will be Fred Jacobs, president and founder of Jacobs Media, who says learning to navigate the floor geography at CES is a challenge. That’s why for years he has hosted floor tours for broadcast professionals that typically feature emerging technologies set to impact radio.
The physical spaces at CES, which runs this Tuesday through Friday, include 12 official venues spanning more than 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space, so the area is huge. Jacobs’ walk-throughs this year will be focused on artificial intelligence and evolution of audio.
“This year the vibe is AI as the main theme. It was last year, too but this will be the year AI can prove itself. How is it working and what is the difference it is making in the products it is embedded? Also how is it changing the work we do?” Jacobs says. “It’s all going to be AI.”
Car tech will again be noteworthy at CES, Jacobs says. Xperi’s exhibit will again be a focus of Jacobs’ CES tour, with the company’s DTS AutoStage being the focal point. The HD Radio developer, in booth 5840 in LVCC West Hall, is expected to make several announcements regarding developments with its connected car platform at CES, according to Jacobs.
“Car tech has been such a big thing but the emphasis is changing. I think autonomous is ratcheting down a great deal. There is still a big focus on electric vehicles despite the speed bumps. There is some very exciting battery tech on hand,” he says.
Jacobs says the “car as an entertainment center is quickly evolving” with built-in gaming taking another step forward.
On hand will be the AFEELA EV prototype from Sony Honda Mobility, which is expected to feature a built-in Sony PlayStation 5, he says, and video screens everywhere throughout the car. You can even host Zoom video meetings in the AFEELA.
In addition, the developers announced in December they are partnering with Stingray Karaoke so customers can enjoy in-car karaoke. The EV will utilize Amazon’s cloud technology when it begins production with the 2026 model. The pre-sale begins this year.
These new car tech developments are notable and all relate to radio because it just all adds to congestion in the car, Jacobs says. “Anything that happens in the car will impact radio listening. There is more stuff for people to do instead of listening to the local radio station.”
CES opens Tuesday to attendees and continues through Friday. Over 100,000 attendees are expected in Las Vegas. Check back for more coverage on this year’s show from Radio World.
