At the CES 2024, Google Chromecast, Robert Downey Jr, Mercedes, Honda and others have grabbed some limelight with their announcements. (Getty Images via AFP)

Find out what Google Chromecast and Mercedes announced at CES 2024, including their collaboration with Robert Downey Jr.

CES 2024 is currently underway, showcasing a wide array of remarkable and groundbreaking products. What adds to the thrill is the integration of artificial intelligence technology in the majority of these products. It is evident that both established brands and emerging startups are eager to capitalize on this new trend, while also incorporating highly practical features that will greatly benefit consumers. However, it is important to note that these products will come at a significant cost.

There is no shortage of audiences – 130,000 participants and more than 4,000 exhibitors are expected at the Las Vegas event. The latest advancements and gadgets in personal technology, transportation, healthcare, sustainability and more will be on display. Some of the immediate eyeball grabbers have been:

Google Chromecast

Google is integrating generative AI features into Android devices, and it revealed how at CES. This includes customizable AI-generated wallpapers and suggested text message replies. However, that’s not all. Google says it has also worked to improve the style. So the writing styles vary from casual to “Shakespearean”.

It also revealed that Google Chromecast is being expanded to more apps and devices, and TikTok content can now be streamed directly to TVs.

Aura and Robert Downey Jr.

“Iron Man” has been fighting villains on the big screen, but now he has entered a new arena and taken on the digital monsters that haunt the planet. He’s a board member and strategist at AI security startup Aura, and he’s ready to hold digital fraudsters to account. He was at CES 2024.

What is Aura? This app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to monitor and track accounts and help prevent digital crimes, including fraud and identity theft. Taking the next step at CES 2024, the company revealed it will launch a new artificial intelligence feature to help parents identify depression, anxiety and other problems in their children’s lives by tracking their cellphone usage, the AP reported.

So what made Downey enter this new world? The actor revealed that his own Instagram account was hacked in 2019 and that it led from there. He added that Aura’s mission statement also helped his decision.

Now you can talk to your Merc

Small AI-powered gadgets are proliferating at CES 2024 at an astonishing rate, but the big car companies aren’t far behind. German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has announced several technical updates to be installed in the car, including a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence.

Mercedes boasts that their new cloud-based AI assistant is “natural, predictive, empathetic and personal” as it works to personalize the interaction between drivers and their cars. The update combines artificial intelligence with additional functions for infotainment, automated driving, seating comfort and charging. AP revealed.

So if it’s about cars, Google has to be involved somewhere,” Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schafer announced the partnership with Google.

In addition to Mercedes, Google is also partnering with other automakers (Ford, Nissan, and others) to offer vehicles with preinstalled apps like Google Maps and Assistant.

Honda Zero Series EV Concepts

Two electric car concepts have been announced. Honda “Saloon” and Honda “Space-Hub”. Honda says the Zero Series model in EV development focuses on models that are “slim, light and smart.” The huge reveal focuses on minimizing the battery size.

The Honda Zero Series will come to North America first and is scheduled to be completed in 2026. After that, Honda will set its sights on other markets such as Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and South America later.