Led Wayline
Dec 30, 20212 min
Over the last week, many major tech brands have opted to bow out of the Consumer Electronics Show 2022 (CES 2022) due to the rapid spread of the fairly new COVID-19 Omicron variant. The latest to confirm this change in stance is Microsoft, as per its latest email correspondence to major tech news titles. Notably, besides Sony, Samsung, and LG being firm about their participation, technology brands from Korea, China, and Taiwan have also stepped up.
This includes, according to multiple press announcements that the CES 2022 newsroom put out, China-based Internet of Things player Asensing Technology; OKAI – an electric-based light-vehicle player; all sorts of tech-focused small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Taiwan; and Korea’s Hancom Group, a home electronics and advanced tech manufacturer.
As for Taiwanese tech players, 100 high-potential Taiwanese start-ups will be present as part of the Taiwan Tech Arena – a start-up initiative for the Taiwan Pavilion.
To-date, CES 2022 organiser – Consumer Technology Association (CTA) – had already received 42 exhibitor cancellations. That, literally, is a drop in the ocean as one of the latest postings from CES’ Twitter had confirmed that over 2,200 companies will continue to go ahead with their plans to participate at the mega-tech event in Las Vegas.
“Given our comprehensive health measures, coupled with lower attendance and social distancing measures, we are confident that attendees and exhibitors can have a socially distanced but worthwhile and productive event in Las Vegas, or while experiencing it online,” the organisers continued in the Twitter thread.
In a show of support, other high-tech and innovation-first digital solutions providers have also confirmed, in rapid order, their physical participation. This includes Guide Sensmart and Pudu Robotics from China; US-based Ansys and Internet of Everything Corp; and Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries and MORAI.
Notably, even as many key big tech players have opted to not attend CES 2022, the show will go on as there are no major changes to the event’s Media Day schedule, conference keynotes, and networking receptions.
Right now, some big-ticket events have taken place as a prelude to the highly anticipated week-long tech conference. This includes the next big flagship smartphone from Xiaomi and all-new teasers for the latest in transparent OLED panels from LG.
For the latest announcements from Las Vegas, head on over to the CES 2022 special coverage page.