Alex Stone ABC News - January 5, 2022 - KRDO’s Afternoon News

CES (formerly called the Consumer Electronics Show – but organizers say now it’s just called CES) kicks off today in Las Vegas after a COVID hiatus last year.  Organizers are determined to make this year’s show happen despite the extreme transmissibility of Omicron in large crowds, many major companies pulling out, keynote speeches going virtual, and tech reporters deciding to cover the show virtually.  The show’s final day has been cut.  Many big tech publications have opted not to cover it in person fear of putting their staff at risk.  In fact, ABC’s Alex Stone was supposed to be there but because of COVID protocols he will be covering it remotely.  In 2019 170,000 people attended CES.  This year attendance is totally unknown.  Las Vegas relies on CES as its biggest trade show and as it tries to bring back convention business.  And of course, as with all CES shows, there are bigger, clearer TV’s being unveiled and gadgets like a $310,000 robot that gives human like massages, beds that wake you up in the morning, and smart toothbrushes.  If there was a theme this year it would be companies responding to many people working and staying at home and looking for pandemic comforts and convenience.  Alex can give you the skinny on what the first ever CES during a pandemic (and a current spike in cases and people told to stay away from massive crowds) is turning into and how organizers are trying to move forward at this odd time.