CES 2019: People Will Buy More Smart Stuff, Fewer TVS

The CES 2019 gadget show is revving up in Las Vegas. Here are the latest findings and observations from Media reporters on the ground as technology’s biggest trade event gets underway.

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MORE SMART DEVICES, FEWER TVS

What gadgets will Americans buy this year? Lots of “smart” devices for their home, according to projections from a technology association.

If that sounds a lot like last year, you’re right, but sales are still expected to grow again in 2019.

The Consumer Technology Association expects nearly 37 million Amazon Echoes, Google Homes and other smart speakers to be sold this year in the U.S., a 5 percent increase from a year ago. Meanwhile, more than 29 million smart doorbells, thermostats and switches are expected to be sold, a 23 percent increase from the previous year.

The numbers were released Sunday, two days before the CES 2019 gadget show opens to attendees in Las Vegas. CTA runs the show, which is technology’s largest trade gathering.

The group warned that its projections could change significantly if a trade war with China escalates. Much of the world’s electronics are assembled in China, and the CTA has said that steeper tariffs could hurt the industry by making smartphones or TVs more expensive for consumers.

Other gadgets expected to sell well in 2019: wireless earbuds, smartwatches and drones. Fewer TVs are expected to be sold, however — 42 million units, a one percent decline from 2018.