photo of CES sign at las vegas convention center

Consumer Electronics Show 2025: Recap

This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was held January 6–10 in Las Vegas. Sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association Foundation (CTA Foundation or CTAF), this gigantic expo showcases the latest in technology for the everyday consumer. Over 4,500 exhibitors and over 141,000 attendees participated.

woman taking selfie in front of CES show sign

Amy Barry, BridgingApps’ Digital Marketing Lead, attended CES 2025 on our behalf. Below, Amy shares her story from the conference.

What a memorable first CES experience in Vegas! Once I figured out how to get around (comfy shoes and detailed planning), I fully immersed myself in the incredible energy of this event. Special thanks to the people who helped make this experience so memorable:

Special Pitches

A favorite conference highlight was the CTA Foundation Pitch Competition. Nine finalists showcased AI technologies aimed at enhancing health and accessibility for all ages and abilities. A big thanks to Next50 and Canon USA for supporting such an impactful initiative!

group of 8 people on stage under sign that reads 'startup stage', one person in middle holding a large check

And congratulations to:

  • Grand Prize winner: MakeSense Technology, for The Vector, an AI device for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Vector is hand-held and equipped with high-accuracy sensors, for navigating the outdoors with independence and confidence.
  • Winner of the Audience Choice prize: Voinosis, or “voice diagnosis,” which uses AI to screen everyday speech for symptoms of early dementia.
  • Runner-Up: Sign-Speak, a cutting-edge video translator that can convert spoken English to ASL (American Sign Language) or text.

[CTAF also provided five complimentary expo booths, through the Eureka Park Accessibility Contest for new assistive-technology businesses.]

Exploring the Expo

Some of my personal favorite exhibits:

  • The AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP: Their exhibit area was especially impressive. Besides its focus on empowering older adults and supporting caregivers, it featured a pickleball court!
  • Artly’s “Barista Bot,” which uses teachable AI to make your favorite latte even more perfect—right up to the foam art. Says Artly, “Our mission is to preserve, elevate, and democratize the fine craft of coffee making.” Innovation is brewing!
  • Bird Buddy: creator of “The Original Smart Bird Feeder” and other AI-powered technologies that send beautiful wildlife images to your smartphone and make nature-watching accessible to all. Recommended for people with limited mobility, sensory needs, or other barriers to getting out regularly.
  • Samsung Electronics and their smart home innovations.
  • The latest in futuristic self-driving vehicles. Features like easy access and enhanced safety help disabled drivers maintain independence and stay connected to the world around them.
  • VKARD.io’s Near Field Communication (NFC), a digital business card that links to online profiles for quick editing.

Favorite Topics

Some notable themes, relevant to BridgingApps’ work, that I found interesting:

  • Digital Health: Healthcare is returning to its roots of in-home care and meaningful human connections. At the same time, evolving technology continues to enhance personalized treatment.
  • Smart Home: Innovations in smart-home technology continue to transform daily life for people with disabilities, including older adults and Veterans. From voice-activated devices to AI-driven solutions, these technologies improve independence, safety, and accessibility.
  • Mobility: Self-driving vehicles are the future of enhanced mobility for older adults and people with special needs.
  • Wellness Tech: Wellness technology improves lives with tools that support health tracking, mobility, safety, and remote care.

Also, the future of aging is here! From smart health trackers to advanced home solutions, tech is empowering older adults to live independently, stay healthy, and connect with loved ones like never before.

CES 2025 was truly an inspiring showcase of innovation, connection, and creativity. I left Vegas energized by the possibilities that technology offers to improve lives and foster inclusion. Until next time, CES!

P.S. From BridgingApps

Besides its work with CES, the Consumer Technology Association Foundation is a major force in providing quality-of-life technology to seniors and people with disabilities. Plus, the Foundation is a BridgingApps grant provider. Thanks for everything, CTAF!

The next Consumer Electronics Show will be January 6–9, 2026. Sign up for notifications at the CES home page.

Leave a Reply