Consumer tech can be found everywhere these days – from delivery apps to 5G smartphones – but the core of it all lies within the software, which serves as the operating system of hardware components.
CTA members range from tiny startups to multinational giants and are experts on market trends, product standards, and highly technical topics such as wireless spectrum.
i3 Magazine
The i3@USD magazine is published annually to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of students, alumni, and partners at USD. In addition, alumni notes from USD’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering graduates worldwide can share updates regarding personal and professional matters.
Consumer Technology Association’s flagship magazine, It Is Innovation (i3), covers innovation across technology, policy, and business, as well as entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and startups contributing to the consumer technology industry. Recently, two Thoth Awards for editorial excellence were given out – named for an Egyptian god of wisdom who served as mediator and scribe – honoring outstanding public relations work in the national capital region.
CTA Corporate Report
The CTA Corporate Report highlights its achievements from the previous year and the goals and initiatives planned for next year. Policymakers use it to understand the benefits of membership with CTA and how our industry is making an impactful difference. It identifies key issues that matter most to the association and provides recommendations for action to be taken on them.
The 2022 Corporate Report provides an in-depth examination of the technology landscape and how it impacts consumers, covering wearables, autonomous vehicles, health devices, and streaming services, among other trends and developments. Interviews with industry leaders were also conducted, and achievements made in consumer technology were highlighted, as well as government’s role as a partner for the advancement of tech was covered within its pages.
Expert Insights previously explored the new reporting requirements on beneficial ownership information set forth by the CTA. Today, Sandra Feldman of Kutak Rock law firm joins us to discuss this final rule and its ramifications, including reporting deadlines and exemptions, which entities must file reports when filing starts commencing, what information must be included, etc.
Kutak Rock will keep a close watch as final rules take shape and provide any updates as necessary. We strongly suggest our clients familiarize themselves with reporting requirements and any applicable exemptions while creating internal protocols and procedures for collecting beneficial ownership information and promptly notifying BOSS of any changes that arise in it.
The CTA is an optional program; however, any noncompliance may lead to penalties of $500 per day for continued violations, criminal fines of up to $10,000, and imprisonment for up to two years. Furthermore, company and trust officers who provide false or misleading information could face civil and criminal liability.
Companies and trusts that direct commodity trading must meet CTA reporting requirements by filing quarterly CTA Form PR report and an annual report within 45 days after calendar year-end. Furthermore, under CFTC regulation 4.27, all CTAs must pay a late filing fee for reports submitted after their due dates.
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
The Consumer Electronics Show, known as CES, is one of the world’s premier consumer technology tradeshows. Showcasing cutting-edge gadgets and technologies that will significantly affect industries in the near future. Attracting over 17,000,000 professional attendees annually with 3600 exhibitors present. Held annually since 1967 and originally biannual; since 1998, this annual tradeshow has been taking place.
Early products at CES primarily consisted of hi-fi systems and VCRs; however, in 1975 Atari unveiled the revolutionary Pong console, which would begin the home video gaming revolution. Later that decade, a portable radio small enough to fit on your wrist was also demonstrated and set a precedent for cell phones today.
Over its history, CES has seen its share of scandals and controversies. For instance, in the 70s, exhibit halls often featured young, attractive women known as booth babes as guides to assist show attendees. Nowadays, however, high-tech holographic models provide more interest while being easier to use.
At CES 2019, upcoming technologies include Virtual Reality, the Internet of Things, and 4K HDTVs. Furthermore, many automotive companies will unveil new car tech; last year, BMW and GM made announcements. Likewise, SunPartner Wysips CONNECT technology was showcased to convert light energy directly into energy use without draining its battery, creating a Li-Fi smartphone prototype operating without much battery power.
This year’s show will also include celebrity appearances and digital performances by artists including Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish, with digital versions occurring online via The Palazzo Ballroom of The Venetian Hotel and Casino. Keynote speeches by CTA President/CEO Gary Shapiro can also be expected, while his keynotes take place within The Palazzo Ballroom for this year. CES conference attendance is open only to people within the consumer electronics industry who possess proof of eligibility; any individual wanting to attend must submit evidence and pay an attendance fee before attending.
CTA Foundation
The CTA Foundation is a public charity affiliated with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), dedicated to using consumer tech to enrich people’s lives. The Foundation focuses on strategic funding partnerships with organizations whose programs align with its mission, hosts the Eureka Park Accessibility Contest at CES, conducts market research studies, and supports assistive devices as well as mobile applications for consumers of all ages and abilities, among them assistive devices for seniors with dementia and mobile applications for mobile phones and smartphones.
One of the foundation’s key initiatives is promoting digital literacy among seniors and individuals with disabilities. For instance, its grant to AbleGamers Charity helps develop prototype gaming setups and controllers tailored explicitly for people with physical limitations; another budget goes to the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio supports virtual reality training of caregivers for its program; plus, there are vision loss projects such as “train the trainer” programs with Hearing Loss Association of America.
In addition to accessibility, the Foundation seeks to foster diversity within the tech industry and the community settings it serves. To this end, they support organizations that empower and educate women and underrepresented minorities in STEM through scholarship programs, mentorship programs, and conferences.
At CES 2023, the Foundation will host its inaugural Innovations for All Award, honoring startups using technology to connect people of all ages and abilities more meaningfully with one another. Startups will have the chance to present their innovations directly before judges and attendees at CES before competing to win this coveted accolade – and receive a $50,000 cash prize and access to an exclusive business development program!
Technology’s Golden Age, the Foundation‘s latest initiative, is a series of short films that spotlight innovative technologies that improve the lives of older adults and people with disabilities worldwide. It explores innovations from around the globe while featuring stories of individuals helped by these technologies – both online and on DVD formats are made available to the public.
