Around 170,000 visitors at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 will again be in awe of upcoming technologies that tech companies will showcase in Las Vegas.
However, USA Today warns consumers in search of future gadgets to manage their expectations because many of the devices and gizmos on exhibit are just prototypes and would take months or even years before it becomes available on the market.
On top of the list of the daily for visitor to watch out for is the label "$TK" which means "price to come." A gadget with such a note would likely not be found in stores at the earliest within six months. The reason behind manufacturers of phones, TV sets, camera and other hi-tech stuff not providing a tag price yet is the possibility that the price of component would fluctuate and the tech firm is possibly waiting for its competitors to give a definite tag price.
So, items with the "$TK" tag actually run the risk of not being made at all for various reasons. Among these reasons are inability of the developer to produce the device at a cost acceptable to the market, potential market may be gone by the time the gadget is out of the factory and partnerships souring.
When buying things, do not view the single purchase as the final item because it may eventually need apps or services that would come from other manufacturers. Check compatibility with other brands, although USA Today notes that suggestion does not likely apply to Apple products. Incidentally, Apple usually does not participate in the CES but could instead be found in another gadget show simultaneously running with CES.
Lastly, consumers are warned not to assume the devices they plan to buy would have access to abundant and reliable bandwidth and power.
TechCrunch advises tech enthusiasts not to spend too much time ogling at devices at the Las Vegas Convention Center but instead visit the Sands Expo Center which is several blocks away. The reason is that the CES has turned into a startup show and Sands is where new wearables and smart home techs made by the startups are going to be displayed.