The 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s largest international consumer electronics and technology trade show, began its four-day run in Las Vegas, U.S., on January 7.

Over 40 Korean firms participated in this year’s CES, where electronics and technology companies from around the globe unveiled their latest ultra HD (UHD) displays as well as flexible, wearable and smart technology. The participating Korean firms include two world-leading electronics makers -- Samsung and LG -- as well as Kia Motors, Moneual, Zalman Tech, Yuji Robot and other small- and medium-sized enterprises.

On the opening day, both LG and Samsung unveiled some of the world’s first curved and bendable UHD televisions.



Samsung’s bendable UHD organic light emitting diode (OLED) and liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions can be either curved or flattened, controlled by remote control. Unlike existing curved TVs, viewers can adjust the angle of these new televisions and still enjoy the high resolution, eight times higher than ordinary HD televisions, according to Samsung.

On the same day, LG showed off its own 77-inch flexible UHD OLED television. The firm says there's no distortion in either color or clarity as you adjust the curve angle thanks to its ultra high resolution, thereby greatly improving the viewer experience.

Both LG and Samsung also introduced their curved UHD TVs in various sizes, ranging from 40- to 110-inches. The two technology firms also unveiled curved smartphones, wearable electronic devices and home appliances that use smartphone applications.



Samsung showed off new technology that uses smart devices as a connecting hub rather than just as a communication tool. Samsung and BMW jointly developed an automated driving technology dubbed the "iRemote application" which can control BMW’s first electric vehicle, the i3, using Samsung’s Galaxy Gear smart watch.

Also getting in on the wearable tech game, LG showed off its first wearable smart device, the "Lifeband Touch." Among other things, users can tap the wristwatch-shaped device, equipped with an OLED display, and see how many calories they consumed or how hard they exercised, all connected via Bluetooth to their smartphone application.


Meanwhile, Kia Motors revealed its next generation "UVO EX e-service" smart technology specifically developed for electric vehicles. Based on a smartphone app, its UVO telematics system provides users up-to-the-second information about their battery and their distance until empty and has the ability to search for nearby charging stations. It allows drivers to preset a charging time and charging level ratios, as well as to pre-set the temperature conditions in the vehicle cabin. Kia plans to use this technology in its Soul electric car, which will go on sale later this year.

By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
arete@korea.kr