At CES 2025 in Las Vegas this week, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) unveiled transformative trends and expected highlights of the massive trade show during a media preview on Sunday. CTA Senior Director of Innovation and Trends Brian Comiskey led a discussion on the rise of Gen Z, the increasing influence of artificial intelligence, and predicted a “Quantum Decade” for the 2030s. Sustainability, energy transitions, and human security, especially around food, also emerged as critical themes. “Innovation is never just one thing — it’s the convergence of technology and human-centric values that drives progress,” Comiskey noted.

Gen Z: Digital Natives Redefining Consumer Behavior
As the largest global generation, Gen Z constitutes 32 percent of the population and 27 percent of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) workforce.

Known for their early adoption of technology, 60 percent of U.S. Gen Z consumers prioritize cutting-edge devices like Samsung smart glasses and LG AI-driven TVs. However, Comiskey emphasized a sustainability gap: “Gen Z cares about eco-conscious choices but still gravitates toward fast fashion and other unsustainable products,” he said.

AI’s Transformative Role in Retail and Beyond
Artificial intelligence is reshaping retail, now a $7 billion market. Key findings reveal that 93 percent of U.S. adults are familiar with generative AI, and 61 percent actively use AI tools at work. In retail, 64 percent of U.S. consumers rely on AI shopping tools, with AI-driven personalization making them 40 percent more likely to purchase.

Virtual try-on technologies and AI-powered search optimization are driving efficiency and customer satisfaction. “AI is no longer an emerging trend — it’s foundational to the modern consumer experience,” explained Comiskey.

Smart home comfort is another topic, highlighting televisions as the home hub, with health integration, energy management and AI personalization key features.

Sustainability and Food Security
The third major energy transition — from fossil fuels to zero-carbon resources — is another CES focus. Companies like Exeger are showcasing flexible solar cells, while AI-powered precision farming tools such as Komatsu’s automated tractors aim to bolster food security. “Human security, from energy to food, will define the next decade of innovation,” Comiskey remarked.

Longevity and the Quantum Decade
The discussion also turned to longevity and health tech, with GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic potentially eclipsing AI in societal impact. Innovations from Withings and other “age tech” products were highlighted, as 80 percent of U.S. consumers now consider smart home devices as tools for aging in place. Meanwhile, the 2030s are expected to usher in the “quantum decade,” promising transformative advances across industries.

CES 2025 is reinforcing that the future of technology lies in balancing innovation, sustainability and human-centric progress. Quoting the futurist William Gibson, “The future is already here — it’s just not evenly distributed.”