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CES: Leaders Urge Regulation to Unleash Blockchain’s Power

CTA Senior Manager of Government Affairs John Mitchell led a discussion at CES on the use of blockchain as the basis of a new economic ecosystem. Coinbase Head of U.S. Policy Kara Calvert, FinClusive CEO Amit Sharma, and Paradigm Policy Director Justin Slaughter expressed enthusiasm about the potential for financial inclusion and digital identity as well as frustration over U.S. legislators’ approach to regulation. “Here, blockchain is positioned as a problem to address, not an opportunity to be seized,” suggested Slaughter. Meanwhile, they note, Switzerland, China and other countries are taking the lead. Read more

CES: Dell Demos Its UltraSharp Curved Thunderbolt Monitors

Dell is showing off two new curved ultrawide monitors at CES. The 5K UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor displays at 5120×2160 and is VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified. Starting at $2,400, the ultrawide is the world’s first 40-inch 5K monitor certified for five-star eye comfort, according to Dell. The company also introduced the UltraSharp 34 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor with 3440×1440 WQHD resolution. In addition to eye comfort, both models feature IPS Black technology and single-cable Thunderbolt 4 connectivity (albeit at different rates with the 40-inch topping out at 140W versus 90W for the junior sibling, at $1,020). Read more

CES: Alienware Intros Updated Laptops, Curved 4K Monitors

Dell’s Alienware has redesigned its gaming laptops with the debut of the m16 R2. It is also coming to market with Pro Line peripherals and two new QD-OLED curved gaming monitors, being showcased this week at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. The new m16 R2 laptop has a slimmed down look, with a reduced heat shelf and Stealth Mode that turns off the glitzy lighting and boisterous sound for gamers who want their portable hardware to perform double duty as a productivity device. The company also unveiled its first competitive gaming peripherals, the Alienware Pro wireless mouse and keyboard. Read more

CES: FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez on Spectrum Strategy

Telecommunications attorney and FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, in conversation with CTA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs David Grossman on the CES stage, talked about her decision to cast a vote to restart net neutrality rules. “I agree with a lot of what [FCC Commissioner Brendan] Carr said about it,” she explained, referring to his remarks deeming net neutrality not as relevant as it was in the early 2000s. “But broadband connectivity is central to everyone’s lives and it’s important to have guardrails to make sure that all consumers benefit from a competitive product.” Read more

CES: FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr Addresses Spectrum

The FCC’s Brendan Carr, the senior Republican Commissioner, in conversation with Consumer Technology Association Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs Rachel Nemeth, addressed the fact that the FCC’s spectrum auction authority has expired. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and her fellow Commissioners have called for its renewal. Nemeth asked Carr to comment on how the end of spectrum auctions would impact technologies such as voice recognition and IoT devices that are “on the cusp” of coming together to be “more seamless and practical for the consumer.” His answer was that spectrum is vital for connectivity and “our geopolitical leadership.” Read more

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