Several development trends in the world of virtual reality (VR) and display terminals were observed at CES 2022.

China-based TV brands have invested heavily in the development of miniLED backlight TV products this year, prompted by the strength of South Korea-based manufacturers. This is expected to help accelerate business for LED-related supply chain companies.

The VR market is showing continued diversification and cross-product-line business. Companies such as HTC and TCL are expected to make headway in new services in 2022. Ongoing development of the metaverse is also expected to contribute positively to both companies.

Even though CES 2022 was shortened by one day due to the COVID-19 pandemic, new products and service launches were not affected. Major South Korean manufacturers Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics launched new products for smart home appliances, smart homes, and display terminals.

In response to ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards, Samsung is strengthening its sustainable green energy efforts this year. The company will continue its packaging recycling and will launch solar-powered remote controls. Samsung announced that in 2022 it will continue to increase its e-waste recycling volume, and reduce the standby power of all TVs and mobile phone chargers to nearly zero by 2025.

To address gaming and large-sized screen demands, Samsung will launch its first microprojector products this year. It will also strengthen support of display terminal products on its Gaming Hub platform.

The TV product competition continues between Samsung and LG. The companies are using their own technologies for AI, processor performance, and panel products to highlight product quality and differentiation. Competition for OLED, microLED, and miniLED display technologies has also intensified.

Some analysts outside of the industry believe that the increased OLED production capacities of Samsung and China-based panel manufacturers could marginalize the move toward miniLED. However, industry players believe if China-based terminal brands can quickly expand miniLED TV sales volume and the price difference with OLED TVs, miniLED could still be profitable for a period in the short term. Related supply-chain companies would also benefit.

At this year's CES show, many China-based brands launched new miniLED TV products. TCL showcased its new third-generation miniLED 85-inch 8K TV. Hisense launched a series of ULED 8K miniLED TVs and also showcased a new 8K laser display technology solution.

On the VR front, in addition to improvements to the weight and comfort of wearables, resolution and refresh rates have also been improved. CES was full of new VR product launches, including HTC's integrated 5G private network and edge computing wireless VR solutions. HTC also launched its first inside-out tracker for Vive Focus 3 and new medical and health content for Vive Flow devices.

TCL launched new wearable eyeglasses that allow users to view video content on a nearly 140-inch screen.

In response to the trend of integrating metaverse, 5G, and information communications, companies continue to diversify their services. For example, TCL invested in tablet market development, HTC crossed into 5G private network integration solutions, and HTC's Vive Arts launched an NFT trading platform.

As the industry diversifies, companies are not just competing in terms of the pros and cons of isolated products. New products are emerging in a highly connected ecosystem. The company that can implement a high-threshold business model suitable to this new ecosystem could become the next big winner in the market.

By DIGITIMES