Google vs. Amazon, Facebook Watch and a blackout: What we learned from CES 2018

OTT gets the spotlight
TV networks touted their over-the-top streaming apps to marketers and tech companies. CBS gave a 20-minute presentation to marketers about its OTT products, which include CBS All Access and CBSN, along with forthcoming services for “Entertainment Tonight” and CBS Sports. Meanwhile, Turner — with two subscription services and plans to launch a sports streaming service in the spring — discussed its OTT ambitions with distribution partners. “OTT is now just another mainstream viewing option, together with cable and satellite, and it is increasingly the first option,” said Peter Csathy, founder of Creatv Media.

Facebook Watch doubts persist
Facebook attempted to demonstrate its commitment to Watch, bringing actress Kerry Washington — who is producing one of the first scripted Watch series — on stage with vp of product Fidji Simo. Despite the effort, media companies remain skeptical of the video initiative. “At some point, Facebook is going to give up on Watch,” said one attendee. “There’s no way that lasts.”

The CES Awards

The real CES impresarios: MediaLink, as usual

How soon until @CES is rebranded “Medialink Presents CES” — their presence is EVERYWHERE in Vegas — @MKassan @MediaLink

— Rich Greenfield (@RichBTIG) January 9, 2018

Best rumor: Turner originally booked the Aria hotel’s wedding chapel — where it hosted meetings and presentations this week — because CES was supposed to be the official coming-out party for a merged AT&T and Time Warner.

Most notably absent company: Snapchat

Best photo:

You know you’re at #CES2018 when pic.twitter.com/paMZAmjqpb

— Ben Winkler (@bwinkl3r) January 9, 2018

Best quote: “CES is good for business but bad for your soul.”

Find out who and what else we felt deserved honors in our complete list of winners.

The CES apocalypse in tweets
Problems befell this year’s expo weeks before it even started. Twitter broke down the unfortunate events:

It began with the announcement of the all-male keynote speakers.

All men should boycott @CES if women are not invited to speak! Insulting in this day and age. We must do better!! @leslieberland @BradJakeman @KLemkau @lindaboff

— Antonio J Lucio (@ajlucio5) December 3, 2017

Then, Las Vegas had its wettest January day on record.

Rain has shut down the Google booth at CES. #cespocalypse pic.twitter.com/xcqLMYjsyo

— Frederic Lardinois (@fredericl) January 9, 2018

The culmination: A Wednesday blackout in the convention center, which was attributed to the rain.

#BREAKING – #CESblackout happening now at Las Vegas Convention Center – Central Hall. Thousands in the dark, displays go black at #CES2018 @News3LV pic.twitter.com/slimE3ytjE

— Nathan O’Neal (@NateNews3LV) January 10, 2018

Commence cringeworthy real-time marketing.

#CESblackout pic.twitter.com/JsR9VEun63

— Oreo Cookie (@Oreo) January 10, 2018

We have confirmation that #CES2018 is indeed lit

— CES (@CES) January 10, 2018

In case anyone forgot …

This #CESblackout is (briefly) inconveniencing tech journalists and gadget connoisseurs who are letting everyone know about it. So, it’s probably worth a reminder that 1.5 million US citizens in Puerto Rico remain without power nearly 4 months after Hurricane Maria.

— Daniel Medina (@dmedin11) January 10, 2018

Interesting takes elsewhere

• The New York Times delves into how artificial intelligence powers many of the products showcased at CES this year.

• Slate explains why Apple, which eschews CES, might regret doing so this year.

• Bloomberg covers the increasing number of Chinese exhibitors at CES.
• The Daily Beast reports on the robot strippers at a CES-related party at Sapphire Las Vegas strip club.