Thousands try out new gadgets at CES in Las Vegas
Despite concerns over the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, which has seen companies such as Amazon.com Inc and General Motors Co withdraw from the event in person, members of the public were ready to explore and experience the displays.
"This is like a dream come true because I've always wanted to visit it. It's my first time and right now I'm just overwhelmed. It's awe-inspiring and I have no concerns about the COVID. I mean, I've been vaccinated, I got my mask and we take very good care, you know, washing hands and all that, so I have no concerns," added Vicki Lara, a 67-year-old from Las Vegas.
Over recent weeks, a host of firms including Advanced Micro Devices, Proctor & Gamble, Alphabet Inc's Google, Facebook parent Meta Platforms, dropped their in-person plans.
All attendees in Las Vegas are required to be fully vaccinated and masked. COVID-19 test kits will also be provided at the venue, according to Consumer Technology Association (CTA) which organizes the event.
