Another year of CES has come and gone and our predictions turned out to be correct: lots of AI, lots of home automation, and several big-screen TVs, with a few real surprises.

CES used to be the place where shoppers from retail stores and electronics chains went to make deals, decide what to sell for the next 12 months, and enjoy Las Vegas at their own expense. It’s still that way these days, but it’s a big press event where you watch brands try to guess which bandwagon will carry them to “shareholder value” this year. It’s been a bust in recent years, but in 2024 it’s back with some clear trends and a few flashy gadgets. And a transparent TV.

“My favorite thing this year is the advancements in home automation. There was this smart home security system that really caught my attention. It seamlessly integrated AI to analyze behavioral patterns, improving security while also ensuring privacy. This kind of innovation isn’t just about convenience; it’s about bringing a new level of intelligence and adaptability to home security,” Eugene Klimaszewski, president of security installation company Mammoth Security, told Lifewire via email.

If you’ve ever been to CES, you know that some things are unavoidable. You’ll be amazed at how good Vegas is at buffets; you’ll marvel at the incredible casino carpets that will make you fall asleep with just one look; and you’ll see some kind of novelty television. For years, we’ve been subjected to (literally) nauseating 3D televisions, and every year there’s a giant 100+ inch monster with a six-figure price tag. This year, LG’s breakthrough came with its transparent OLED TV. Yes, you can see through it to the wall or window behind it.