AFP, LAS VEGAS, NevadaConsumer technology spending is getting a boost from wearables, smart devices and streaming media services and should hit record levels in the US this year, organizers of a major tech gathering said on Sunday. Starting the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, organizers said they expect US$422 billion in sales of about 300 kinds of consumer tech products and services in the US market, a gain of 4 percent from last year. “More and more consumers are embracing the faster connectivity, advanced intelligence and seemingly infinite content that technology offers today — pushing consumer technology industry revenues toward another record-setting year in 2020,” CTA president and chief executive Gary Shapiro said. For streaming — including video, music and gaming — the group expects 11 percent growth in spending to US$81 billion. Smartphone sales are expected to break out of their torpor with a 2 percent increase in sales, helped by new 5G handsets.
