It looks like Google will be sitting out CES 2022
Earlier this year when the coronavirus was still raging on, Google opted to skip out on CES 2021 for its in-person events. Unfortunately, it seems that the company will also be passing on CES 2022 which is scheduled for the early part of January 2022 as the company has cited health reasons for doing so.
In a statement made to TechCrunch, a Google spokesperson said:
“After careful consideration we have decided to withhold from having a presence on the show floor of CES 2022. We’ve been closely monitoring the development of the Omicron variant, and have decided that this is the best choice for the health and safety of our teams. We will continue to collaborate closely with both CTA and our partners to identify and support virtual opportunities, and we look forward to sharing the latest Google innovations with you all.”
This doesn’t mean that Google won’t have anything to share as part of the event, it’s just that it will be done virtually and not in-person. The organizers of CES are still planning to go ahead with the in-person event, so for those who do plan on attending the event, don’t expect to see Google there.
The organizers themselves have also issued a statement following Google’s decision to pull out:
“Over 2200 companies are confirmed to participate in person at CES 2022 in Las Vegas. Our focus remains on convening the tech industry and giving those who cannot attend in person the ability to experience the magic of CES digitally. CES 2022 will provide an opportunity for companies from around the world, both large and small, to launch products, build brands and form partnerships. Given CES’ comprehensive health measures — vaccination requirement, masking and availability of COVID-19 tests — coupled with lower attendance and social distancing measures, we are confident that attendees and exhibitors can have a socially distanced but worthwhile and productive event in Las Vegas, or while experiencing it online.”
Source: TechCrunch