CES 2020 has ended and enthusiasts are already looking toward the 2021 show. If you missed this mind-blowing event at the beginning of January, we have the five innovative technologies you want to know more about. Sure, there were lots of new cars, appliances and computers to check out, but what about in-vehicle technology and boats? We’ve got you covered.

In this article, we will examine the top five technologies that got our blood pumping and are sure to excite you as well. Of course, most of the innovations aren’t available yet, and might never exist, but that doesn’t keep up from dreaming.

1. Speakerless Audio Systems

This might come as a shocker, but you won’t need speakers in the future to hear sound. Continental and the speaker experts from Sennheiser worked together to develop a system that emits sound from the car interior surfaces instead.

Continental’s Ac2uated Sound System utilizes special actuators that vibrate the interior car components. It will use the dashboard, door panels, headliner and A-pillars to produce high-quality sound. What users are left with is incredible surround-sound, like nothing that’s ever been heard before.

While the sound and innovative technology are unique in itself, there’s another perk involved. Cars reduce weight without all of the speaker equipment. Sadly, there are no plans for putting it into production yet. For now, the companies are waiting to find out if automakers are interested.

2. Amazon Alexa Integration

During CES 2020, Rivian and Lamborghini both announced the arrival of Amazon Alexa integration into its vehicles, but these aren’t the first automakers to jump on board. What makes these partnerships different is the way Amazon Alexa technology will be used.

Instead of just listening to your favorite music and staying on top of your to-do list, the new integration announced by Rivian and Lamborghini allows so much more. With both companies, users will be able to control vehicle functions with the help of Alexa.

So, if you are heading down the street in your high-end Lamborghini Huracan or your rugged Rivian R1T electric truck, you can have Alexa change the cabin temperature, get directions and play music. You can also use it to make calls and check on your smart home devices.

Of course, there’s no question that this Alexa connectivity is going to make its way to every automaker at some point. Consumers want the voice-recognition technology at home, work and on the road.

3. Byton In-Car Entertainment

If you haven’t heard of the Byton M-Byte yet, you are missing out. The electric SUV debuted during the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show and stunned visitors. To kick things up a notch, the Byton M-Byte was on display during CES 2020, but this time it showcased several entertainment options, including a gigantic 48-inch screen.

This equipment is far beyond your typical infotainment screen, showcasing what the future of automobiles will look like. Several companies, including Aiqudo, Accuweather and ViacomCBS will integrate with the Byton when the vehicle finally goes on sale in 2021.

With this setup, you will be able to watch your favorite TV shows. It’s an ideal thing to do while waiting for a charge, but might not be practical while on the open road. Hopefully, the company employs some precautions around the system to keep everyone safe.

4. Future Sea Ray Boat

Automobiles don’t get to have all of the fun. There was an exciting boat display thanks to Brunswick and Sea Ray. This top-end outboard boat offers a beautiful and highly functional package.

The Sea Ray SLX-R400e comes complete with a Fathom e-Power system created by Brunswick. This powertrain is electrified and features a lithium-ion battery pack. The storage capacity is high enough to power all of the accessory and entertainment features, while the main engine is gasoline. In fact, owners have access to three 450 horsepower V8 engines to drive the forty-foot boat.

Aside from the e-Power system, this boat also includes joystick piloting to provide precise control, which is perfect for anyone not used to piloting a boat. The futuristic cockpit also offers boat-wide support for AirPlay so you can connect your Apple device.

If you plan to have 21 people on board of this boat, you want lots of entertainment options, and this eco-friendly boat has you covered. Enjoy the Dual Digital Dash NSO evo3 16-inch displays, premier FUSION Apollo RA779 marine sound system with a touchscreen display and state-of-the-art technology from Simrad. It even comes complete with the Sea Ray Connect system, which handles remote monitoring.

The best part is, this boat isn’t in the concept phase. In fact, Sea Ray plans to produce it, with the first models arriving later in the year.

5. Sony Vision S

The last thing we expected out of Sony was a car. While we won’t see the Vision S anytime soon, it is beyond the concept stage. During CES 2020, Sony showcased a lot of the entertainment aspects, all of which are pretty ingenious.

To start, it was hard to miss the large set of rectangular displays that stretch across the dashboard, from pillar to pillar. The middle display and the passenger’s display are touchscreens. From here, all of the media controls can be accessed, including Sony-licensed music and movies. There’s even a tab to play games. There is also a trackpad on the center console to adjust climate settings.

With all of that front-seat technology, you would think that the rear-seat passengers would miss out, but that’s not the case. There are seatback touchscreens for every occupant. Plus, the entire vehicle is outfitted with high-end sound components, including speakers in every headrest. This allows passengers to watch different content at the same time.

Of course, the Sony Vision-S also comes complete with the latest safety innovations and various sensors. In fact, more than ten image sensors are embedded throughout the car, plus many radars, ultrasonics and LIDARs.

Best Part of CES 2020

There’s no question that CES 2020 was overflowing with innovative automotive and boating technology. While we picked our favorite five, the list of other technologies is endless. Did we miss something during CES 2020 that you wish we would have covered? Let us know in the comments.

While you are at, don't forget to check out our list of 2020's cool car accessories that can enhance your driving experience.