Current Events in January 2020

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of California at San Diego found that pelvic exams, which are often used to detect cervical cancer and other conditions, may not always be necessary, especially for young women. 

The study revealed that millions of young women are receiving these tests without real cause for concern, and the danger lies in the anxiety and stress that exams like these can yield. The researchers note that they can also be a factor in driving up insurance costs. 

“Recent media reports have called attention to inappropriate gynecological examinations in young women,” said Dr. George F. Sawaya. “Parents of adolescents and young women should be aware that cervical cancer screenings is not recommended routinely in this age group. Pelvic exams are not necessary prior to getting most contraceptives and are often not needed to screen for sexually transmissible infections.” 

When to test

The researchers conducted a population-based study that surveyed women between 2011 and 2017 to determine how often they were receiving pelvic exams. 

While the researchers explained that there are certainly reasons young people could need a pelvic exam -- including STD treatment, pregnancy, or to check an intrauterine device (IUD) -- women under the age of 21 aren’t recommended to receive such exams. 

Overall, the researchers found that women, regardless of their age, who went to their doctors with any of the above risk factors were more likely to receive pelvic exams than those without such concerns. 

Age often came into play, as the study revealed that over 1.5 million women were receiving pelvic exams as part of a typical doctor’s visit before reaching 21 years old. The researchers explained that exams in these cases are often medically unnecessary, as there is no risk present. 

Overall, the researchers hope that these findings open the dialogue for young women and their medical professionals, as doing so could help reduce how often these exams are administered with no solid medical risk. 

“This study suggests that healthcare providers and young women need to communicate clearly and often about the best time for these tests,” said researcher Jin Qin. “We want to ensure that guidelines are followed, and lives are saved.” 

Late last year, researchers from the British Heart Foundation highlighted the disparity between men’s and women’s healthcare, particularly when it comes to treatment following a heart attack. 

Now, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Bergen found that women aren’t receiving the proper treatment following heart failure. 

“Men and women have different biologies and this results in different types of the same heart diseases,” said researcher Eva Gerdts. “It is about time to recognize these differences.”

Risk factors

The researchers explained that women experience a number of different health factors that contribute to the risk of heart failure. The findings go beyond just heart attacks, which have a clearer treatment plan. Knowing these risk factors can be helpful for women, as it can help medical professionals determine the best course of treatment. 

The study revealed that sex hormones could play a role in heart failure, as estrogen levels before menopause could affect the heart’s ability to function properly. However, once menopause hits, high blood pressure becomes a cause for concern, which can also increase consumer’s likelihood of heart failure.  

Obesity was another factor that frequently came into play. The researchers explained that women were more likely than men to not only gain more weight over time, but to struggle with obesity. 

“If we see this from a lifespan perspective, we can see that obesity increases with age, and that this trend is greater for women than men,” said Gerdts. “Obesity increases the risk of having high blood pressure by a factor of three. This, in turn, increases the risk of heart disease.” 

These findings are consistent with those of more recent studies, which have found how eating patterns and obesity are risk factors that can negatively contribute to heart health. 

Moving forward, the researchers hope that more work can be done to highlight these differences between men and women, as doing so could ensure that patients with heart failure are receiving the best course of treatment. 

“Heart disease remains among the most common cause of death and reduced quality of life in women,” said Gerdts. “Medically speaking, we still do not know what the best treatment for heart attack or failure is in many women. It is an unacceptable situation.” 

Takata Corporation is recalling 10 million PSPI, PSPI-2, PSPI-6, PSPI-L, SPI, PSDI, PSDI-4, PSDI-5, and SDI non-desiccated, front airbag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls.

The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

What to do

Numerous vehicle recalls will be announced by the affected vehicle manufacturers to replace the interim replacement airbag inflators with alternates as a permanent remedy.

The recall began January 2, 2020.

Reichel Foods is recalling Pro2Snax to the Max Sliced Apples, Hard Boiled Egg, Mild Cheddar Cheese, Cashews & Dried Cranberries and Pro2Snax to the Max Sweet Gala Apples, Hard Boiled Egg, White Cheddar Cheese, Almonds & Dried Cranberries.

The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Reichel Foods says no illnesses have been reported.

The recalled products, with a “Best if Used By” date up to and including 01/26/20, were shipped to retailers nationwide.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products should discard or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Reichel Foods at (866) 372-2609, ext. 233.

Buckle up, roll down the window, stick your head out, and enjoy the tech wind because the future of travel is on its way.

At the Consumer Electronics Show’s (CES) session on Smart Tourism on Monday, travel experts made it abundantly clear that everyone -- airlines, hotels, online reservation services, and car rental companies -- are all on the same page to make three things happen for the consumer:

1. Make travel connected and seamless

2. Note the traveler’s experience in the moment and not as an afterthought

3. Keep up with the traveler electronically, but only for the purpose of serving them in the here and now, not to follow them, not to cross the lines of personal privacy, and not to capture their data to turn into a byproduct

Appearing on the panel were Jeff Kaelin, Vice President, Product Development, Avis Budget Group; Joe Leader, CEO of the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX); and Oliver Dlouhy, co-founder and CEO of Kiwi.com.

Making travel more enjoyable

Dlouhy was certainly preaching to the choir when he predicted that “people will be traveling as a lifestyle in the future,” and his peers sang in unison.

“I think you’re going to see a significant change in how people travel,” said Leader, predicting seamless connectedness between every partner a traveler might engage with from beginning to end. “It’ll be about the ‘totality’ of travel where you see your Skycap ready with your luggage, an Avis employee giving you a ride right up to the gate, etc. It’ll all be about one-to-one.”

Yes, that’s a tall order, but Leader says provider-to-provider handoff is the goal, and no longer will a traveler be stuck with umpteen apps to cobble their next travel steps together. 

In fact, some of the dots in the travel landscape are already being connected in ways most consumers aren’t even aware of. One instance would be the moment a traveler goes through security at an airport. In less than two seconds, technology enables the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) to scan a person’s name across biometrics, an airline’s reservation system, and other interrelated data sources to ensure that they are who they say they are and have the all-clear to board the aircraft.

Being in the moment

There was no mention of zen, but one of the more interesting takeaways was how travel companies can take notice of situations in the here and now and not have to ask forgiveness when a disgruntled traveler gets home and sends a poison-pen letter to, say, the CEO of the airline it was flying.

Leader said that flight attendants are already making notes on those e-pads they carry up and down the aisle, but the future rests not in just making a note, but in making something good happen to that lady in 21-D who grimaced about only getting another bag of stale pretzels. Leader also predicts that things like hydration and deep vein thrombosis sensors will become part of the airline industry’s growing awareness of a passenger’s well-being.

As an example of a company where the fruits of connectedness are starting to pay off, Leader pointed to Marriott. Unbeknownst to most, the hotel chain has been working on electronically-= delivered customization requests for 19 years. And, now, the company’s efforts are paying off, with 54 percent of its one-button mobile app’s users making customization requests during their stay. 

That, in turn, gives the hotel the capability of monitoring and correcting things like the progress of room service while it’s going on and not after the fact  -- things that can make all the difference to a traveler who’s spending $100+ to stay the night at one of the chain’s properties. 

The little bumps in the road

What should consumers expect in regards to connected cars? Avis’ Kaelin anticipates a future where rental cars will transmit their own version of in-the-moment updates.

Avis already seems to be well on their way to that goal. Kaelin says the company already has 200,000 connected cars in its fleet and is working on more than just the in-car experience. If and when total, seamless connectedness becomes a reality, rental car companies like Avis will be able to be alerted to things like when the steering wheel pushes a car back in the lane, the air conditioning is wigging out, or that a renter is running late returning the vehicle and up against a clock in getting to their flight on time. 

Knowing things like that can help a company be more responsive and offer more personal assistance so a traveler isn’t stuck in the middle of nowhere without a clue or a driver who’s running behind can make their airplane connection safely and on-time.

Hands off your data

With GDPR, big tech’s privacy pratfalls, and the new California Consumer Privacy Act, companies know they better be on their best behavior -- and that’s especially true for those in the tourism business.

“I think the important thing is (that) with access to this data, we (have to) take customers privacy very seriously and our stance has been about transparency,” Leader said. 

His word to the wise for any travel company dealing with customer data is to, “tell (the customer) explicitly what you will do with it, look for ways to enhance their experience,” and, by all means, let the end user decide at what level they want their data used, if at all.

Cars began to be a bigger part of the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) when automakers began adding advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity and enhanced infotainment systems. 

That trend is picking up momentum in 2020.

While it’s true that drivers are required to keep their eyes on the road, automakers are increasingly providing more entertainment options for passengers. Cinemo, a company specializing in automotive connectivity, will feature its Cinemo Web Browser Pro at CES this week, enabling video-on-demand streaming capability in cars.

“We believe assimilating VOD content in the car in a systematic and secure way is fundamental to passenger comfort, said Richard Lesser, CEO of Cinemo, ahead of the opening of CES.

The company says the browser includes Digital Right Management (DRM) support and will enable high-quality video playback directly through the web browser.

‘Smart device on wheels’

Cinemo isn’t the only company using the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to showcase television on four wheels. BYTON, an electric vehicle manufacturer, is partnering with ACCESS Europe GmbH and Viacom/CBS to produce an automotive video entertainment system.

"When BYTON committed to creating the first smart device on wheels, this is exactly the kind of engagement we had in mind," said BYTON CEO Daniel Kirchert. "The BYTON M-Byte with its unique user experience will offer developers the opportunity to present in-car interactions in a way that is more engaging than ever before."

The Viacom/CBS and ACCESS partnership goes back to last year when they announced plans to make the media company’s video content available to vehicle passengers through the ACCESS Twine for Car system. The partners will now supply Viacom/CBS content to BYTON's 48-inch screen display. 

The system will be on display at CES and Dr. Neale Foster, CEO of ACCESS Europe GmbH, and exhibit visitors will be able to see how the video system works. 

IKEA has agreed to pay $46 million to the family of a young boy who died after being crushed by one of the company’s dressers back in 2017. 

A lawsuit filed by the family had claimed that IKEA was responsible for the death because it did not do enough to prevent accidents and injuries related to its three-drawer Malm dressers. The company had recalled the products in 2016, but deaths connected to the products continued to pile up in the years that followed. 

“While no settlement can alter the tragic events that brought us here, for the sake of the family and all involved, we’re grateful that this litigation has reached a resolution,” an IKEA spokesperson said in a statement. “Product safety is a top priority for Ikea and at the core of the design process every day. Again, we offer our deepest condolences to the family.”

Tip-over accidents and deaths

The $46 million payment isn’t the only settlement that IKEA has paid in relation to tip-over deaths. At the end of 2016, the company paid three other families a total of $50 million after three separate accidents took the lives of three children.

“Ikea sold millions of unstable dressers with a tip-over hazard that led to the deaths of at least six toddlers and continues to place countless children at risk. It resisted a recall for too long,” three advocacy groups said in a joint statement at the time.

Studies have proven that Fine Arts majors have the worst job prospects in the U.S., and what the country really needs is more smart young people trained in the ever-more-complex technical fields. Educators have responded by emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in elementary and high school curricula, but the U.S. still ranks woefully behind the rest of the world in producing tomorrow’s STEM’ers.

As luck would have it, amid the show’s sea of robotics, artificial intelligence, and mobile devices at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), ConsumerAffairs stumbled upon a new product that could be right up the alley for America’s youth who show promise in becoming a future engineer or electronics developer.

Teach a kid how to code…

“Teach a kid how to code and they’ll have a job for the rest of their life” is not a formal axiom, but it probably should be with the way the world is going.

Enter Matatalab, a start-up company based in Shenzhen, China, created by four robot developers who wanted to find a way to marry their passion with something that could make their kindergarten-aged kids’ future-ready. 

Joining forces with educators and putting in the years of grunt work it takes to launch a company, they came up with a coding robot kit designed for children ages 4-9 (and, yes, you read that right -- as young as four).

“Encourage creative expression, Enhance coding adventure”

A child who builds things out of Legos would probably have a field day with Matatalab’s kit. The kit is tactile, colorful, and modular, but Matatalab takes things a step further in enhancing a child’s awareness of what takes place when variables -- conditionals, imagination, and cause and effect -- are applied. 

Matatalab allows users to build a “playground” with their own rules and challenges. They can then place their robot anywhere on the playground, pick out blocks on the coding module, hit “play,” see what happens, make all the additions or changes they want, and have another go at it.

Did someone say screenless?

For parents who are frustrated with trying to pull their child away from the rabbit holes of our screened device world, this might be just the ticket. Matatalab’s coding kit is completely screenless, but it’s gamified enough to provide some app-like play and pocket-sized so it can go anywhere the family goes.

One other thing ConsumerAffairs found impressive is that the coding kit has expansion packs for budding artists, animators, and musicians who add even more tech angles to their skillset. There’s also a sensor-based expansion set that allows kids to program the MatataBot to detect and react to obstacles.

Matatalab’s set is just now starting to gain some traction in the U.S. through a Kickstarter initiative and availability through Amazon. The price for the basic kit is $299 U.S. and $199 for each of the expansion modules. 

A company spokesperson at China’s Tech First Look exposition at CES told ConsumerAffairs that the rest of the world has already taken notice. They said a fourth of the 4,000 kits the company has sold are in the hands of young children living in Russia. 

Ring, the Amazon-owned company that provides home security services, is updating its privacy features in the wake of a recent data breach. The changes were unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The company has added a new feature that lets Ring users manage their connected devices. The company says it’s just the start because other privacy modifications will be made in the near future.

More than 3,000 owners of Ring devices had their log-in information, names, emails, passwords, time zones, and camera locations exposed in a data breach last month. Hackers who gained access to the information could potentially use it to take over the devices and view video history. 

In an email to customers, the company explained that the information was most likely leaked because of credentials that were stolen in separate data breaches.

“Due to the fact that many people use username and password for many different accounts, bad actors often re-use credentials stolen or leaked from one service on other services,” the company said in a statement after the breach. “We believe that somebody may have used this method to attempt to gain access to your Ring account and we are committed to making sure that you and those you designate are the only people with access to your account.” 

IoT vulnerability

The breach was a reminder to consumers that smart devices -- part of the Internet of Things (IoT) -- can be vulnerable to hacking in the same that computers are if they don’t have proper security.

Ring says new privacy and security settings have been developed and will be added to users’ dashboards in the weeks ahead. The new security features should be available for both iOS and Android users by the end of the month.

The new security features will also inform users if the company is working with the local police department and if the authorities have the right to request video footage. Ring reportedly has relationships with over 600 police departments in the U.S.

Smart light bulbs

The company has also rolled out another security product -- smart lighting. It’s offering two models of its Ring Smart LED Lightbulbs that work in the lamps and fixtures that you already have. 

The A19 Smart LED Bulb is for indoor use and for covered areas outdoors, while the PAR38 Smart LED Bulb is designed for recessed lighting both indoors and outdoors. Both bulbs can be controlled from the Ring app with the Ring Bridge. Lights can be turned on and off manually or on programmed schedules.

A new study conducted by researchers from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center suggests that a new way of evaluating donor hearts for transplant could help more young people in need of the procedure. 

According to the researchers, more children could receive successful heart transplants if medical professionals reassess their criteria for what is considered a high-risk heart and what is considered a low-risk heart. 

“Our study demonstrates that traditionally perceived high-risk donors may have been associated with [the] worst post-transplant survival because of the recipients they were transplanted into and not because of the donor hearts,” said researcher Dr. David Morales. “While it’s important to carefully consider donor hearts for transplantation, transplant programs should consider accepting hearts from certain donors traditionally considered poor quality.” 

Reassessing donors

The researchers looked at nearly a decade’s worth of donor data from the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS). 

The goal of this research was to determine if donors who were traditionally considered high-risk proved to be as safe and viable as donors who were thought to be low-risk candidates. For the purposes of this study, donors were considered high risk if they died because of a stroke, were deemed too old, or needed resuscitation. 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that the preconceived notions many medical professionals hold about transplants could actually be preventing many young people from ever receiving new organs, as those who were considered high-risk yielded similar success rates post-transplant as those who were low-risk donors. 

Developing comprehensive standards

As it stands right now, there is no system in place to assess whether patients would make good candidates for transplants, as height and weight are the primary measures utilized to create matches for transplants. 

“In other words, hospitals accept organs and list patients for transplant under different criteria, often not based on the latest clinical data nor nationally accepted clinical standards but on a program’s or provider’s past experiences,” Dr. Morales said. 

The researchers are calling on medical professionals to better utilize the technology that is currently available to them in the transplant process, as doing so can create more matches and ultimately save more lives. 

“If novel virtual transplantation techniques are used, the number of acceptable donor hearts for each patient will increase because ranges will be individualized to that specific patient’s heart size and not by a less precise estimation, such as age or weight,” said Dr. Ryan Moore. 

Consumers often post reviews of companies and services on sites like ConsumerAffairs because they want other people to know what to expect when doing business with the same entities. While some of those reviews can detail negative experiences, posters shouldn’t have to worry about the company retaliating for the negative press. 

Unfortunately, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that’s exactly what happened to consumers who posted reviews of a mortgage broker based in California. The company has agreed to pay a $120,000 settlement for revealing personal and financial information about people who posted negative reviews about it on Yelp. 

Mortgage Solutions FCS, Inc. (d.b.a. Mount Diablo Lending) was accused of replying to these negative reviews online by posting a slew of sensitive details. This included first and last names, credit histories, debt-to-income ratios, sources of income, and information on health, taxes, family relationships, and other personal information. 

In one example, the FTC says that the company’s owner, Ramon Walker, harassed a poster about their late payments. 

“Your credit report shows 4 late payments from the Capital One account, 1 late from Comenity Bank which is Pier 1, another late from Credit First Bank, 3 late payments from an account named SanMateo. Not to mention the mortgage lates. All of these late payments are having an enormous negative impact on your credit score,” Walker wrote. 

Confidential information

FTC director Andrew Smith said that Walker’s actions were completely out of line, especially considering his role as a mortgage broker. 

“Companies that use credit reports and scores have a legal obligation to keep that information confidential. They should not disclose that information to third parties without a legitimate reason to do so, and they certainly should not post that information on the Internet to embarrass or punish consumers, as happened here,” he said.

Walker and Mount Diablo were charged with violations of the FTC Act and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. In addition to paying $120,000, the company will have to implement a new, comprehensive data security program to protect its customers’ information. It is also required to designate an official who oversees the program and certifies compliance with the FTC’s order every year.

Volvo Car of USA is recalling 144,937 model year 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles.

A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

A door that is not latched securely could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to an occupant.

What to do

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches free of charge.

The recall was expected to begin January 4, 2020.

Owners may contact Volvo customer service at (800) 458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.

St. Louis-based Dierbergs Markets is recalling various products containing hardboiled egg in all 25 of its retail stores.

The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

No illnesses linked to Dierberg products have been reported to date.

The following products, shipped to all Dierbergs Markets retail locations in eastern and central Missouri and western Illinois, are being recalled:

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products may return them unopened to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Dierbergs Markets at (636) 532-8884 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm (CDT).

Michelin North America is recalling 32 CrossClimate+ tires in size 225/60R16 103V XL with DOT date code 4618.

The tires are not marked with the required UTQG treadwear, traction or temperature gradings.

In addition, on the designated outboard sidewall and on the inboard sidewall, the “DOT” certification symbol, which precedes the Tire Identification Number (TIN) has not been molded into the sidewall.

Without the proper markings, the tires may not be used in the appropriate driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Michelin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2020.

Owners may contact Michelin customer service at (866) 324-2835.

If someone walks like an employee and talks like an employee, then aren’t they an employee? California says yes.

A new law in California (Assembly Bill 5 [AB 5]), which makes it more difficult for companies to hire workers as contractors, is getting pushback from gig economy businesses like food courier service Postmates and rideshare operators Uber and Lyft. These companies want things to stay as they were before 2020 rolled in, primarily for the cost savings on things like health insurance, which contractors weren’t entitled to.

Food couriers and ride share companies aren’t the only ones raising a ruckus. In November 2019, the California Trucking Association went to bat for some 70,000 truck drivers in the state, filing a suit that challenged the law. A federal judge recently agreed that the law doesn't apply when it comes to independent truck drivers. 

Other independent contractor types are also exempt from AB 5 -- medical and dental doctors, insurance agents, accountants, and others who generally work directly with customers and set their own prices. 

Winners and losers

When AB 5 was being debated on the California Assembly floor, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez said in no uncertain words that gig companies are reaping the benefits of contract labor and the laborers are getting zilch.

"The same week that workers had to go on strike because their per mileage fee was being cut, an investor was celebrating his $30,000 investment that became $120 million in one day," she said, pointing to the fact that it was the investors, not the drivers, who profited when Lyft went public. 

"Something is wrong with the way that we have allowed these companies to operate. It's time to level the playing field. It's time to be honest with workers. It's time to be honest with companies.” 

A larger section of people who live and die by the gig economy are parents who need the extra income to support their families.  

"With this job, I have the freedom to work when I have time," Alfonso Martinez, who drives for Uber in the Sacramento area, told NPR. In Martinez’ situation, his Uber gig gives him a chance to provide for his school-aged children who have special needs.

Fight to the finish?

With California taking the lead on this issue -- as it does with many other things regarding consumer privacy -- other states and municipalities are likely to take notice. However, it could take some time to find a resolution that makes both companies and contractors feel like they’re getting a win-win.

Uber operates in 600 cities and has nearly 4 million drivers; having to cough up money to pay for the kinds of benefits a normal employee would make would turn their revenue stream from black to red in a heartbeat. So, what does a company in Uber’s situation do vis-a-vis a law like AB 5? It files a lawsuit. Uber and Postmates both filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging AB 5.

The assertion of equal protection violation comes from the large number of occupations exempted from AB 5. The “laundry list of exemptions,” is proof of its “irrationality,” the companies have argued.

The future will be on display in Las Vegas this week as more than 4,500 exhibitors gather for the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). 

Exhibits this year will range from the latest developments in 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart cities, sports, and robotics. In the early years of the show, it was the launching platform for futuristic products like the video cassette recorder (VCR) and solar-powered calculators.

At last year’s show, Impossible Foods introduced the Impossible Burger 2.0. It reported an upsurge of business after the event, including a successful test and the rollout of a meatless Whopper for Burger King.

In recent years automotive technology has taken center stage. Three years ago, carmakers all rolled out their latest efforts in self-driving technology -- a movement that appeared to stall in 2019. 

This year, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) plans to use CES as a staging ground to show off design as well as technology. It’s reintroducing its airflow concept, employing aerodynamic design to improve the user experiences. It’s also unveiling its latest technologies dealing with electrification, Uconnect user experience (UX), and connectivity in a visual and physical array.

“Ever since the first car radio appeared nearly 100 years ago, automotive innovators have worked to contribute more technology to the space,” FCA said in a press release ahead of the show. 

Emerging car technologies

In fact, electronics manufacturer RCA, which made many of those early car radios, is celebrating its 100th anniversary at CES with a birthday bash on Wednesday afternoon.

Carmakers, in general, have signaled that attendees can expect to see the latest in electric vehicles, connectivity, and autonomous vehicles during the week. Also, electronics companies like Wind River -- which produces intelligent systems powering autonomous cars, as well as avionics, industrial, medical, and telecommunications technologies -- will demonstrate what’s new.

“5G connectivity will have a transformative impact across industries,” said Michel Genard, vice president of Product at Wind River. “The stakes are especially high in areas such as autonomous vehicles, unmanned aircraft and drones, and medical systems, and these use cases drive highly intensive requirements.” 

Robot butler

Robotics may be an overriding theme of this year’s CES, as a number of developers have offered sneak peeks at their latest developments. UBTECH says it will display the latest version of “Walker,” its humanoid robot butler who made his debut at last year’s show.

In addition to products, CES will feature 300 conference sessions with 1,100 speakers and more than 1,200 startups from more than 45 countries. Keynote speakers will include Ivanka Trump and Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian.

CES runs Tuesday through Friday of this week. ConsumerAffairs will be on the scene all week to provide daily coverage.

Since the New Year’s Eve announcement that the U.S. and China would sign the Phase One trade deal, specifics have been few and far between.

In a Twitter post, President Trump said the signing would take place on January 15, but there was little in the way of confirmation from China. It wasn’t even clear what the agreement calls for.

There is still no official word from the Chinese government, but the South China Morning Post quotes a source who says the Chinese delegation will arrive in the U.S. capital January 13, two days ahead of the announced signing ceremony.

The newspaper report says China had planned to send its delegation earlier but was caught off guard when Trump announced the January 15 date in a tweet, suggesting a less than clear line of communication between negotiators for the two warring trading partners. According to the source, China decided to delay the departure to fit Trump’s announced date.

No official confirmation

Adding a bit more confusion to the event, neither the U.S. nor China has officially confirmed that Vice Premier Liu He and the delegates are coming. At this point, it’s even less clear what the two countries will agree to. 

Specifics have been hard to come by, and neither the U.S. nor China has released a text. While the agreement has been presented as a first step toward resolving larger issues, it reportedly does contain language dealing with U.S. intellectual property rights.

It was initially reported that China would nearly double its imports from the U.S., but China has been largely silent about what and how much it would purchase. U.S. farmers, hard hit by Chinese tariffs, have expressed hope that’s true but caution that it may take months to restore exports to previous levels. 

As part of the deal, Trump canceled the latest round of tariffs on Chinese goods, which were scheduled to take effect within days. Under the agreement, China would still pay tariffs, just not as much. 

The U.S. will continue to levy a 25 percent tariff on $250 billion in Chinese imports, but U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the 15 percent tariff on $120 billion in Chinese products would be cut in half.

The Phase One deal has always been presented as a first step toward resolving the ongoing trade tensions, with the harder issues to be addressed in a Phase Two agreement at some point in the future.