CES 2017 is set to kick off in Las Vegas on January 3rd with some of the biggest names in electronics hitting the showroom floor. We’ll have coverage on all of the best gadgets and gear at Electronicsforward.
CES 2017 is set to kick off in Las Vegas on January 3rd with some of the biggest names in electronics hitting the showroom floor. We’ll have coverage on all of the best gadgets and gear at Electronicsforward.
It’s been a huge week at CES 2017 in Las Vegas with a number of new products across nearly every category. For Electronicsforward, that includes a bevvy of new TVs, smart home gear, headphones and much more. We’ve combed through all of this week’s releases to put together a list of the best of the best.
Head below for our favorite TVs, storage, cordcutting gear and more from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas…
Kodak first announced its 360-degree PIXPRO action camera over two years ago. While it was generally well-received, the single lens design made for less than optimal footage. Fast forward to CES 2017, and we’re getting an in-depth look at the brand’s upcoming dual lens Orbit 360 4K VR. As the name suggests, the latest version ups the resolution and adds virtual reality capabilities. Two 20 megapixel sensors should work together for a substantial increase in image quality.
The new Orbit will have Wi-Fi connectivity and offers many of the same functions that make top-end action cameras like GoPro popular. With the growth YouTube is seeing in VR footage and affordable headsets littering the market, this new Kodak camera might be coming along at just the right time. The Orbit 360 4K VR is set to retail for $499 when it hits online shelves later this month.
Whirlpool is showing off its transfer-free home laundry system with the new Smart All-in-One Care Washer and Dryer Combo at CES. While not the first of its kind, it offers a suite of interesting smart features with the connected Whirlpool iOS/Android apps and Amazon Dash.
Anova has established itself as the leader in the sous vide category for consumers with its smartphone-connected line of cookers. At CES, the manufacturer has announced three revamped models alongside fresh details on its new countertop oven. The entry-level model drops to $99, making this Anova’s most affordable entry-point into the world of sous vide. It will offer Bluetooth controls and the same smart functionality as previous generation models. A base $199 Wi-Fi version will remain with the top-of-the-line $299 ‘Pro’ rounding out its offerings with a new touchscreen display (price subject to change). Learn more about sous vide cooking in our Kitchen Tech series.
This news also brings more information on the Anova Precision Oven with its searing, baking and steaming functions. Slated to arrive late this year, it will be able to communicate with the brand’s other sous video cookers while in-use. Anova envisions its entire lineup working together to prepare better meals. For instance, you might sear your steak in the oven after it has worked through a sous vide bath. A touchscreen panel allows chefs to set the desired internal temperature of the meat, as opposed to the oven itself. Anova promises that this will result in better tasting food that is precisely cooked. Final pricing has yet to be announced.
Our CES 2017 Guide has all of this week’s best announcements, swing by for more.
After the success of Alexa, as well as Siri and Google Assistant (to perhaps a lesser extent), Mattel is looking to cash in on the voice assistant market with a new product designed for kids. The happy-go-lucky Aristotle by Nabi has a number of interesting features designed for younger users including a “natural language processing” software that specifically studies your child’s speaking habits. Alongside the voice assistant component is a camera that allows parents to monitor happenings in the room. Aristotle is designed to grow alongside your kid. Initially it will offer bedtime stories and other basic games. Over time, it will expand with homework help and additional features like internet search.
The software is backed by Microsoft’s Cortana voice assistant, so it has plenty of phrases loaded up and ready to use. It’s name is somewhat curious, as it will require the child to say ‘Aristotle’ to activate the voice assistant. Question marks aside, it’s no surprise that an established player like Mattel is expanding into this market. AI has proven to be a popular tool for adults and it’s only natural that this tech would trickle down to younger ages, too. Aristotle is expected to hit store shelves in June with the speaker and camera kit retailing for $300.
Our CES 2017 Guide is the place to be for all of this week’s announcements, swing by for more.
The OjO Commuter Scooter made its debut at CES 2017 this week with an impressive zero emissions build and 300 pound weight capacity. This is just the latest commuter-friendly ride to arrive on the scene over the last year, following Segway’s minPRO electric transporter and others. OjO blends the familiarity of a two-wheel scooter with a 25-mile range battery that can hit speeds up to 20 miles per hour. The aluminum chassis is reinforced to carry loads up to 300-pounds, which is particularly notable for a commuter-focused ride like this.
A 500W HyperGear motor and gear system is designed for maximum torque that can handle hills “up to 15%+ grades.” This should be especially helpful in traffic-heavy cities where two-wheel transportation is making a serious play amongst younger working class citizens. Between the handles is a non-glare touchscreen display that offers a number of gauges, including speed, distance traveled, lighting controls and more.
OjO has outfitted its commuter scooter with a motion activated alarm system and wireless key fob for extra security. Additionally, it has dual Bluetooth speakers so riders can enjoy their tunes while riding. OjO is releasing its Commuter Scooter in seven colors on Amazon for $1,999.99.
Our CES 2017 Guide is the place to be for all of this week’s announcements, swing by for more.
Dell is unveiling the Canvas workstation at CES 2017 alongside a slew of new PCs and a massive 8K display. The digital drafting table-like display was developed with Microsoft and is powered by a long list of Windows 10 devices. The 27-inch QHD touch-screen carries a 2560 x 1440 resolution and is aimed at designers and stylus wielding designers/artist.
We have already seen our fair share of robotic companions at CES 2017 this year including Kuri and LG’s new helper bots to escort you through the airport. And now we are getting a host of new models from the makers of the Alpha Series bots headlined by the new Lynx humanoid:
Bang & Olufsen’s B&O Play brand is designed with affordability in mind, but its latest release seems to buck that trend. The new Beoplay M5 wireless speaker was just uncovered at CES 2017 with a myriad of connectivity options including AirPlay, Chromecast, Bluetooth and Spotify connect. Additionally, it plays well with Bang & Olufsen’s existing Beolink Multiroom system. But at $599, it’s bound to be a tough buy for most consumers.
The M5 is a 360-degree speaker, so it will offer coverage in all directions when placed centrally in a space. It’s rather small at just 7.5-inches tall but B&O promises massive sound from this tiny cylinder. If anything is going to keep shoppers away, it’s the price. At $100 more than the SONOS PLAY:5, we can’t imagine many reaching for the M5 first. What it does have as an advantage is the ability to play from just about any modern device without any extra software. If you’re someone that appreciates Bang & Olufsen style, then perhaps you can swallow the larger price tag. The M5 is available for ordering today from online retailers like Amazon.
Catch up on all the latest news and releases from CES 2017 here.
Gaming hardware company Razor is revealing the new 17-inch Razer Blade Pro portable gaming system at CES 2017. It is essentially “the world’s first portable laptop with three built-in monitors”. A proprietary “deployment mechanism” designed in-house allows the two additional side screens to slide out from the main display. The three 17.3-inch 4K IGZO displays are housed in a unibody CNC aluminum chassis that weighs in at about 12 pounds and is just 1.5-inches thick.
All of those customized and even synced to game-events color effects you see in the images are powered by Razer Chroma. The keyboard, monitors and trackpad can be lit up with a dazzling array of lighting effects as per the user’s settings. The system is powered by a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 which is more than enough power for VR applications like HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, according to Razor.
Polaroid is marking CES 2017 as the reveal for its new Pop Instant Camera that’s a modern take on the company’s popular releases from the 70’s and 80’s. The square camera has a four-inch touchscreen display that is backed by a 20MP sensor. It will also record full 1080p video but that’s obviously not its main feature.
There is room for a microSD card up to 128GB in size but we reckon most will be printing with the built-in Zero Ink system. Users will be able to pump out 3.5-by-4.25-inch still images. Thankfully, Polaroid has advanced past the old shake to activate days. Now the image simply comes out looking just like a regular photo. We’ve yet to see final pricing on this model but we can guess that it will ship in the $100-$150 range given the company’s releases the last few years.
Our CES 2017 Guide is the place to be for all of this week’s announcements, swing by for more.
Misfit has worked hard to standalone amongst the crowded world of fitness trackers with unique and screenless designs. Today, they are diverting from past trends and releasing a new model that is built around a large touch-enabled display. The new Misfit Vapor was announced at CES 2017 with an attractive stainless steel casing and a swimproof design to 50 meters. Much like Apple Watch, users will be able to swap out bands as needed for different situations. Vapor is driven by a 1.39-inch OLED screen that is backed by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor.
Of course, it will feature all of the popular fitness tracking sensors including heart-rate monitoring, an accelerometer, GPS and more. There is 4GB of internal storage that can handle offline music and apps (more on this at a later date). A built-in Bluetooth radio offers audio playback with compatible wireless headphones. Best of all, users can expect a full two-days of battery life on a full charge. The Misfit Vapor is slated to ship in black and rose gold with a $199 price tag. It is expected to be available for pre-order shortly with an anticipated summer ship date.
Catch up on all the latest news and releases from CES 2017 here.
With the arrival of iPhone 7 (and its lack of a 3.5mm jack) we’re seeing more manufacturers dive into the world of wireless headphones. The latest of which is popular microphone-maker Blue. You might recall, the brand first dipped its toes into the headphone market with its Mo-Fi cans over two years ago. Blue is using CES 2017 to share details on its new Satellite wireless cans that feature a funky and retro design. It’s choosing to stick with the built-in amplifier found on its previous releases, hoping to guarantee top-grade audio even in a wireless build.
Blue is using a unique dual-driver design that handle separate responsibilities. One takes care of the audio while the other drivers the active noise cancellation system. The analog amplifier works in tandem with this system to support Bluetooth 4.1 and Apt-X, but users will also receive a 3.5mm cable if that is desirable. There are controls on the outside for Bluetooth pairing, amp, volume and more. Final pricing and release details have yet to be announced, but we’re expecting to see Blue’s latest release by the end of the year.
Our CES 2017 Guide is the place to be for all of this week’s announcements, swing by for more.
Sony took to the stage at CES 2017 last night to unveil its first entry into the competitive OLED TV market. Up until this week, LG has largely been the only company to ship this technology in its displays. There are two new 4K HDR sets coming down the line that Sony promises will deliver “wider brightness range, higher contrast and spectacular picture quality.” Its X1 Extreme processor powers this new line alongside a proprietary software algorithm.
Initially, Sony will release the A1E series in 55, 65, and 77-inch sizes with support for Dolby HDR in its slimmest panel yet. Another notable feature is Sony’s new Acoustic Surface sound technology that puts the speaker system directly into the display. Only time will tell if it is able to recreate worthwhile audio, but it certainly is helpful in creating an incredibly thin design. Sony is continuing to lean on the Android TV platform for its built-in streaming services and content management. Final pricing and availability has yet to be announced.
It’s been a big week so far at CES 2017, swing by our guide for all of the latest news including new TV releases from Samsung, LG and others.
As usual, we have seen some amazing displays this year at CES, but the new LG Signature 4K OLED W-series are certainly the thinnest. The two part system allows LG to keep the brains of the operation in the under-mounted sound bar while the impossibly thin display sits atop. The wallpaper design brings the 65-inch display down to just 2.57-millimeters! More details below:
Samsung is the latest TV maker to unveil new models at CES 2017 with its QLED line. While the brand is promising improved picture quality, the most notable feature is its stunning design. Samsung will drop its SUHD line in favor of its new QLED sets that feature HDR, better viewing angles and increased color reproduction. Today’s announcement is no doubt in response to LG’s dominance in the high-end TV market with its OLED displays.
The new design will allow consumers to mount these TVs directly onto your wall. A new proprietary mounting system provides very little gap between the back and your mounting surface. Additionally, there are two new stands made from aluminum and stainless steel that lends itself from Samsung’s Serif line. A new cable management system reduces clutter with a nearly “invisible” connection between set-top box and TV. This happens with a new cable Samsung has developed that is almost clear like a fiber optic cable. Final pricing has yet to be unveiled, but we know that each TV will have the usual smart functionality and a variety of inputs.
Our CES 2017 Guide is the place to be for all of this week’s announcements, swing by for more.
We’ve know that the Lumix GH5 was on the horizon, but thanks to today’s Panasonic announcement at CES 2017, we know more details, including the release time frame and price for what is sure to be a record selling camera.
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is the follow up release to the venerable GH4, and it appears to be an absolute doozy of a camera. The 20.3 megapixel mirrorless shooter sports in-body image stabilization thanks to its 5-axis Dual I.S. feature, along with groundbreaking new video characteristics. The camera is now available for preorder on B&H’s website and on Amazon.
Accessory maker Griffin is introducing three new smart home appliances this year at CES 2017 with the Connected Coffee Maker, Toaster and a futuristic HUD Mirror.
LG has had a busy week at CES 2017 thus far with new Nano Call UHD TVs, modular home theater sound bars and new entries in its vacuum lineup. But now its time for its IoT and artificial intelligence divisions to step into the spotlight. The company is bringing 4 new smart robots for inside your home, to take care of the yard work and to guide you through the airport: Head below for the details:
TCL has revealed at CES that it will be releasing 25 new Roku-enabled TVs across its entire lineup in 2017. Already an excellent value buy, these upcoming models will add fresh features such as HDR compatibility and new designs. The C-Series will be available in sizes ranging from 49 to 75-inches with 4K up-scaling, 802.11ac connectivity and three HDMI 2.0a ports. Additionally, a new advanced remote will bring private listening and voice search capabilities. This will serve as TCL’s high-end model for 2017, offering the best picture across the entire lineup.
The mid-range P-Series will also sport an HDR panel starting at 50-inches, with many of the same features listed above. TCL’s main difference between the two models is a thicker bezel that is more in-line with its 2016 offerings. Budget shoppers will look to the S-Series that still offers 4K resolutions but lacks some of the high-end features like the latest HDMI specifications.
TCL is expected to begin shipping its latest TVs to manufacturers, including Amazon. At the time of publication, only the C-Series is known to start at $500.
Our CES 2017 Guide is the place to be for all of this week’s announcements, swing by for more.
Moen, one of the leading faucet brands in North America, is introducing its U by Moen smart shower at CES this year. Described as a next gen Wi-Fi/cloud-based shower system, it creates a personalized experience through its connected digital five-inch controller and the iOS/Android companion apps. More details below:
LeEco has introduced a pair of technology-infused bicycles at CES 2017 in Las Vegas. Covering both road and mountain varieties, these new smart two-wheelers are built around a four-inch touchscreen display that runs on a special version of Android software. Riders will be able to receive turn-by-turn GPS directions and manage device features like messaging or music playback. Additionally, the built-in sensors are designed to track a variety of fitness data.
Both models are made from Toray carbon fiber frames with the road bike weighing in at 18-pounds while the larger mountain version is listed at nearly 27. This is largely due to its SR Suntour XCR Air fork on the front and additional components made for rough terrain. LeEco has yet to release final pricing information on these two models. If you’re a fitness enthusiast and Android user, these new rides might be an attractive alternative to mounting your device on long rides.
You’ll find all of our coverage from CES 2017 here.
Popular drone and accessory maker DJI is showing off some new and updated products this week at CES 2017, including a new GS Pro aerial mapping app for iPad, a special edition Phantom 4, and new handheld gimbal products for iPhone users as part of its Osmo line. Head below for all the details:
Mohu has been leading the way with its cordcutter-friendly antennas as more and more consumers are looking to drop their cable provider. Today at CES 2017, Mohu has announced its newest product called the Airwave. This antenna takes your local over-the-air content and turns it into streaming video on your favorite media players or devices. This includes the fourth generation Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, iPhone, Android and more.
Airwave does not require a coaxial connection, rather it uses your home network to beam content to the Mohu app on each device. A 14-day guide will provide users with a familiar layout that includes content descriptions and more. Unfortunately, there is no mention of DVR functionality at this time. Mohu’s latest release is another positive step forward for cord-cutters. The ability to enjoy local content on your Apple TV, in particular, makes this product extra attractive for someone using a service like Sling TV or DirecTV Now. The Mohu Airwave will launch exclusively at Best Buy this Spring for $149.99.
Looking to cut the cord? Check out this 1byone HD antenna that we currently have on sale for just $9 Prime shipped.
Catch up on all the latest news and releases from CES 2017 here.
Not to miss out on the fun of CES 2017, LEGO has gone to the Las Vegas event with one of its most intriguing releases in years. LEGO BOOST is a new sub-brand of robotic coding kits designed for kids that have an interest in building programmable creations. It’s designed for kids ages seven and up, making it more friendly to younglings than the previously released Mindstorm collection. The $160 base kit includes the Move Hub with a six-axis sensor that drives the movements of each build. LEGO BOOST pairs with your iPhone or iPad for step-by-step tutorials on each build.
Initially, users will be guided through a basic build of a Getting Started vehicle to familiarize with the process and software. There are five available models that include building instructions after that: Vernie the Robot, the Guitar 4000, the Multi-Tool Rover 4, Frankie the Cat, and an Autobuilder. Of course, every piece has LEGO’s iconic studs, so you can customize each design as you see fit. The iOS app leverages your device’s internal microphone and speaker to communicate between the builder and vehicle. LEGO is expected to begin shipping its new BOOST line “later this year.”
Hit up our CES 2017 guide for all of the latest news and releases coming out of Las Vegas.
LG is using CES 2017 for the opportunity to detail its new expanded home audio lineup that includes “the next generation of TV sound bars.” The new SJ9 leverages Dolby Atmos technology to deliver what LG believes to be a top-grade home theater experience. A sleek metal design houses two up-firing speakers designed to bounce sound off the walls, “surrounding the listener from every angle.” It also offers support for high resolution audio with 24-bit upscaling that is designed to increase the quality of music files.
Also joining the SJ9 is the new SJ7 Sound Bar Flex system that features a two-piece design that can stand alone as separate speakers or as one unit. When placed apart, these speakers can provide a front and rear surround sound experience. The wireless design can also be placed together like a traditional sound bar. LG has designed the two speakers separately with one housing the inputs while the other has a built-in battery for wireless use. Final pricing has yet to be announced but we expect the entire lineup to ship later this year.
Our CES 2017 guide has all of the latest news and announcements out of Las Vegas.
After the success of other mesh network systems like Eero, Linksys is following suit with its own version unveiled today at CES 2017. The tri-band Velop system uses a modular design to expand as needed to cover your entire home or workspace. It checks all of the boxes with 802.11ac Mu-MIMO connectivity that can handle a combined speed of up to 2,200Mbps. Linksys also uses a fairly attractive design (by router standards) that looks like it could fit right in with your home theater system.
The free Velop app offers full backend support on iOS and Android alongside Alexa voice control. There are a few skills out of the box for Amazon assistant, including the ability to activate guest networks. Interestingly enough, Linksys has placed each of its ethernet ports on the bottom of the router, keeping cords largely out-of-sight. At launch, a single Velop unit will cost $200, with prices going up to $350 and $500 for two and three-packs.
Our CES 2017 Guide is the place to be for all of this week’s announcements, swing by for more.
Nine Eagles, a company that develops and makes aerial vehicles, will launch (..literally) its latest product today at CES. It’s a selfie drone called the MOLA-UFO. The company hopes that with its uniquely styled drone people will be able to “record moments whether they are traveling alone, partying together, or taking a photo on the street.”
There are three key features that Nine Eagles believes will set its UFO drone apart from the rest. The first, is the out-of-this-world design that makes it ultra-portable (it will fit in the palm of your hand). The second, is the camera’s “advanced image algorithm” that ensures that the pictures it takes are ‘stabilized and captured clearly” even on windy days. Finally, it will have a unique recognition technology that can identify the subjects and lock them in frame, essentially it will track the subject and shoot with a “range of 360-degrees with its high resolution 4K camera.”
While it isn’t clear when the MOLA-UFO will be available for purchase, you can find a ton of drones reasonably priced at Amazon ready to fly this week.
Hit up our CES 2017 guide for more details on new releases.
Amazon’s Echo speakers enjoy massive success throughout the 2016 holiday season. We even called the smaller Dot our product of the year. Amazon is kicking off CES 2017 by lending out its popular Voice Assistant to new brands. Just recently we told you about Fabriq, a nifty little speaker with a wide range of capabilities including Alexa. Today, Lenovo is introducing a new smart speaker that leverages Amazon’s software in conjunction with audio hardware backed by Harman Kardon. The Lenovo Smart Assistant can handle all of the same Alexa skills in two different models.
First up, is the base $130 speaker that comes in at $50 less than Amazon Echo. There are a few differences between the two, however. Lenovo’s Smart Assistant contains eight 360-degree far-field microphones (versus seven in Echo) and it features a 5W treble speaker and 10W woofer. Jumping up to the $180 Harman Kardon edition brings upgraded internals including a two-inch cavity for deeper bass and clearer vocals. Both models will be available in bright colors such as green and orange plus a gray coloring. Lenovo is expected to begin shipping units in May.
Our CES 2017 Guide is the place to be for all of this week’s announcements, swing by for more.
Following Roku’s lead, Amazon is now licensing out its Fire TV platform to Seiki, Westinghouse and Element in hopes of expanding its presence in homes across America. These budget 4K Ultra HDTVs will have access “to more than 7,000 channels” plus Alexa skills. Roku made quite a bit of noise at CES last year with a number of partnerships with brands like TCL and HiSense. Combining software with hardware is proving to be a lucrative business move for all involved as it brings big name recognition to companies that are sometimes passed over.
Seiki, Westinghouse and Element will each be unveiling new TVs in 43″, 50″, 55″ and 65″ sizes. Perhaps most intriguing about these new sets is the inclusion of Alexa Voice Services within the remote. Aside from leveraging a variety of skills, users will also be able to control smart home devices from popular brands like Belkin, Philips Hue and more. Each model will be available exclusively through Amazon later this year.
Drop by our CES 2017 guide for more coverage on new releases and announcements.
Today, Kingston is announcing the “the world’s highest capacity USB Flash drive” at CES 2017. The new DataTraveler Ultimate GT comes in 1TB and 2TB configurations with a high-end design including a shock resistant zinc-alloy metal casing. The USB 3.0 drives are aimed at both tech enthusiasts and content creators alike. More details below:
Sleep Number has long been known as one of the elite mattress manufacturers in the United States. Today, at CES 2017 it’s taking it to the next level with a new smartphone-connected bed that automatically adjusts throughout the night. It’s a bit creepy, really. As you toss and turn the bed will apply more pressure in different areas to ensure that the mattress contours to match your body. The 360 Smart Bed is made up of a number of air chambers that can be filled or relaxed as needed. It will also adjust the height of your head to minimize snoring if needed.
Meet Kuri, an intelligent little robot friend on wheels that is packed with some serious tech. Making an appearance at CES this year, and expected to begin shipping in late 2017, this little robot has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a 1080p camera, full iOS/Android app control and more. While the tech is interesting here, it’s the personality Mayfield Robotics has built-in to the little guy that makes him really standout:
It was two-years ago almost to the day that Dish made a splash at CES with its Sling TV online streaming service. Fast forward to today, and the satellite company is taking the stage again with a new ‘Optimized for Sling TV’ platform in partnership with the just-announced 4K AirTV Player. While there is a lot of build-up for Dish’s first in-house streaming box, this isn’t necessarily a ground-breaking piece of technology. Sling (along with many other services) has long been available on media players like Roku and, more recently, Apple TV. What Dish has to its advantage is the ability to create a service-specific user experience that will hopefully make Sling more viable than ever before.
The new AirTV set-top box is based around the Android TV platform with access to the Google Play store. One distinct advantage over Roku and others is that it is also compatible with over-the-air antennas for local channels too. This answers a big gap in Sling TV’s service, bringing popular channels like ABC, CBS and NBC to customers. Additionally, it offers support for 4K video, although content is largely limited to Netflix and YouTube at this time. AirTV is set to go on-sale today with a $129.99 price tag for the OTA model or $99.99 as the standalone streamer. You’ll receive $50 worth of Sling TV credit with purchase, as well.
Hit up our CES 2017 guide for more details on new releases.
If it feels like it’s been a while since Belkin has updated its Wemo switch, you’re right. Today at CES, the latest version of its popular smartphone-connected outlet has been unveiled alongside a new dimming light switch. The Wemo Mini Smart Plug has a handful of new features and a welcome slimmed-down design in comparison to its predecessor. You’ll still be able to control power via the free smartphone app, set schedules and monitor energy use as before. Wemo recently introduced Google Home compatibility in addition to its already friendly relationship with Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service. The new Wemo Mini Smart Plug is available for pre-order today from Amazon with a list price of $34.99 and a late January ship date.
Today’s news also delivered the Wemo Dimmer, a light switch that Belkin promises will bring enhanced control over your lights. You may recall that a similar switch is currently available from Wemo but it lacks the additional functionality of this model. Belkin says that its newest release can be conditioned to work with any type of light bulb. In addition to dimming a space, it also offers control over other Wemo devices with long presses. You can setup schedules with nighttime mode to ensure that you don’t turn up the brightness too far during those 1AM snack runs. Final pricing has yet to be announced, but the Wemo Dimmer is expected to ship “later this spring.”
LG has a pair of its CordZero vacuum cleaners on display at CES 2017: the new Handstick and the CordZero Canister vacuum. The handstick model features 5-step filtration, a telescopic handle, a Smart Inverter Motor with a 10 year warranty that apparently “spins 16 times faster than an airplane engine” and a nice wall-mounted charging system.
TrackR has announced a new collection of item locator smartphone accessories in hopes of grabbing more of the market share from Tile. The premise largely remains the same: attach a small circular piece of plastic to your keys or backpack and leverage its Bluetooth radio when you’ve managed to loose your valuable. The new TrackR pixel drops the aluminum casing in favor plastic and a lower price tag. It brings many of the same features as the previous version with the addition of an LED light for helping to find lost items in the dark.
Perhaps today’s most interesting piece of news from TrackR is the introduction of its atlas Wi-Fi smart plugs. Instead of giving a vague location of your lost item, these in-wall add-ons can provide precise local data about the last known location. It might be overkill, but if you’re someone that loses things frequently or you have a family with multiple kids, this could be a worthwhile investment. Another notable piece is Alexa compatibility that will guide users when possible to their lost item. Both models are available for pre-order today with the pixel listed at $24.99 and the atlas for $39.99. TrackR is expected to ship its latest releases on March 15.
Hit up our CES 2017 guide for more details on new releases.
LG is looking to take “LCD TV viewing to a whole new level” this year at CES 2017. The company will be debuting its new Nano Cell equipped Super UHD TVs (SJ9500, SJ8500 and SJ8000) in Las Vegas this week with what it calls “the most advanced color-enhancing LCD panel technology to date.” The Nano Cell LCD display users “uniformly-sized” particles to create a much more “nuanced” and realistic color spectrum. This also leads to much better viewing angles as well. LG claims there is “virtually no color difference for viewers seated directly in front of the screen and those watching from a 60 degree angle.” More below:
Dell is starting off CES 2017 with a bang thanks to a new 27-inch monitor that it claims is among the thinnest “in the world”. Although it is isn’t quite a 4K display, this new model packs enough to punch to make you consider it (especially in comparison to LG’s 5K price tag). The QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution offers support for HD10 content which should bring solid returns on color reproduction. Additional specs include a 6ms response time and 99% sRGB coverage. Dell has yet to unveil final details on the number of inputs, etc.
MacBook Pro users will be glad to see that Dell has included a USB-C hub in the all-metal base. A single matching arm extends upwards to hold the InfinityEdge ultra-thin bezel display, making this one of the more attractive monitors that we’ve seen recently. Dell is set to sell the 27 UltraThin monitor for $700 in March. You’ll note that Dell does offer 4K monitors for less, but pale in comparison to the design of this new release.
Swing by our CES 2017 guide for more details on new releases.
CES is slated to kick off this week and we’re expecting to see a boatload of new gadgets come out of Las Vegas. One early release that has caught our eye is the Vobot Clock with built-in support for Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service. Dubbed “the first of its kind”, this alarm looks to build off the massive holiday success of Echo and Dot. Vobot Clock looks like something you’d see from Sphero with its friendly digital facial features. Headlining is the “sleep coach” that monitors your wakeup and bedtime to help increase energy and quality of rest. The built-in 5W speaker offers a variety of warm alarm tones but also provides white noise, too.
Of course, Alexa functionality brings access to Amazon’s wide range of skills and control over smart home products like Philips Hue, Nest and more. You’ll be able to kick off your morning with the latest news, weather and sports (which is one of our favorite Dot features). There are no external buttons on Vobot clock, but rather it is controlled completely by voice and movements. For example, covering the face stops an alarm and flipping it over snoozes the device. At $35, this is bound to be a popular buy for consumers looking to jump into the world of Alexa. It is expected to hit online shelves in February.
Kanex has been cranking out nifty portable Apple Watch charging solutions for over a year now. At CES next week, the brand will be showing off two new accessories: one for home and another for travel. First up is the GoPower Watch Stand that mirrors similar add-ons from Belkin and others. This all-in-one nightstand solution has a built-in charging puck plus an additional USB port on the backside for charging your iPhone (or other device). This is a nice touch that isn’t always included on competitor’s stands.
Along those same lines, Kanex is also introducing a new portable charging solution called the GoPower Watch Mini. This keychain battery system has a 1000mAh battery and isn’t much bigger than the built-in magnetic charging puck. Apple Watch users will be able to fully charge their wearable one time, making this a perfect solution for one-night stays away from home. There is a small LED indicator on the side that relays how much internal power remains. The GoPower Watch Mini is reminiscent of keychain-style MFi Lightning cables that became popular shortly after the connector was announced.
Final pricing and availability has yet to be announced. We fully expect to receive additional details at CES next week.
CES will be here before we know it, and popular manufacturers are just starting to unveil their plans for the trade show in Las Vegas. Samsung will be introducing a new curved quantum dot display in 27- and 31.5-inch varieties. This news follows yesterday’s home audio announcement and continues a similar trend of Apple-friendly designs. Users will have a massive 2,560 x 1,440 workspace that is perfect for content creation in partnership with its 125% sRGB coverage.
Although LG often claims the title of best displays because of its OLED technology, Samsung is hoping to attract attention with its own quantum dot. Slow refresh times and lag have plagued LG despite gorgeous black levels. Faster performance should make these new Samsung monitors a hit with gamers. Final pricing has yet to be unveiled, but we should get an in-depth look at CES next month.
Ahead of CES next month, Samsung has announced a new gorgeous aluminum wireless speaker that is certain to attract the attention of consumers. The H7 is a high-end sound system that delivers upscaled 32-bit audio from its two-channel speaker setup. Everything about the design is decidedly un-Samsung. The smooth frame is highlighted by two knobs that control volume and playback, just above the left and right speaker. Samsung is hoping to bring audiophiles into the fold by offering higher quality audio and an impressively low frequency response of 35Hz.
Today’s news also brings the MS750 Soundbar that wraps a tidy 5.1-channel setup into one component. It offers the same high resolution audio technology as the speaker above, but is designed for home theater systems. Samsung TV owners will be able to mount this unit directly onto their display, leveraging the built-in power supply. Final pricing has yet to be announced on each model, but we’re expecting to receive more details next month at CES.
