It’s that time of year when the best of new consumer tech starts being teased, previewed and released in anticipation of the biggest shopping season of the year and the biggest display of future and emerging technology, The International Consumer Electronics Show taking place in January 6-9, 2015 in Las Vegas.
Here are some of our faves spotted during the recent CES Unveiled preview held in New York.
Adidas miCoach Smart Soccer Ball
The Smart Ball is a Bluetooth Smart and app-enabled soccer ball with integrated sensor technology for dead-ball kicking training such as penalties, free-kicks, shooting, corners, long passes and goal kicks. The Smart Ball relays data on how hard it has been struck, offers visual flight trajectories, depicts ball spin and shows impact points via the adidas miCoach Smart Ball app available for iPhone and iPod touch. This data can then be used to help train players, providing coaching instructions on how to alter kicking technique to bend free kicks, launch knuckle balls and generate more shot power.
goTenna is a new communications device that enables people to connect directly with others even when there’s no central connectivity. The idea for goTenna came during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 when a quarter of all cell towers were downed, and power as well as internet went out, leaving millions of people across the 10-state area affected by the storm unable to communicate when they needed to most. goTenna addresses the need for off-grid communication with a small, rugged device that pairs wirelessly with your smartphone and can easily attach to your gear. It works anywhere on the planet, regardless of whether a cell signal or wifi is available.
IC720 High-Definition 360° x 360° camera
The IC Real Tech IC720 is a sleek-looking, dual-lens camera that gets placed atop a table or countertop and easily connects to the home’s Wi-Fi network. Scanning 360-degrees horizontally and 360-degrees vertically, the camera — in conjunction with its integrated, proprietary software App — delivers an unprecedented remote-monitoring experience wherein the user can panoramically view from floor-to-ceiling and completely around the room — even zoom and freeze images — and all without any distortion. This camera system shows an entire room from top to bottom and can be used for security, live streaming or a variety of applications.
Noke: The World’s First Bluetooth Padlock by FŪZ Designs
Noke, the world’s first Bluetooth padlock allows users to protect their property or belongings and easily access them without a physical key. Made of steel and boron, Noke unlocks via Bluetooth 4.0, simply press the shackle and Noke wakes up and searches for your phone or a shared phone. If the phone is within a few feet, Noke will instantly unlock so you can be on your way. No need to launch an app or remove your phone from your pocket or purse. Compatible with iOS, Android or Windows Phone app, the lock includes a one-year battery but is also backed by a patent-pending Quick-Click technology which allows you to create a custom access code.
WakaWaka Power & WakaWaka Base
Waka Waka develops, engineers, manufactures and markets affordable lighting and phone charging product concepts for the 1.5 billion people in the world who have no access at all to the electricity net, as well as the hundreds of millions of people, who are connected to the grid and face regular black-outs, sometimes as much as 6 to 8 hours per day.
The WakaWaka Power is a durable, lightweight and compact solar charger that is capable of charging virtually any type of phone or small electronic device within just a few hours and providing up to 150 hours of safe, sustainable light. The WakaWaka Base delivers 10,000 mAh of power & includes four separate & powerful LED lights. 5 USB ports powers up multiple phones, a professional camera & other USB powered gear. Comes with USB cables and durable case.
The Dash: World’s First Wireless Smart In Ear Headphones
At the heart of The Dash are two wearable microcomputers, coupled with biosensors, fitness trackers, microphones, a real-time feedback activity coach and Dash media player which can play via an embedded 4GB/1000 song music player or through a wireless, dual mode Bluetooth 4.0 connection with an iOS, Android or Windows device. Even though The Dash provides impressive noise isolation, the wearer can also choose to channel ambient sound into the headphone with the transparent audio feature. The outer surface contains a high resolution optical touch sensor. All audio, telephony and tracking functions are controlled with finger swipes and taps – even with gloves and while wet.
The Stellé Audio Clutch & Mini Clutch
These portable, wireless, Bluetooth speaker fashion accessories with built-in speakerphone allow you to listen to music or take a call on speaker. With an intuitive user interface, the Audio Clutch and Mini Clutch are functional and pair wirelessly to any Bluetooth device or via USB and also include ports for charging USB enabled devices. The clutches come in a variety of colors and styes including a collection from designer Rebecca Minkoff.
AMPL SmartBackpack
The AMPL SmartBackpack is the first to seamlessly integrate electronics into the fabric of the bag, delivering power to charge your devices anytime, anywhere, plus innovative shock absorption and weatherproofing. You can connect with your devices without opening a zipper. The AMPL mobile APP displays real-time battery levels and allows you to adjust charging priority. Plus, embedded smart sensors tell you when the weather is changing and alert you if you forget your bag.
The Core – Wireless Speaker System
The Core is a beautiful, compact wireless speaker that combines “better than stereo” sound with an impressive feature set including, portability, multi-room functionality and crystal-clear audio. Using Wave Field Synthesis [WFS] The Core creates a multidimensional sound image that can be heard from any location in the room, eliminating the sweet spot that comes from traditional stereo speakers. Using the built-in adaptive wireless network, users are able to connect between two and nine units to create a multi-room system with the press of a single button, no wires or Wi-Fi required. No matter the source, music can be streamed at CD quality in any size home.
Edwin The Duck
Edwin is no ordinary duck, he’s an app-enhanced smart toy. Using a Bluetooth wireless connection, the world’s first interactive rubber duck easily syncs with the user’s smart device and can be used for bath time, story time, and sleepy time. Using his built-in temperature sensor, parents can use Edwin to turn red and give out a loud “QUACK” if the water is too hot when he’s placed in the bathtub. He can also be used as a nightlight, bedtime story teller and waterproof wireless speaker.
