It’s CES Week!

Gadgets, Gadgets, and more Gadgets! CES never disappoints!

Welcome to our CES Week special edition! It's like stepping into Tony Stark's lab with all the cutting-edge gadgets on display. We're talking everything from smart vacuum cleaners to brewing systems, health devices, and even AI-driven light kits for gaming. Plus, we've got innovative storage solutions and smart projectors lighting up the scene. Don't miss the eco-friendly backpacks and the latest in pet tech. With AI making waves across products, new screen tech unfolding (literally), and gaming gear leveling up, it's a tech enthusiast's paradise. Buckle up for a ride into the future where AI assistants, revolutionary transport tech, and even kitchen innovations like the Macrowave Oven are redefining our world. Stay tuned for the coolest and quirkiest of CES 2024, and let's dive into this tech extravaganza!

Gadgets!

The Best Gear & Gadgets From CES Unveiled 2024!

The video showcases a variety of innovative gadgets and technology revealed at CES 2024. Key highlights include:

• Dreambot X30 Ultra: A smart home vacuum cleaner with unique features like an extendable spinning brush, a blade brush to cut and shred hair, and a self-cleaning docking station.

• EXO Brew: A smart home brewing system that pairs with an iPhone app, offering both preset and customizable beer brewing options.

• Withings Bimo: An advanced home health device capable of ECG, SpO2 readings, temperature, and stethoscope functions, integrated with the Withings app and Apple Health.

• GOI AI Sync Box Kit 2: Enhances gaming experiences with AI-driven light changes, and a flexible, matter-certified neon rope light controllable via an app.

• Ugreen Network Attached Storage Devices: Powered by Intel processors, featuring multiple bays, Thunderbolt 4 ports, SD card slots, HDMI outputs, and fast ethernet ports.

• Mui Board Gen 2: A matter-certified smart home controller, compatible with various devices and capable of controlling scenes and monitoring home data.

• J5 Create Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Offers multiple ports including Thunderbolt 5, card readers, and an NVMe media slot, doubling as a storage device.

• XGIMI Smart Projectors: Features aesthetic design, IMX-enhanced 4K quality, adjustable angles, and compatibility with AirPlay.

• Targus Ocean-Friendly Backpacks and Argo Flip Mouse: Backpacks made from recycled bottles and a versatile mouse suitable for both left and right-handed users.

• Hyper MagSafe-Compatible SSD Enclosure and Thunderbolt 5 Dock: A toolless SSD enclosure for iPhone 15 Pro/Max and a Thunderbolt 5 dock with multiple ports and expandable storage.

• Invoxia Mini Tails Smart Collar: A smaller GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and heart health monitoring collar for pets, with a subscription for GPS services.

• Belkin Products: Includes a new auto-tracking stand using Apple Dock kit, various chargers, battery packs, and a 3-in-1 boost charge pro with Qi wireless charging.

Trends

CES 2024: Biggest Trends From the Show - CNET

A dominant theme this year was the pervasive integration of AI across various products, from bird feeders with bird recognition capabilities to snore-adjusting pillows. Microsoft and Volkswagen have notably incorporated AI, with Microsoft updating its Windows keyboard and Volkswagen embedding ChatGPT in vehicles. Screen technology also saw remarkable innovations, including massive folding TVs and transparent screens for consumer use, with LG and Samsung leading these advancements. Gaming technology continued to be a highlight, with new graphics cards, vibrating gaming seats, gaming phones, and the latest PC handheld gaming consoles powered by Intel processors. A significant focus was also on green technology, addressing the environmental crisis with innovative home energy solutions like portable backup batteries, solar stained glass, and moisture farming technology.

Key Takeaways:

• AI Dominance:

  • AI was a major focus, with its application in various products and services, including Microsoft's AI function key and Volkswagen's integration of ChatGPT.

• Screen Technology:

  • Innovations included large folding TVs, brighter mini LED displays from Hisense and TCL, and consumer-targeted transparent screens by LG. Samsung introduced a new phone screen technology, the Flex In-N-Out flip.

• Gaming Advances:

  • Notable developments in gaming included new graphics cards, vibrating gaming seats, gaming phones, and Intel-powered handheld PC gaming consoles.

• Green Technology:

  • There was a strong emphasis on environmental solutions, with products like portable home backup batteries, solar technology, and moisture farming technology.

• Energy Tech Evolution:

  • The focus on home energy tech and smart energy services highlighted the tech industry's increasing commitment to sustainability.

The Bottom Line:

AI is everywhere! As always, we have new screens, higher quality gaming, and the drive to reduce our individual carbon footprint. An emphasis on energy and increased sustainability cannot be understated either.

Major Advancements

The spotlight was on various future transportation technologies. The focus extended beyond electric vehicles to encompass automated driving, EV charging, AI, sensors, aviation, and more. Key highlights included Honda, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Sony, and other automakers showcasing electric concepts and production cars. Startups also made a strong showing with innovative products in electrification across different transportation modes. 

Other notable technologies included electric aircraft and drones, with companies like Zipline and Wing landing significant deals. Additionally, the event showcased advancements in AI, particularly generative AI and ChatGPT, integrated into transportation systems for enhanced capabilities.

The Macrowave Oven by Revolution Cooking, showcased at CES 2024, is a groundbreaking kitchen appliance priced at $1,800. Featuring InstaGLO® Heating Technology, it promises to enhance the cooking experience with smart algorithms for faster, flavor-optimized cooking. This versatile appliance combines multiple cooking modes like microwave, convection, broil, and air fry, and includes various accessories for different culinary needs. The Macrowave Oven is upgradeable, ensuring it stays technologically advanced. Tasting Table has recognized its innovative potential, predicting it to be a game-changer in the kitchen.

EssilorLuxottica introduced the Nuance Audio glasses, designed for people with mild or moderate hearing loss. These glasses, embedded with microphones and speakers, use beamforming technology similar to Apple's AirPods Pro 2 to amplify conversations in noisy environments. 

The technology focuses on the speaker's voice while allowing ambient sound, offering an "open-ear hearing" experience. These glasses are not marketed as hearing aid replacements but are registered as over-the-counter hearing devices with the FDA. Set to launch in late 2024, they represent a new direction in hearing technology.

The weirdest and best of CES 2024

Chris Velazco, a personal tech reporter at The Washington Post, provides an overview of the most intriguing and innovative products showcased at CES 2024. The highlights include:

Key Takeaways:

• Samsung

  • Transparent Micro LED Wall: A see-through display.

  • Music Frames: Wall-mounted speakers that double as art pieces.

  • Ballie: An AI-powered home robot with a built-in projector, designed as a multifunctional home assistant. It's Samsung's first serious attempt at a home companion robot, potentially useful for telemedicine and as a secondary PC display, though some features and pricing details are still under development.

• Lotus Ring:

  • From a California startup, this smart ring is designed for people with limited mobility, including veterans and the elderly. It includes an IR blaster to control devices remotely, like switch covers and potentially a power strip for appliances. Priced at around $299, it aims to offer enhanced control over various devices.

• Flappy, the AI-Powered Cat Door:

  • This cat door uses a microchip to identify the pet and prevent it from bringing prey inside the house.

• Skwheels, Electric Ski Shoes:

  • These ski shoes offer a top speed of 50 miles per hour and a range of about 20 miles at a more moderate speed. They feature a telescoping handle for control and portability.

The Bottom Line:

The video emphasizes the ongoing trend of integrating AI into everyday products (like it or not), enhancing convenience and accessibility in personal technology. Mobility and accessibility are also high priorities this year.

Company Spotlight: Rabbit

Jesse, founder and CEO of Rabbit, introduces the revolutionary "R1" - a consumer mobile device powered by a new foundational model called the Large Action Model (LAM). The R1, designed in collaboration with Teenage Engineering, aims to simplify computing with a natural language-centered approach, moving away from traditional app-based systems. The device features a touchscreen, push-to-talk button, analog scroll wheel, microphone, speakers, and a 360-degree camera called the Rabbit Eye. It supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 4G LTE networks.

Key Takeaways:

• Large Action Model (LAM):

  • A breakthrough in AI, LAM understands and executes human intentions on computers, overcoming limitations of current AI assistants and app-based systems.

• Rabbit OS:

  • An operating system that enables real-time interactions and is significantly faster than existing voice AI systems.

• Rabbit Hole Web Portal:

  • Allows integration with various services like Spotify, Uber, and DoorDash while emphasizing privacy and security.

• Advanced Features:

  • The R1 can perform complex tasks involving multiple apps, plan trips, translate languages in real-time, and interact with its environment using computer vision.

• Teach Mode:

  • A unique feature where users can teach the R1 new skills, enhancing its functionality.

• Hardware Design:

  • Includes innovative elements like a 360-degree camera and an analog scroll wheel.

• Affordability:

  • Priced at $199, significantly lower than current smartphones and AI devices, with no subscription fees.

The Bottom line:

The R1 represents a significant shift from traditional smartphones to AI-driven devices, focusing on intuitive, natural language interactions and versatile, real-time task execution. It's scheduled for shipping in Easter 2024.

A Little Extra

Peter H. Diamandis envisions a day in the 2030s powered by AI assistants, illustrating how these "alter egos" could significantly enhance daily life. These assistants would plan schedules, monitor health, provide news updates, and offer real-time translations. Diamandis explores the evolution of voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, highlighting their current capabilities and potential future advancements. He emphasizes the role of AI in augmenting human productivity and reshaping society, forecasting a future where AI is deeply integrated into both personal and professional spheres.