25 Cutting-Edge Technologies And Products From CES Unveiled 2020
From a wearable that lets you control the TV with your thoughts, to a range of smart home and connected devices, here are the coolest and craziest products that CRN saw at this year's CES Unveiled.
The Best Of CES Unveiled
While CES 2020 won't officially begin until tomorrow, CRN was on hand Sunday in Las Vegas for CES Unveiled, where we got an early look at some of the coolest products of this year's show. The CES Unveiled 2020 media event was packed with innovations in cutting-edge areas such as connected devices (including smart home and wearables), artificial intelligence (including machine learning to help detect what users are thinking) and mobile devices. CES Unveiled also showcased business-friendly devices such as new-and-improved laptops, docking stations and wireless headphones.
In the following slides, we've rounded up 25 cutting-edge technologies and products that we spotted at CES Unveiled 2020. And check out all of our CES 2020 coverage here.
NextMind Brain-Sensing Wearable
One of the most ambitious technologies showcased at CES Unveiled was NextMind's "brain-sensing" wearable, which aims to let users control devices with their thoughts. Worn on the back of the head, the wearable generates data from the electrical signals that result from a user's neuron activity in the brain's visual cortex, the company has said. NextMind then uses machine learning to translate the data into an action; one potential example cited by NextMind at CES Unveiled was that a user could think of a channel they wanted to watch on TV, and the channel would be changed automatically. NextMind announced that it has launched a dev kit for $399, and the company also sees possibilities such as controlling the dashboard in a car or integrating the technology into a game or VR headset, removing the need for controllers. The initial NextMind dev kits are planned to begin shipping in the second quarter of the year.
Wi-Charge Wireless Power System
At CES Unveiled, Wi-Charge announced momentum in its efforts to bring wireless-charging over a distance into common usage. Wi-Charge says that its system uses infrared technology to efficiently--and safely--deliver several watts worth of power at "room-sized" distances. The system works similarly to WiFi, but for electricity; a transmitter plugged into a wall can send power to devices that have the Wi-Charge receiver embedded. The vision is to provide a continuous charge to all devices, including smartphones and smart-home devices, so that they never need to be plugged in, according to the company. In connection with CES Unveiled, Wi-Charge announced collaborations with three manufacturers of fixtures for commercial and residential bathrooms. The partnerships involve embedding Wi-Charge technology into a GOJO Purell hand sanitizer dispenser, a Hansgrohe smart faucet and a Sloan sensor flushometer.
Winston Privacy Filter
Amid well-publicized breaches of consumer privacy--in addition to the everyday tracking performed by countless companies--Winston Privacy has launched a new device that aims to simplify the process of protecting privacy in the home. The Winston Privacy filter plugs in between cable modem and the router, and works by encrypting and scrambling the data that companies are trying to collect. The filter thus is capable of obfuscating data without a reduction in performance and without causing any issues with being blocked by streaming services. There is also no cloud computing infrastructure involved, according to the company. Winston Privacy, which raised more than $1 million in crowdfunding on Kickstarter and Indiegogo last year, launched its device for general sale within the past few days. The Winston Privacy filter has a $249 MSRP and comes with a one-year subscription to the Winston Privacy service (which is otherwise $99).
Private Discuss
Also in the realm of privacy, startup company Private Discuss used CES Unveiled to tout its privacy-focused workplace chat solution. The solution aims to serve as an alternative to Slack and Microsoft Teams that offers maximum privacy and security. Each user receives their own tailor-made version of the Private Discuss platform, with messaging, calls, video, private changes and file sharing capabilities. The service is fully stored on premises for the customer, and is secured and kept private with end-to-end encryption (AES-256 encryption for video and audio call data, RSA 2048 encryption for storing and sharing documents). Private Discuss reports having acquired 5,000 customers since launching the service two years ago. The service costs $3 per person, per month.
Dell XPS 13
At CES Unveiled, Dell showcased its newly refreshed XPS 13, with a number of improvements in the design. The updated XPS 13 features even smaller bezels around the "InfinityEdge" display--particularly when it comes to the bottom bezel--allowing for a screen-to-body ratio of 91.5 percent. The display size is also a bit larger now at 13.4 inches, and the aspect ratio has been switched to 16:10 for a larger workspace area on the screen. Additionally, the display is now 25 percent brighter, and the body is made from a combination of machined aluminum, carbon fiber and woven-glass fiber. Other hardware elements have gotten an upgrade as well, with deeper keys and a 17-percent larger touchpad on the new XPS 13, and the notebook moves up to 10th-generation Intel Core processors for enhanced performance. Dell's new XPS 13 will be available Jan. 7 for a starting price of $999.99.
Dell Latitude 9510
Dell also used CES Unveiled to show off its newest business notebook portfolio. The Latitude 9510--available as a 2-in-1 or a clamshell--is the initial offering in Dell's brand-new Latitude 9000 series. The notebook will include a 15-inch display with FHD resolution and slim bezels around the InfinityEdge screen. On battery life, the notebook is seeking to stand out with up to 30 hours of battery life on a charge, and the notebook is poised to be one of the first to support high-speed 5G mobile broadband, as well. Dell is also emphasizing the use of artificial intelligence with the Latitude 9510; key AI-powered features include ExpressResponse, which assesses user preferences and taps machine learning (with Intel Adaptix technology) to more quickly launch frequently used applications while also boosting application performance overall.
Dell has not yet released the starting price for the Latitude 9510. Both the 2-in-1 and clamshell versions of the notebook will be available on March 26.
Phyn Smart Water Assistant
At CES Unveiled, Belkin-owned Phyn showcased its recently launched Smart Water Assistant, which aims to bring greater intelligence to water usage at a time when many areas are facing water constraints. The self-installable device attaches to the hot and cold water lines under the sink, and from there can monitor the water pressure to detect leaks and monitor water consumption. The Smart Water Assistant is capable of detecting a range of leaks as well as other types of unusual usage (or even just that the water has been left on). Users can then receive real-time alerts to their mobile app when issues are detected. The Phyn Smart Water Assistant is priced at $299 and does not require a subscription.
Jabra Elite 45h
At CES Unveiled, Jabra--a maker of headphones for both consumers and businesses--debuted a new pair of affordably priced headphones that offer premium-level features. The Jabra Elite 45h on-ear headphones feature up to 40 hours worth of battery life on a charge; fast-charging (with eight hours of battery life available through a 15-minute charge); and "superior" audio quality thanks to the inclusion of large speakers, Jabra said. The headphones connect wirelessly over Bluetooth and include two microphones, and feature a foldable design for portability. Additionally, the Jabra Elite 45h headphones use a new technology called Jabra MySound, which leverages medical-grade hearing tests to customize the listening experience for users based on their own hearing capability. The Jabra Elite 45h headphones will be available in March for $99.
Targus Quad 4K Docking Station
Targus says it has launched the first (and still the only) dock that supports four 4K monitors over a single USB-C connection. Targus showed off the Quad 4K Docking Station (DOCK520USZ) at CES Unveiled. The dock has four ports for HDMI and four ports for DisplayPort; users can run four 4K monitors in any combination of HDMI and DisplayPort from the docking station. Notably, the dock also simultaneously supplies up to 100 watts of power back to the laptop over USB-C, removing the need for a power brick. The Targus USB-C Universal Quad 4K Docking Station has an MSRP of $399.99.
LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen
LG used CES Unveiled to showcase its recently introduced dual-screen device, the LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen. The device features a pair of 6.4-inch OLED displays with FHD resolution that can be used together for multi-tasking or gaming, or detached as a single phone when desired. While different apps can be used on both screens simultaneously, the bottom screen can also be used as a virtual keyboard to input into the top display. For gaming, the second screen can be used as a controller for certain games. The device also includes a display on the cover that can be used to view the time and notifications when it is folded. Additionally, the LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen offers dual rear cameras, a 4,000 mAh battery and an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor.
The LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen is available unlocked for a starting price of $699.99.
LG Gram 17
LG showcased several of its newest offerings in the Gram notebook series at CES Unveiled, with updated models in 14-inch, 14-inch 2-in-1, 15.6-inch and 17-inch sizes. The notebooks continue the Gram tradition of serving as lightweight but still-powerful laptops; the 17-inch model, in fact, weighs just 2.98 pounds--on par with the weight of some 13-inch notebooks. The new LG Gram notebooks don't sacrifice on performance, however, with 10th-gen Intel Core processors and an 80 WHr battery (in the 17-inch and 15.6-inch models) and 72 WHr in the other two models. The LG Gram 17 features WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) on its IPS display, while the Gram 15, Gram 14 and Gram 2-in-1 offer FHD resolution. LG hasn't announced pricing or a release date for the new Gram notebooks.
Anova Precision Oven
Anova, known for its connected kitchen appliances such as the Anova Precision Cooker, used CES Unveiled to show off an upcoming addition to its lineup. The Anova Precision Oven will combine steam capabilities with heating elements, which can both be controlled precisely by the user, the company said. That means that users will be able to control the relative humidity--ensuring, for instance, that a chicken can be kept tender and moist--but can also adjust the oven to get crispy skin on the outside. Users will be able to control the type of heat, temperature, time of cooking and steam--resulting in a new level of precision for home chefs, the company said. And, the connected oven will be controllable from a smartphone app, as well. The Anova Precision Oven will be available later in 2020, according to the company. Expected pricing hasn't been released.
AirSelfie Air Duo
AirSelfie is giving the world a hands-off approach to taking selfies with its miniature drone camera technology. The company plans to release multiple drone cameras this year, including the Air Duo, which comes with a bird’s eye camera for overview shots and a parallel path camera for shots on level. The Air Duo is capable of taking 1080p video and is expected to be available in the second quarter for $229. AirSelfie is already shipping the single-camera Air Pix while the Air Pix+ is coming later this year.
deScammer
The deScammer is a small handheld device for your keychain that aims to protect your credit card from credit card skimmers at gas pumps. The device, made by KJB Security, scans for radio frequencies emitting from the point-of-sale machine and emits a green light if it’s deemed safe and a red light if the radio frequency matches a database of known credit card skimmer frequencies. KJB Security said the chances for false positives are low. The deScammer is available now for $129.
Y-Brush
The Y-Brush seeks to revolutionize teeth brushing with a Y-shaped toothbrush that device maker FasTeesH claims can give your teeth a deep clean in 10 seconds. The Y-Brush is designed to fit in the top and lower jaws, almost like a mouth guard, for separate five-second cleanings, which are made possible by vibrations coming from the base of the Y-Brush. The Y-Brush, which consists of one handle, one brush, one storage stand and one USB charger, costs $129 and replacement brushes, which are recommended after six months of use, are $30 each. The Y-Brush will start shipping in the first quarter.
LuLupet Litter Box
Lulupet is a connected litter box that uses artificial intelligence to track the health of your cats. The litter box comes with a camera and on-board AI chip that can recognize different types of cat feces, which can provide signs of bad health depending on the shape and consistency. This is made possible by a machine learning algorithm that has been trained using a method called transfer learning. Lulupet also tracks body weight and the number of times the cat visits the litter box. The litter box, which syncs with a smartphone companion app, allows you to enter the cat’s age, breed and lifestyle, so that it can be cross-analyzed with thousands of other cats in a database. The litter box is expected to cost $99 for pre-order when its Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign begins in March.
Trova Home
Trova Home is a luxury-style connected safe that is meant to protect discretionary items like medications, jewelry and recreational products in a slick but discreet aluminum design. The storage product, which can fit on a surface like a bureau or a side table, can be unlocked wirelessly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on a smartphone using secure biometric scanning. It comes with a motion sensor and a location tracker and sends alerts if the container has been accessed or moved by someone else. Inside, the container comes with a sliding tray and molded organizational ridges below as well as two internal USB charging ports. The device is battery powered. Its estimated to cost $700 when it begins shipping in the second quarter of this year.
Lyf Board
Lyf Board is a smart home dashboard that sports a colorful and vibrant Lite-Brite-like LED display for easy reading, even from several feet away. The dashboard comes with a smartphone companion app that allows you to customize information that is displayed on the screen. Types of information include time, calendar, location tracking data and fitness tracking data. The company behind Lyf Board plans to make roughly 50 apps for the device, many of which will be free, with the potential for premium content at a later time. Lyft Board also comes with integrations with popular apps and services like Facebook, Twitter, Fitbit and Amazon Alexa. The device is expected to cost $150 when a Kickstarter campaign launches later this year.
Ocigo
Ocigo is a connected breathalyzer that uses miniaturized infrared spectroscopy technology to measure blood alcohol concentration levels in seconds. The device, which is based on technology used by law enforcement agencies, displays the breathalyzer results in a small on-device OLED display as well as smartphone companion app, which can then predict when the user can legally drive again, based on local rules and regulations, thanks to its geolocation capabilities. While the device is being sold to consumers, it’s also being advertised for fleet management use cases. The device is estimated to cost $200-300 in the U.S. when it starts shipping later this year.
Compoz
Compoz is a smart scent diffuser that allows users to combine up to five different scents to create personalized smells that can be saved or even turned into a playlist. The company, which has developed proprietary scent cartridges that contain essential oils, is targeting the device for use by consumers as well as hospitality groups, businesses and private jets. The diffuser comes with a smartphone-sized screen that allows users to mix the composition of the sets and then save different configurations that can be shared online. The playlist feature allows the diffuser to cycle through different configurations of scents over a set time. The device costs 1,500 Euros, with no U.S. pricing currently available, though it’s expected to be available starting in September.
Meeting Owl Pro
The Meeting Owl Pro is a 360-degree meeting room camera that comes with a microphone array and speaker system to make teleconference meetings more intuitive and easier to run. Thanks to its 360-degree camera and array of microphones, the Meeting Owl Pro can automatically zoom in on the person talking and magnify their voice while also providing a dynamic view of the other people in the conference room. Compared to the original Meeting Owl, the Meeting Owl Pro has a camera that is twice as sharp, a 360-degree speaker system that is twice as loud and a microphone array that can pick up voices within an 18-foot radius. The Meeting Owl Pro is a plug-and-play device and can integrate with popular video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Hangouts, Slack and Skype. It’s available now for $990.
ClearUP
ClearUP is a small handheld device that is designed to provide a drug-free and non-invasive way to relieve sinus pain. The company behind the device, Tivic Health, says the device is clinically proven and cleared by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration. It works by using a “proprietary microcurrent waveform that stimulates nerve fibers under the skin” when the device is applied on the face. The device comes with one button for turning on and off as well as toggling the treatment levels. It’s available now for $149.
Juno
Juno is a beverage chiller that can bring a 12-ounce can of beer to ice-cold temperatures within two minutes. It can also chill a room-temperature 750-milliliter bottle of wine in under five minutes. The device can chill beverages in a matter of minutes thanks to its integration of a thermoelectric cooling engine, combined with a proprietary mixing mechanism in a liquid bath. As a result, the device doesn’t use dangerous chemicals or toxic refrigerants to achieve a cooldown in such a short turnaround. Juno is designed to fit on most kitchen countertops, and it can accept bottles or cans that measure up to 3.5 inches in diameter and 12.5 inches in height. The device is available for preorder for $199 and will start shipping in the third quarter of this year.
Cosmo Connected Smart Helmet
The Cosmo Connected smart helmet comes with a built-in brake light and an augmented-reality visor to improve navigation for cyclists. The helmet comes with a compact remote control that allows the cyclist to active turn signals displayed on the back of the helmet without having to let go of the handlebars. The visor provides a heads-up display that can show information for speed, distance traveled and directions. The visor can also warn the cyclist of potential hazards coming from the side or behind. The helmet is estimated to cost $350, and it will start shipping in the U.S. later this year.
PantryOn
PantryOn is a connected pantry device that keeps track of household items in the pantry and auto-generates a grocery list when supplies start to get low. Meant to fit on a pantry rack, the device is shaped like a board and comes with several weight sensors that individual items can be placed on. Once the items have been paired with their respective sensors in the PantryOn smartphone app, it can be programmed to send alerts and add grocery items to a list when they reach below a certain threshold.