The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is always a fun look in the future of technology. Tech that has debuted at past shows included things like the Xbox, VCR, and digital satellite system.
This year’s CES was held January 2020 in Las Vegas and it included gadgets in multiple categories of consumer use, from mobile devices to vehicles to pet and baby products.
One thing all those products have in common is they’re all internet connected devices, adding to the demands on networks and need for more network support and security.
If the showcased IoT gadgets are any indication, we’re on target to fulfill the prediction that by 2022, each person will have 13.6 networked devices (and some pets may have one of their own!).
We’ve taken a look at the coolest technologies showcased at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show and divided them into four key categories:
- Mobile/PC Advances
- Home Convenience
- Office Productivity
- Just for Fun
Read on to learn what cool new technologies are either already on the market or coming soon.
Mobile/PC Advances
Computer and mobile device manufacturers were well represented and showcased their coolest upcoming tech.
World’s First 5G Laptop (Lenovo Yoga 5G)
Mobile carriers are in the midst of rolling out those lightening-fast 5G networks, and sometime this year people should begin to see some of the advances that 5G is promising for mobile connectivity.
First out of the starting block for laptop 5G connectivity is Lenovo with their Yoga 5G that takes advantage of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx processing and has the ability to natively connect to 5th generation cellular.
Foldable Smartphone (TLC)
TLC showcased a new version of their smartphone with foldable screen. Rather than being flashy however, they’re working to make it the lowest price foldable phone.
This 7.2-inch flexible touchscreen device isn’t on the market yet, but speculation is that it will launch sometime this year and come in significantly less than other foldables on the market.
Home Convenience
There were multiple new home smart gadgets being showcased to build your connected dream home of the 21st century.
Self-Changing Trash Can (Townew)
Winning a CES Innovation Award, the Townew self-cleaning, self-changing trash can is the first smart garbage can that seals a used trash bag for you and then replaces it with a new liner automatically.
This helpful gadget opens the lid to let you know a sealed bag is ready to be disposed of, eliminating the mess and smell typically associated with taking out the trash. This gadget is already for sale on sites like Walmart and Amazon, as well as the manufacturer’s site, for around $100.
Alexa-Enabled Showerhead
Most people enjoy signing in the shower, so being able to stream your favorite music right through your showerhead seems like a dream come true. Kohler’s Moxie showerhead holds a detachable speaker that syncs via Bluetooth with multiple devices, including smartphones, laptops, and MP3 players.
Besides the ability to tell Alexa to start your playlist, the showerhead also includes 60 angled nozzles for a full-coverage spray.
Office Productivity
Besides home gadgets, there were also plenty of technology that could positively impact office productivity.
Motorized Chair (Segway S-Pod)
Segway showcased a concept for the Segway S-Pod. This motorized chair could be very useful in large factories or campuses where getting around quickly can be challenging.
The self-balancing vehicle is designed for speeds up to 24.8 mph, has a 43.5 loading range, and can carry up to 330.7lbs.
Invisible Mobile Keyboard (Samsung SelfieType)
How many times have you been answering an email on your mobile device and had to laboriously peck out the letters on your small screen, thinking how much faster it would be if you were just at your desktop computer at work?
Samsung is looking to improve productivity when working on smartphones by introducing the SelfieType virtual keyboard.
The technology uses a the phone’s camera to track finger movements, so all you have to have is a flat surface directly in front of your phone to type as you would normally and have the keystrokes be picked up by your device. This one’s still in development but would be a big time-saver.
Just for Fun
There were plenty of gadgets that were just really fun uses of technology
Robot Toilet Paper Butler (Charmin Rollbot)
The company behind Charmin showed us what the bathroom of the future could look like with the Charmin Rollbot. A little robot that looks like a bear and brings you a roll of toilet paper when you might not be able to get one yourself. This one isn’t for sale, but was a big hit just the same.
Pet Communicator (Inupathy Harness)
Billed at the world’s first mental visualizer for dogs, the Inupathy harness is designed to tell you how your dog is feeling based upon their heartbeat.
The harness changes colors, with each corresponding to a feeling, such as “relaxed”, “stressed”, “interested.” The harness also comes with an app that lets you catalogue how your pet is feeling over time so you can see how their moods change.
Ensure All Your New Smart Gadgets are Secure
Business networks are getting more smart devices added to them every year, make sure yours are set up securely by having Connect2Geek help!
Schedule a free tech security consultation today! Call 208-468-4323 or reach out online.