The final day of CES has me finding a lot of really cool items.
So many that I have to make this a Top 10 List.
Here are my Top 10 CES Picks from Day 4:
• ZoZbot. This saucer shaped robot has expansion modules that can add a lot more to robogaming. Rocket launcher, camera and Wi-Fi connectivity open up so many other possibilities. Developers will be able make their own expansion modules with a 3D printer or program the ZoZbot. You can be the first to own one through their Indiegogo campaign.
• FLUX Delta. This 3D printer combines multiple functions into one machine: 3D printing, engraving, drawing and 3D scanning. Pretty amazing how this compact machine can do it all.
CES 2016
• Mars by crazybaby. A wireless Bluetooth levitating speaker system. Saucer also emits a light ring around the edge. Really love the smooth, clean design of it. The levitating saucer part of the speaker is portable and has the magnetic base to attach to metal surfaces. Comes in 3 colors and currently available on Amazon.
• YoCam. This small video camera is waterproof up to 20 feet without any additional housing, it weighs only 2 oz., has P2P remote connection and HDR imaging. Just finished being funded on Kickstarter.
• CellRobot. Although I was not able to see all the functionalities of CellRobot due to the WiFi interference, I was impressed by what I was able to see and the possibilities it brings. Each modular CellRobot can be combined into various robotic forms, like a robotic bartender, and can be controlled by the app or programmed by the user.
• WHILL. This wheelchair is unlike anything I have seen before. The design is so simple and clean, yet has so many functions. 4-wheel drive, control with WHILL app, All Directional Wheels, Electro-magnetic Brakes and one full charge can take you 12 miles. The technology in the front wheels is partly what makes it so cool. I was watching a pair of these weaving in and around a bunch of tables with so much ease.
• dokiWatch. The smartwatch for kids 6-12 years old that’s also a wareable phone and locator. It is 3G-enabled with video calling, voice messaging, location-tracking and a virtual pet. It has currently exceeded its funded goal on Kickstarter.
• MakerBloks. The perfect starter set to teach young kids about electronics and what makes them work. The digital activity book combined with the digital building blocks teach kids about STEM learning. Kids will be able to program their own circuits with these blocks, as well as, purchase other MakerBlok sets.
• Royole-X. Foldable audio and video headset, with adjustable diopter/pupillary distance. I tried these on for a test. Watched the Jurassic World trailer and played a few rounds of Killer Instinct on it. Sound and video quality were really good, but the view screen is a little small and needs to be a bit bigger. Which I believe they mentioned was being worked on.
• URB-E. Compact folding electric scooter. Saw some guys riding these while I was waiting in line to board the shuttle bus. It looks a little strange and odd. Weighs about 35 lbs and top speed is 15 mph.
A few more stand out products to mention:
• CUJO. Cybersecurity monitor that watches over your computers, smart phones, baby monitors, TVs and other connected devices to block any cyber threats. Once attached to your router it analyzes, secures and monitors your network.
• Livescribe Smart Pen 3 Moleskine Edition. This product is mainly useful for writing, but can be used for sketching/drawing. Combined with a Moleskine it has all the makings of an artists’ sketchbook. I have always felt more comfortable drawing with a real pen than a digital one. Not sure why… think it’s because I can control the pressure better. One draw back with this is the use of special paper.
• WonderWoof. Activity tracker for your dog. Monitors daily activities based on the age, size and breed of your dog. Calculates the amount of exercise needed. They’ve added some new features and are working on one for cats.
• LX-I from LOOXID Labs. Wearable eye-brain interface platform. Uses an eye-tracking system, brainwave sensors and 3D head position tracking system.
• Beam. A projector equipped with a smart computer in a lightbulb. Plays apps such as Netflix, Youtube, facebook, etc. Can also be programmed to project slideshows, movies or messages.
• GenZe 2.0. I got to test drive this electric scooter. Which probably was not my smartest move, since I have never driven one before or a motorcycle. On top of that, my track record of test riding at CES has not been great. So with that said… I did fine for a couple minutes going in a counterclockwise circle, it wasn’t until I changed to a clockwise direction when I failed. Luckily I had slowed down enough that the scooter just fell on me. The scooter weighs about 250 lbs., tops at 30 mph and has a tablet display. It also has a very roomy cargo area on the back which held my backpack quite nicely.
• LifeFuels. This smart nutrition bottle, combined with the app and FuelPods, will improve your overall nutrition, hydration and fitness. The FuelPods dispense vitamins, concentrated beverage mixes and nutritional supplements. The one thing missing from the bottle is a handy carrying strap/leash to hook it on to your bag, backpack, bike or your waist. The strap at the top only works as a cap and not strong enough to be used as a carrying strap.
• ili. Wearable translator. Instantly translates English, Japanese and Chinese. Works without Wi-Fi, 3G or internet connection.
I forgot to mention this one from my Day 1 picks and it should really be in there:
• Sphero BB-8 Droid. Okay, this has been out for over 5 months now so why am I highlighting this? A new version is coming out with a bit of a worn out look and matte finish, Jakku version. Not only that but it will be bundled together with the new controller, the Force Band. You can control BB-8 with just a wave of your hand. No more mobile device and repositioning BB-8. They were demoing the prototype at the booth and it looks to work really well. This won’t be out until Fall 2016.
With so many great things at CES this year it is really hard to pick out my favorite ones. There are a few more that I could mention, but some I would need to see them in action or try them out. I’m hoping that next year it doesn’t get any larger because if it does, then it will be a little more difficult to cover.
