Had a bit of a delay in getting CES 2021 together this year, as it was held virtually from January 11-14, 2021. Normally the event is held in Las Vegas, but due to the ongoing pandemic it was held for the first time ever as an all-digital event.
CES also made history as the largest digital tech event featuring almost 2000 exhibitors, live entertainment, keynotes and more than 100 hours of conference programming. Get a glimpse of the latest upcoming tech innovations and product launches from startups to tech giants.
I would normally have posted and tweeted during the entire week of CES, while in Las Vegas. But things being the way they are made it a little bit more challenging with virtual booths. Not quite the same, but it’s better to be safer.
The first day began with Media Day at 7am EST, which for me meant 4am PST, on a Monday morning and 19 press conferences from Bosch, Canon, Caterpillar, Hisense, Intel, LG, Mercedes-Benz, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony, just to name a few. The really early start time did mess me up a little bit, as normally CES has a start time for Media Day at 7am PST. However, it didn’t have that rushed feeling either. Normally the conferences all have back-to-back start times and you would have to run to the next conference room, right when it ended to try and get a seat or into the conference room. But even if I missed or skipped a couple that morning, CES would also post the video to their site within 24-48 hours.
Besides the bigger companies, such as LG, Samsung, Canon Sony and others, I found some pretty cool products and gadgets scrolling through the vendors on the CES 2021 site:
- Aftershokz – New for 2001 is their new bone-conducting, Open-Comm, wireless headset. Great for the home, office and gamers that do not need a noise cancelling headset. https://us.aftershokz.com
- Ampere – Cell is a portable UV sanitizer and wireless charger with anti-microbial exterior. HyperCube Solo is more than your ordinary wireless charging station, as it is also has sleep aid functions and can be used flattened. https://ampere.shop
- Cheerble – Pet Tech for cats and dogs. https://www.cheerble.com
- Colop Digital – Handheld, portable color printer. Perfect for crafters, labeling and stamping. https://www.colop.com
- Heatbox – Next-Gen lunch box. This portable, self-heating lunch container uses steam to heat your lunch and charges by USB. Have a fresh lunch anywhere with no microwave required. https://www.myheatbox.com
- Nexvoo – Conferencing equipment for the home or office and a Next-Gen facemask that is see-through. https://nexvoostore.com
- Petpuls – AI powered dog collar that can reveal your dogs feelings and notify you of wellness issues. https://www.petpuls.net
- Razer – Project Hazel smart mask that will appeal to gamers with its cool design and LED lights. https://www.razer.com/concepts/razer-project-hazel
- Rise Gardens – Indoor gardening system for people that would like to grow their own fresh produce. https://risegardens.com
- Satisfyer – A section of technology at CES that has gained prominence last year is Sextech products for women. This year they are showcasing the Satisfyer Connect App and the SatisfyerLove Triangle, which were both CES Innovation Award Honorees. https://us.satisfyer.com/us
- Targus – Their new line of backpacks and accessories include anti-microbial features for safe working and travel. https://us.targus.com
- Twinkly – These lights are no longer just for Christmas trees. Enhance your game/vlog stream or your environment with these LED room lights that can be customized to any look and feel. https://www.twinkly.com
- WOWcube – LED cube based entertainment system that works like a Rubik’s Cube. https://wowcube.com
And so much more to be seen.
Just in case you may have missed it, here are some other cool products from CES 2020:
- Sketchboard Pro – Gives you a better and more comfortable drawing experience using your iPad. https://sketchboardpro.com
- POW Audio – Wireless speakers with expandable features that enhance the bass and sound quality. It’s surprising how much sound comes out from these little devices. https://powaudio.com
- Cleer – Wireless and wearable Halo can be used without being a disturbance and my favorite, the open-ear Arc headphones. https://cleeraudio.com
- Genki Covert Dock – Who needs that bulky dock for the Nintendo Switch when you have this portable dock and charger. https://www.genkithings.com/products/covert-dock
- GreenBulb SonarPen – Pressure sensitive smart pen that can be used for sketching on the Nintendo Switch, iPhones, iPads and Android devices. https://www.sonarpen.com
- Motorola RAZR – The flip phone look of the old RAZR, but with a foldable screen and look of a smartphone. https://www.motorola.com/us/smartphones-razr/p
- AtGames Legends Ultimate Arcade – This 2-player arcade-style cabinet holds 300 officially licensed arcade and console games. https://www.atgames.net/arcades/legends-ultimate
- Prinker – Portable handheld printer that can print temporary tattoos, that last about a day, using cosmetic ink. I chose this tribal-looking fish as a sample. https://www.prinker.us
- HyperX ChargePlay Clutch for Nintendo Switch – Charging case for the Nintendo Switch extends your gameplay up to 5 additional hours https://www.hyperxgaming.com
CES has announced that they will be back to a physical convention, as well as continuing in a digital format for 2022. Which I hope does happen, as I am still not a big fan of these virtual events. The feeling is just not the same as a physical event. The excitement and fun isn’t quite there without a show floor to explore, and I would come across some cool products just by roaming the exhibit hall. Plus, you could see and try out the products in person.
For more information on CES 2021 and the Consumer Electronics Show, visit https://www.ces.tech.
