Associated Press
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Last week’s CES Tech Show in Las Vegas showcased a wide range of innovations, from electric cars and boats to wireless TVs to the latest mobile phones and tablets. Part of it was aimed at solving big real-world problems. Some of them are aimed at making your life more enjoyable. And some of it was a little there.
Associated Press journalists combed the cavernous exhibit halls last week, looking for the most exciting, interesting, and unusual innovations.
Here’s what caught our eye:
the most fun way to go to work
Journalists enjoyed the CES Unveiled event on remote-controlled electric inline skates from French startup AtmosGear.
Founder Mohamed Soliman said the battery will last 20 miles (32 kilometers). He hopes people will see batteries as a viable way to commute, much like electric bicycles and electric scooters.
“My goal is for everyone to go skating again, because it’s so much fun. Every time I see people skating, I see them with a big smile,” Soliman said.
The waist bag houses the battery and cables connected to the skate. They can also be used as normal skates when they need to be recharged or when skaters want to move on their own.
$500 skates are available for pre-order. The company has so far received orders for 150 pairs and will start production with the aim of receiving orders for 200 pairs.
technology to take to the party
Korean company Prinker showcased a handheld device that makes applying temporary tattoos quick and easy.
The device uses cosmetic-grade ink with a library of thousands of designs, or the option to create your own in the company’s app. only. Tattoos are waterproof, but should be washed off with soap.
The flagship model is $279 and the small model is $229. An ink cartridge good for 1,000 tattoos is $119.
There are also accessories that temporarily dye your hair.
Kitchen tech we covet
GE Profile has launched a smart mixer that can weigh ingredients in a bowl as you work.
The mixer also has automatic sensors that can monitor changes in texture and viscosity and adjust speed accordingly. The power will automatically turn off to prevent overmixing.
You can also operate it by voice, so you don’t have to stop working to wash your hands.
All that accuracy doesn’t come cheap. The mixer costs $999.95 and is only available at Crate & Barrel.
technology to buy your parents
Bird Buddy showed off a smart bird feeder that captures your feathered buddies flying in for treats. The startup says his AI technology can recognize more than 1,000 species of his birds, so users can share the types of birds they feed through a mobile app.
Kyle Buzzard, co-founder and chief hardware officer of the company, said: .
The product has already sparked interest from consumers who want to show the world what kind of birds come to their backyards.
The company, which started as a Kickstarter project in 2020, said it began shipping bird feeders in September and has already sold all 100,000 of its inventory. The basic feeder is priced at $199.
technology to buy your child
Meet Dog-E, the excitable robodog.
Dog-E, released by toy maker WowWee, has over a million light, sound and personality trait combinations.
Dog-E starts with a blank canvas and develops its personality as you set it up.
Connected to an app, the toy has audio sensors to hear sounds, touch sensors on the sides and body, and a tail that can be programmed to display glowing icons and messages when shaken.
WowWee’s Jessica Kalichman says it’s a good option for those who can’t commit to getting a real puppy, or who may have allergies.
“For people who aren’t ready to have a dog yet, I think this is a great test to learn how to care for, feed and raise a dog and actually try it out for a family,” she said. Told.
WowWee plans to bring Dog-E to stores in September. It will retail for $79. The app that controls the toy’s movements does not require a subscription.
tech for good
Knowing exactly when an avocado is ripe might sound a bit niche, but Dutch startup OneThird believes it’s key to reducing food waste.
The company announced an avocado scanner designed for supermarkets. This is currently being tested in Canada and can determine if the avocado is still firm or ready to eat.
OneThird is already working with growers, distributors and others along its supply chain to predict the expiration dates of avocados, tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries, and is working on additional produce.
According to the United Nations, about one-third of all food in the world is wasted. Reducing it means less food waste is thrown into methane-producing landfills.
technology for pets
Ever wondered what your dog would say if it could talk to you?
FluentPet promises the next best thing — the company says it can train pets to push when they’re hungry, need to get outside, or want to play.
The buttons are housed in a hexagonal plastic mat called a hectile. Hectiles can be connected together to form larger button collections.
“Because dogs have the precision and specificity of a button, they know to some degree that they are being understood so that they stop questioning whether they are actually communicating what they want. , you complain less,” said Leo Trottier, CEO of FluentPet.
At CES, the company announced FluentPet Connect. This is a new app that notifies owners when their dogs press buttons and collects data on how they use them.
Fluent Pet’s starter kit includes a hectile, speaker, and 6 buttons for $159.95. The app does not require a subscription.
Technology that makes your next conference call more exciting
Tired of the same old video conference calls? Zero Distance thinks there might be an answer.
The company’s Wehead device allows people in a meeting to feel like they are in the same room as remote participants.
The device looks like the machine you find in an ophthalmologist, but with a screen in front. Participants from a distance can see the machine in three dimensions as if they were there, and the machine moves when they look around or nod.
Wehead works with standard computer or smartphone webcams.
“If there are a few people around the table and there is only one screen, not everyone can see the screen, and not everyone at the laptop can see,” Wehead creator says Ilia Sedoshkin. “It’s an obvious application.”
“But people who spend 40 hours a week in a home office don’t see many other people. You can,” Sedshkin said.
Wehead is priced at $1,555 and the Pro version is available for $4,555.
Innovations we most wanted to bring home
According to Japan’s Yukai Engineering, the company’s robotic pillow can help users relax by mimicking the rhythm of their breathing.
The soft and fluffy pillow gently stretches and vibrates when placed on your stomach. The idea is that as your breathing begins to synchronize with the movement of your pillow, you will begin to breathe more slowly and deeply.
Developed based on research at the University of Tokyo.
Yukai President Shunsuke Aoki says the pillow can help remote workers who are struggling to quit their jobs.
The version shown at CES is a prototype. The company is looking for a partner and hopes to start production this year.
Best Celebrity Appearance
Singer and dancer Paula Abdul came to CES to launch Idol Eyes, a line of audio sunglasses.
“I’ve wanted to get into the tech world for a long time,” Abdul told The Associated Press.
Starting at $199, the sunglasses feature 5 hours of battery life and play audio from the frame’s arms via Bluetooth connectivity. You can listen to music and answer phone calls.
The Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist’s first eyewear collection is available in seven colors with polarized and blue light filter lenses.
“I just combine fashion, movement and technology,” Abdul said. “My heart is here.”
___
For more information on CES, please visit https://apnews.com/hub/technology.
