Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is an exhibition for tech companies to announce their plans for new products and digital innovations. The event reveals where technology is going, making most of these initiatives available toward the end of the year, rather than immediately. This is the first CES show that was conducted virtually and, while there were many COVID-19 related products, most companies focused on their working developments. Here we have only some of the myriad gadgets projected to be on the market soon.
LG Display Semi-Transparent Screen
LG imagines the future as one with a diaphanous screen conveniently placed at the foot of your bed. Picture yourself waking up and—wait for it—you don’t reach for your phone, but still get all the updates you’d typically crave in the morning. This is what LG hopes to accomplish with their screen—one can use its narrow display, to catch tidbits and see the weather, or view it full-size in all its smart glory. The screen itself is OLED, so we know it’s presently the most advanced display available, and the sound is built directly into the screen. It is also not limited to a bed frame; this screen is transportable and is ideal for restaurants and offices. While this is not LG’s first transparent OLED screen (only a month ago they announced that they were developing sliding doors with the same technology) it is the first one imagined for both the commercial and home space.
Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator
An extension of Samsung’s Family Hub offering, the Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator is so much more than a chic appliance—although, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention its sleekness and exciting color assortment. Unlike most smart refrigerators, there is no screen on the door, but you can still check out whatever snacks may inspire hunger through the app. Not only does it order groceries for you, but it also provides recipes, preheats your oven, gives you notifications on the dishwasher and laundry and—if you are interested in a fridge that does the shopping—you can place your requests through voice control. A fully integrated kitchen is the future, and it seems that Samsung has the most thoughtful concepts in mind.
Nobi Smart Lamp for the Elderly
Nobi is a smart lamp made specifically for senior citizens, it is powered by AI and is programmed with the utmost empathy to support the elders in your family. Nobi senses if someone awakens in the middle of the night and illuminates the room with soft lighting. If they get out of bed, then a more central illumination will guide them to wherever they need to go. Nobi’s AI offers encouraging messages when it picks up that someone has been having mobility issues—this feature is enhanced by connecting Apple Watch and other smart health monitors to the device. If the elderly user were to fall, Nobi would ask if they’ve fallen, if the answer is anything other than “No,” Nobi reaches out to a trusted contact with an image of where the fall has taken place (image is abstract to protect their privacy). If the emergency contact does not answer, the device calls first responders and automatically unlocks the door so it is as seamless an experience as possible. Nobi cares about our senior citizens.
Ampere Bluetooth Shower Speaker
Although we’ve all heard of Bluetooth shower speakers (and likely have one already), Ampere is an ingenious device that never runs out of battery life since it is hydraulically powered. One more step toward sustainable technology! Its pricing is competitive, only $100, and the simplicity is arguably even more competitive. This device attaches to your showerhead and is equipped with volume and skip buttons; however, if your showerhead is difficult to reach, it also comes with a waterproof remote for easy access. Charging speakers is a hassle and with Ampere, the days of having your cables live in a bundle are over.
MyQ Pet Portal
Winner of the “Best of Innovation” this year at CES is the MyQ Pet Portal—whose slogan and website is appropriately, “Wanna Go Outside?” MyQ Pet Portal is a professionally installed door that is activated by your pup’s collar through a discreet sensor placed near the exit. If you’re out with friends or running errands, MyQ’s app sends you a notification when your furry loved one is antsy to get outside; all you have to do to allow them to run about and do their business is tap on the app. Once they’re done, MyQ lets you know when they’re ready to come back inside. You can also track your dog’s schedule and plan for the best time to step out or stay in—for both you and your pup.
Keep an eye out for these exciting initiatives and start planning your smart home adjustments today.
Responsive Living, the term coined by Acoustic Architects founders, Aaron Flint and Spencer Hauldren, is the concept of seamlessly enhancing the client’s unique lifestyle using smart home technology. Responsive Living allows you to interact with your space via touch input, voice command, and predictive automation, placing you in full control of your home.
If you would like to learn more about smart solutions for your home, feel free to connect with us. We will be happy to schedule a demo with you.
For more information, visit acousticarchitects.net.
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