Part Two

CES 2021 Innovation Awards

https://www.ces.tech/Innovation-Awards/Honorees.aspx

The Consumer Electronics Association, the host and backer of the Winter Consumer Electronics Show for more than a half a century, annually selects the best innovative products via a select group of reporters, industry analysts, engineers, and columnists. Here are the latest winners:

https://www.ces.tech/Innovation-Awards/Honorees.aspx

DIGITAL FAMILY ADVISOR’S PICKS

DFA and the Palm Isles Computer Club once again covered the Consumer Electronics show from Vegas. Here are several of our top picks of products and services. Some are available now, others will be out in the second quarter of 2021.S 2021 

TELEVISIONS:

Once again TCL, now a top selling TV maker in the U.S outshined LG, Sony, Samsung, Hisence.

Asian-based electronics giant will add a new size to its popular line of televisions: 85 inches. Called the “XL Collection,” the three new sets will include an affordable 4-Series model, a more upscale QLED version and a flagship-level model with 8K resolution.

All sets are powered by Roku’s streaming platform, with the 4-Series and QLED models running at 4K resolution. TCL will also introduce 8K mini TVs.

LGs OLED, Sony and Samsung also countered with advanced LED models and the new hot mini LED category.

Samsung going for more interactivity with streaming devices has added remotes that are push-to-talk only and far-field hands-free mics, which respond to wake words like “Alexa” and “Hey, Google,” are built into the Q70A and higher TVs. As always you can disable the mics entirely.

But as usual, Roku is now available in more TVs than ever–exceeding Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TVs by millions.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS CONNECTIONS: 

WCES introduced several devices to help you connect to your physician or hospital–and more importantly make it easier for you to check your vitals. 

 Philips will launch the Sonicare Prestige 9900 toothbrush with sensors that detect how much pressure you apply while brushing, the movements you make with the brush and how well you actually clean each part of your mouth. Available soon, pricing not set yet. Braun has countered with a slightly more expensive unit. Philips is also selling the replaceable heads in a subscription package.

A few years from now the  iSyncWave brings Alzheimer detections home with a portable brain-mapping helmet that can detect early signs of Alzheimer’s dementia and provides LED therapy for dementia, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, ADHD, depression and other neurological issues.

NOBI: Like some of the advanced next gen Alexa’s and Google Home devices being introduced this year, Nobi enables elderly people to live at their desired place for as long as possible. With its smart lamps Nobi can detect falls and can, if needed, contact family or caregivers quickly. Supposedly very easy to set up and place, Nobi designed lamps provide peace of mind for seniors and their families, while improving care and communication. https://youtu.be/_lapF6eiWzo

Your allergy relief just got an upgrade

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Fluo’s FLO: Available later this year, but in final consumer testing right now, this simple-to-use handheld device is clinically proven to alleviate even your most severe seasonal allergy symptoms. Fluo’s drug-free light therapy technology treats your seasonal allergy symptoms with no side-effects*, no pharmaceuticals, and operates after just 12 seconds of light. Pricing will be about $100.

HidrateSpark: Your doctor is always telling you that you are not drinking enough water. HidrateSpark STEEL can help fix that. With Bluetooth, this smart water bottle links to a free HidrateSpark app and several fitness trackers, helping you set — and crush — your personalized hydration goal. Automatic reminders will alert you when it’s time to sip, thanks to an LED sensor at the bottom of the bottle. Spark comes in eye-many colors like fruit punch, sea glass, and wildberry, and keeps your H2O chilly for an impressive 24 hours. The HidrateSpark STEEL insulated stainless steel Bluetooth smart water bottle and free hydration tracker app is available on HidrateSpark.com for $64.99.

MORE SEX PLEASE:

Just like 2020 WCES winner, a 2021 Innovator Award nomination is the Satisfyer Love Triangle vibrator. Bluetooth-enabled, the product includes a smart and practical cap for good sex toy hygiene. The Satisfyer Connect app operates in more than 20 languages. Cost: $49.95.

The Tribune Picks

 (the former employer to several DFA staffers) chose some of the best products via their editors. Here is the list:

Best laptop

HP Elite Dragonfly Max: HP bulked up its Elite Dragonfly laptop with a better camera, improved sound quality, and enhanced security features in their its quest to make the ultimate work-from-home laptop. It’s perfect for anyone working on projects and spreadsheets, taking video calls, or simply on the computer 24/7.

Best home learning laptop

Acer 14-inch Chromebook Spin 514: If you need a laptop specifically for school or teaching, Acer’s first Chromebook features the new AMD Ryzen 3000 C-Series mobile processor to boost performance and also has a sandblasted aluminum chassis and military-grade durability. We’re happy about the affordable price tag of about $500, too.

Best affordable phone

Motorola Moto G Play: Motorola hits the nail on the head when it comes to high performance and affordability, and its latest phone is no exception. 

This smartphone is perfect for anyone on a budget who still wants lots of features and a sleek design.

Best Feature laden Android Phone

The One Plus Company, a 9 year old Asian mobile phone maker, now has four of the top rated Android Phones in U.S. markets according to leading industry analysts. Its 8 series ranks over the Samsung or Motorola line of phones, while its budget series comes with features not included in other phone brands. Priced from $250 to $1,200 this hot phone maker is also very popular in Europe.

Best home learning tablet

Lenovo Tab P11 Tablet: Strong processing performance along with quality video and audio technology make this tablet our favorite for home learning. It also supports Google Kids Space, which features hundreds of books and hours of content for kids.

Best robotic vacuum

Samsung JetBot 90 AI robot vacuum: This robotic vacuum takes easy, thorough, and fully automated floor cleaning to the next level. Not only does it automatically unload its bin, but it also uses lasers and cameras to navigate the floor, ensuring it doesn’t miss a spot.

Best game

Arcade1Up Infinity Game Table: This game table combines dozens of game options for all different types of players. Old school Pac-Man lovers will be nostalgic over the design that combines the fun of board games with modern technology.

Best food tech

Cuzen Matcha Starter Kit: If you’re more into a morning green tea than coffee, you’ll love being your own barista with this matcha maker. Now you can make delicious matcha at home without the whisk and bowl.

Best wearable tech

TCL Wearable Display: Imagine putting on sunglasses that are actually screens for you to stream your favorite shows. It’s no longer a futuristic dream. The only drawback is that it needs to be plugged into the device you’re streaming from.

Best concept

Razer N95 Mask: Reusable N95 masks were found all over CES this year, and this concept mask from Razer knocks it out of the park. It’s loaded with smart technology and extra safety features, plus it can be customized. We’re just hoping it goes into production soon!

Best sanitation tech

LG Rolling Sanitation Robot: We wouldn’t have seen so many sanitizing products if it weren’t for the pandemic, but tech like this will likely become common in businesses like restaurants, worksites, and stores. Essentially a rolling, robotic sanitizer, this device will save time in sterilizing public areas lowering the risk of exposure to germs.