By The Staff of Digital Family Advisor

LG’s Fitness Foray

After being out maneuvered in audio video and mobile products by its Korean arch rival Samsung, LG jumped ahead in the burgeoning arena of fitness related electronics with the LG Lifeband Touch and the LG Heart Rate Earphones.

The Lifeband Touch is a wearable device that will track the users’ exercise activity. The device will use a 3-axis accelerometer to track motion and everything will be displayed on a small OLED touch enabled display. The device will track the data and transfer it to any of several fitness apps including LG’s proprietary app.

The Heart Rate Earphones are able to track the user’s heart rate by measuring blood flow through the outer ear. The earphones are able to connect to the Lifeband Touch via Bluetooth to get the real time information on any of your apps.

Both devices will be available in the US starting in the first half of 2014.

LG also unveiled its new web operating system for their smart TVs during the first day of CES.  LG says they plan to include the new OS in the majority of their new TVs that are released in 2014 and it comes with a bevy of new features that are meant to streamline for both watchers and creators.

The new OS allows content creators to develop apps with ease and also allows the user to access said apps with a revamped scrolling search function.

Sony’s 4 K Strategy

Most of Sony’s CES announcements revolved around the company’s recent achievements in the expanding 4K market. Chiefly among the announcements is the new 4K Handycam (retailing for about $2,000) and the new series of 4k TVs (9 models across 3 series of 4K televisions).

A big shock came from Sony’s announcement of their portable head mounted display – which play video and games on the go. It can also detect movement of the users head, and will likely aimed at becoming a competitor for the Oculus Rift.

With the mobile market being so dominated by Samsung and Apple, Sony is continuing to make a grab at the smartphone market with the Xperia Z1s. The Z1S is largely similar to Sony’s Z1, but with some better image capabilities. The phone will be out on January 22.

NVIDIA’s Tegra K1

The mobile gaming market is growing faster than a litter of rabbits. That being said the necessity for increased graphical fidelity is growing, and to compensate NVIDIA unveiled their new chip for mobile devices, the NVIDIA Tegra K1.

The Tegra K1 has a mind-shattering 192 cores that allow it to produce near console quality graphics onto something as simple as a Smartphone or Tablet. This kind of tech can bridge the gap between console and mobile gaming, making a future where gaming on the go is better than ever.

Roku TV

Roku is becoming the first set top box Internet accessory maker to actually have its product built into TVs. The company, primarily known for their digital distribution service, says the will be licensing their technology to TV manufacturers to create various options for the consumer. The technology is designed to strip away the complicated layers of most smart TVs and replace it with a more streamlined experience.

Roku TV models are expected to be available for purchase this fall from major retailers in the U.S. and Canada. They will be available in a variety of sizes ranging from 32 to 55 inches. Pricing will be determined by the manufacturers and should be released later this year. The company would not indicate how 4K or Ultra TVs, would handle the Internet content, Roku is famous for.

The SmartCharge LED Bulb

Power outages are among the most annoying things in the first world….especially recently with all the bad weather hitting the entire country. The SmartCharge bulb looks and functions much the same as a regular light bulb, however when the apocalypse happens and the power grid goes off you’ll be the only one in town not tripping over your clothes – because even when the lights are out a SmartCharge bulb will work. The company’s involved with SmartCharge said retail availability and more pricing details will be released soon.

Philip’s Gaming TV

Philips, which seems to be in and out of the audio video market in North America, became the second TV maker to announce a large screen model designed for gaming. Phillip’s 27” gaming TV is built with NVIDIA’s  G-SYNC technology allowing for drastically reduced screen tearing and increased synchronization for the game’s refresh rate.

Phillip’s gaming TV is expected to launch in the spring of 2014 for $649 MSRP. So far only Ben Q gaming TVs can match the pixel ratio of the Philips models.

Virtual Diagnosis Spine

The Virtual Diagnosis Spine is an interactive questionnaire (administered via an app) that allows the user to get a preliminary diagnosis of back issues. Keep in mind that this is NOT intended to treat you in place of a doctor – but the data received combined with the App can speed the diagnosis process for your orthopedists and neurologists.

VIZIO Expands Audio Video Line

VIZIO , which relinquished its TV sales lead for the first time in years, has come out swinging on the first day of CES with their innovative new portable Bluetooth Soundbar and 4K (Ultra HD) televisions. The Soundbar aims to push the technology to include a built in touchscreen running Android’s Kitkat to stream both music and video from mobile devices on the road.

VIZIO’s 4K Reference Series TVs aim to offer the best picture and audio quality while maintaining a competitive price.  The Reference Series will be available in a 65” model and a 120” model.

Fitbug’s “KiK Plans”

 Fitbug, one of the first wearable health and fitness product makers,  is expanding its digital health programs with the introduction of KiK Plans – a wearable coaching aid designed to push your fitness in the right direction to meet goals. The individual plans start at $19.99 and will be compatible with all of Fitbug’s wearable devices via Bluetooth (Fitbug Orb, Fitbug Go and Fitbug air – all $49.95).

Channel Masters Over the Air DVR

Channel Masters has announced the first over the air, subscription free DVR device called DVR+. The device will allow the user to receive and record all sorts of video content directly onto the television. The box will give access to networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS and The CW. The DVR+ is available for $249.99.