10 Best Gadgets Unveiled At CES

The Consumer Electronics Show held at Las Vegas, USA glues tons of exhibitors every year. . This year was also not an exception with some amazing gadgets unveiled in the first 2 days and lot more are expected to be unveiled in the upcoming days.  Here are a collection of the 10 best gadgets unveiled at the show till now.

Lenovo's 27-inch IdeaCentre Horizon Table PC

Lenovo released its IdeaCentre Horizon Table PC at the 2013 CES tradeshow. The device boasts a 27-inch screen and is designed for different types of users. Mainly the device was designed specifically with gaming in mind but can also serve as a desktop computer. The Horizon runs Windows 8 OS and has a ten-point multitouch display with gesture controls which supports multiple users. The product is powered by Intel’s i7 processors and Nvidia’s GeForce graphics chips. Some major game and app developers already have collaborated with Lenovo to release software for Horizon. Lenovo will be selling this product in the summer of 2013 with a starting price of $ 1,699.

Sony Xperia Z

Sony Mobile Communications released its new flagship Android Smartphone, Xperia Z at the tradeshow. The phone features a 5-inch full HD 1080P reality display along with 2.2MP front and 13.1MP rear camera and it is powered by a 1.5GHz S4 pro quad-core Snapdragon processor. It has 2GB RAM, 16GB internal memory with expandable storage space. Connectivity includes GPS, Micro USB 2.0, Bluetooth, NFC and Wi-Fi. The company is yet to reveal the release date and pricing of the phone.

Samsung Series Chronos 7 Laptop

Chronos 7 is a laptop featuring high quality 15.6-inch SuperBright display screen and is powered by the AMD Radeon HD6750M hybrid graphics which boast sharp clear images, high definition video and gaming experience in stereoscopic 3D.  The device has a sleek aluminum casing with an elegant look. It is powered by Intel’s I7 processor along with innovative Express Cache technology which provides ultra fast processing speed and internet access. The most amazing part of this laptop is it boots the system within 2.1 seconds after pressing the power button.

Huawei Ascend Mate Smartphone

Huawei launched an amazing Smartphone which featured a 6.1-inch display screen and supports 720p display. The phone has a gigantic display which is paired with a 4050 mAh battery and it is powered by 1.5GHz quad-core processor. Compared to Samsung Galaxy Note II this phone has a more powerful battery, which is expected to provide a long life. Dual Wi-Fi of this phone supports download speed up to 150Mbps, in the demonstration stage a 1GB file took a time nearly 60 seconds to download. Company officials said that this phone can be used 22 hours for chatting, 14 hours for surfing the web, or watching 10 hours video. The “Magic Touch” technology supports the phone which can be used with normal gloved hands. An array of apps “Guiding Wizard”, “Smart Reading” and “Easy Panel” which features combination of camera and navigation, easy way  to isolate text in words and access to notes and messages respectively.

Convertible Lenovo Ultrabook Helix

A Convertible Lenovo Ultrabook was displayed at an Intel news conference last week. Lenovo has unveiled their latest convertible model, Helix Ultrabook at the CES trade show. It’s a touch based convertible tablet cum pc along with a newly Labeled Design known as “rip and flip”. The device features an Ivy Bridge-based Core i7 processors, up to 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD, two USB 3.0 ports, mini-DisplayPort and even mini-HDMI.

Samsung Smart Camera

Samsung unveiled a range of smart compact cameras with advanced hardware features at the CES expo yesterday. An array of devices will come with Smart Camera 2.0 technology which offers a range of share, shoot and editing options.  This gadget will be available in different models. The Autoshare feature directly sends the images to a handset via Wi-Fi after they have been caught. The iOS app of the camera turns the handset into a remote viewfinder for the camera. The WB250F model features an 18x optical zoom, 24mm lens and 14.2 million pixel CMOS sensor and the WB800F features a 21x optical zoom, a 16.3 million pixel CMOS sensor and touch-screen functionality.

 

Acer Aspire detachable Ultrabook

Computer manufacturer Acer launched a detachable Ultrabook at CES in Las Vegas named as Haswell.  Intel officials said It has a next generation Core processor and provides largest ever battery life in the segment. Other features of this device will be enhanced security protocols, and better constant connectivity. The Haswell detachable 11.6-inch Ultrabook can increase its size to 13.3 inches by expanding its screen right to the edges. The device provides 10 hours battery life in tablet mode.

Samsung Ultra HD TV

Samsung launched its 4K Ultra HD TV at the event. The officials were not clear about release date and pricing for S9 line of products. According to TechRadar Samsung’s 4K TV’s could hit the market by Q1 or possibly by Q2 of this year. Report also says that the 95 and 110 inch UHD 4K TVs will not go into production, Samsung simply boasts them off at CES.

Sharp HD TV

Sharp has unveiled 3 models to the exhibitors at CES expo.  The 6 series boast 1080p display with AQUAMotion 240, while the 7- and 8- series will carry the same resolution features with Quattron "color intensification" and AQUOMotion 480 and AQUOMotion 960 technology. Sharp’s AQUOS LED TVs features Smart and 3D facilities with new slim designs.  The cheapest model will start off at about $1,500 for the 60-inch non-3D LC-60LE650, while the most expensive HDTV with a price tag of $6,500. Reports also say that both of the products will be available in February and April.

 

Sharp IGZO Tablet Aquos Pad

Sharp launched its IGZO Aquos Tablet at CES expo. IGZO (Indium gallium zinc oxide) is newly designed technology by Sharp which anticipates ultra-high screen resolution with very low power usage. According to the company officials, the device can be used with OLED type displays as it doesn’t have backlighting too. It will only use 30% of the power during reading or typing operations. A big advantage to user is that he will be able to use a clock or have notifications on the screen when it is connected to Standby Mode. IGZO technology can use the onscreen data for a certain period of time without refreshing it, even when the power is off. The company had not yet revealed the details and pricing of this product.

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World's Slimmest Smartphone Unveiled At CES

Bangalore: On the eve of ongoing CES at LasVegas; Alcatel, manufacturer of mobile phones unveiled a slew of products starting with the One Touch Idol Ultra, the lightest and slimmest Smartphone yet. Even though Alcatel doesn’t reach up to the list of the top mobile manufacturers, for some reason, they do manufacture mobile phones that do pretty well.

The One Touch Idol Ultra, which is claimed by Alcatel to be the slimmest phone, weighs barely 4.1 ounces at just 0.25 inch thickness. The phone is powered by 1.2 GHz dual core processor and 1GB of RAM. It runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and features a 8-megapixel camera with a sleek, glossy plastic cover.

Unfortunately, the thin size of the phone doesn’t provide the space for a 3.5mm headphone jack, which creates difficulties with Bluetooth streaming for audio.

Alcatel also lays a claim to the title of the world’s lightest Smartphone with the One Touch Idol. It is essentially the same phone, except that it supports the headphone jack because it’s thick enough but lighter than the One Touch Idol Ultra at just 3.88 ounces.

In addition, the company has also unveiled other products such as Scribe HD which falls under the category of phablet as well as considered to be Alcatel’s largest new phone on display and the One Touch M’Pop, an entry- level Smartphone into the Alcatel’s new Pop series. The M’Pop is a cute, tiny phone with a 4 inch display, 1 GHz processor and a 5 megapixel rear camera.

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The 13 Strangest Technologies Unveiled At CES 2013

For tech savvy enthusiasts, CES 2013 had lots.  From world’s first I TB USB Flash drive to thinnest Smartphone, the show had many surprises stored for the spectators. It was also not short of some strangest devices and technologies displayed till date. Here are the 13 Strangest among them.

 
#1 PSiO

Those looking for a sound sleep can try PSiO glasses. They may look like a weird set of glasses that flash lights while you sleep. But amazingly, these glasses helps to treat body pain and control weight.

#2 Aston Martin iPad and iPhone cases

It seems like James Bond’s luxury car of choice is getting into the mobile device accessory market. The leather iPad case from Aston Martin is priced at $300 and comes with varying luxury colors and shapes suiting your choice at the best.

#3 Re- Timer

The Re-Timer is an amazing device, which helps to reset your body clock by shining a green 500 nanometer light on your eyes. The product sounds beneficial for shift workers and frequent fliers. The Australian Company just released its Re-Timer for $282.67 before its launch in the U.S.

#4 Extraterrestrial Technology Quantum Vet

The Quantum Vet is a device that lets you use your cell phone or any other device with internet access, to instantly diagnose and medically treat your pet at home. However Quantum Vet isn’t actually a physical tangible device.

Instead, Extraterrestrial Technology, the company behind this strange feature is to open up a portal. Once the portal has been opened, data transports from your remote quantum computer to your pets brain. Quantum Vet then accesses your pet’s neural network in order to run a diagnostic of what is causing its symptoms, which takes about a minute. Once this process is complete, Quantum Vet accesses the necessary master programs to restore your pet’s health and repeatedly unloads these programs to your pet over a five day period. The treatment is continued until the pet is completely healed. Therefore all this happens without completely touching your pets.

#5 Tosy mRobo Ultra Bass

This is a dancing robot with a built in speaker. It has a 2 GB of onboard memory that can be filled up with tunes over USB, and will morph from a speaker into an 18-inch tall dancing human when you press ‘play’. The mRobo dances with preprogrammed routines, but it holds the capability of analyzing beats and rhythms so that it can get to virtually any genre or rhythm of music.

#6 Beamz Player Interactive Music System

The device seems like an innovative, recreational and entertainment product. People of all ages and skill levels can look forward to possess it. This music system consists of laser sensors and a software package that lets you queue up songs with different packs. Music can be arranged, created and played like never before. It even lets the least musical users, air guitar like rock stars. Everything is made to sound great, no matter how you touch the lasers and play the light.

#7 CTA iPotty

Tech savvy babies have something new here. The CTA iPotty is all set to potty train your babies. It is essentially a potty trainer with an iPad stand built into it. The stand can be used to facilitate the said training with the use of externally developed existing apps.

The device is compatible with iPad 2/3/4 and the potty is designed for shifty kids who often don’t like to stay in the same spot for too long. But it seems that CTA hasn’t ruled out making it the ultimate potty training app. Other apps also include the Sesame Street branded one where Elmo encourages your child’s training.

The iPotty will be available this March and will retail for $39.99 with its availability on Amazon and elsewhere.

#8 Thumbs up Tap Charger

The Thumbs up charger is a faucet shaped device used to charge your phone. This fake faucet can be screwed into a wall to charge your phone via USB. All you have to do is to turn the faucet on to pour in power to your phone.

#9 CTX MISEETX All-in-One Microcomputer

Some thing seems to be new here, even if it’s a small computer. The device called MISEETX includes a built in screen, a built-in pico projector to show pictures on the wall, a built in laser keyboard and a trackpad onto a flat space. The Pico Projector is capable of projecting HD resolution images up to 88” in size. It doesn’t need a mouse, a keyboard, or a monitor, but it does seem to need a really dark room.

 #10 Satzuma Shower Radio

Apart from selling different wacky USB devices, Satzuma also sells a shower radio that looks like a faucet. It goes well with the company’s USB Webcam that looks like a movie camera and its retro cell handset that looks like a corded phone handset.

The device is a waterproof shower radio ideal for bathrooms, made up in tap design. The tap is used to switch it on and off and to adjust the volume. The radio supports FM frequency and can run on two AA batteries.

#11 Parrot Flower Power

The Parrot Flower Power is a wireless plant sensor that helps keep track of the soil around your plant providing feedback to let you know the condition of your plant. Once you have installed this device by a plant in your garden, or even a potted plant in your house, just download the app and you will be informed about your plant.

#12 Action SpnKiK Rocket Skates

For those who want to run on wheels, here’s a glimpse of the extreme you can do. SpnKiK.com says that with normal road trips and short distances, SpnKiK Rocket Skates help you save up to $300 in gas and can save the earth from almost 1 metric ton of CO² emissions in one year.

Designed in sunny Southern California, Los Angeles by ACTION Inc., SpnKiK is the first offering of its kind. These motorized galoshes are prices up to $700 which make the ultimate roller skates for you.

#13 Necomimi Brainwave Cat Ears

The NeuroSky Necomimi is electronic cat ears, with motors and sensors that make them move based on your brain activity. This novelty is priced at $99.95 directly.

The design is such that the Necomimi has a pair of fuzzy ears that fit on two large rectangular blocks on the headband. They can also be replaced with horns, antenna or things that resemble the same. The blocks are mounted on motorized pads letting the ears move up and down in response to your brain activity. The brain activity is measured by a sensor that is pressed against your forehead and a pair of sensors that are clipped into the left ear.

Both the sensors are connected to a long box on the left side of the left band with a power button and a compartment that holds four AAA batteries.

The head band seems to be relatively comfortable and easily adjustable. It takes a few minutes to get used to the 7.2 ounce frame. The pressure of the pads and the sensor on the forehead can feel strange at first. The motors in the ears slightly buzz making it irritable sometimes depending on mood.

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5 Dumbest Products Showcased At CES

While the annual CES tradeshow curtained down leaving spectators fascinated, there were some products which stood with a question mark. Let’s take a look at the ‘dumbest’ products showcased this year.

# 1 CTA Digital Eye Potty

The iPotty is a training toilet on to which parents can attach an iPad. Apps are available to persuade the diaper dependent child to wipe and flush. But this has to do more than just showing that parents using it for their children are ones really in need of help. Doctors are also doubtful about its effectiveness. It is reported that one doctor is already doubtful about this technology, given the tantrums that the toddler throws.

# 2 Haier eye-controlled TV

To make laziness an art form, Haier came up with a TV that can be controlled with your eye. Holding a remote in your hand and pressing buttons with your thumb is just too taxing. Here blinking is clicking. The TV comes with a sensor apparatus that track user’s eye movements to move an on screen cursor. But the problem here is that this doesn’t work that well. It hardly works at all if the user is wearing glasses.

# 3 Acer’s ‘Retina class’ tablet          

4K high definition seems to be the biggest theme this year. Acer claimed to have its tablet with a ‘Retina-class display’. But it wasn’t understandable as to how the retina-class display worked.  Meanwhile Apple increased definition by increasing pixel density; Acer just threw in more pixels which meant that it shrinks screen images in order to make them high definition.

# 4 HapiLabs Hapifork electronic fork

Looks like a fork, but it doesn’t do the fork related activities as its purpose is to track your eating habits. The built in motion sensor tracks how frequently you raise the fork from your plate to the mouth. It is supposed to beep if you are eating too much or too fast, which sounds relatively the same. Whether you fill yourself with pounds of bacon or enjoy your peas one at a time, the idea out here is pointless.

# 5 Panasonic 4K tablet

The selling point for this tablet is its massive 20 inch 4K screen. Seems to be well suited for designers, architects and even those interested for extra detail and screen space its drawback is the inability to handle all the detail and real estate. The tablet even lags behind on touch screen manipulation.

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