Seasoned gadgetry geeks attending the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) can be tough to impress, yet several showstoppers found their way onto technology reporters’ “best of” lists. Here’s the lowdown on the top five most exciting and innovative products from CES 2013.
Best in Smart Appliances: Samsung T9000 Wi-Fi Refrigerator
Generating the most excitement with CES attendees for its snazzy apps and home network connectivity, this refrigerator most wowed for its flexible utility compartment that morphs from freezer to refrigerator mode with push button ease. Useful features include Pandora radio, weather reports, news bulletins, and even social media websites like Twitter. Awesome apps include the grocery list maker on its door-front, and the 10-inch LCD display tablet that has smart phone connectivity for using at the grocery store. On the practical side, specialized sensors in the fresh food compartments help fruit and veggies stay fresh longer. It’s pricey at $4000 and should be available in late spring.
Best in Fitness Gadgets: Withings Smart Activity Tracker
A tiny device for tracking every movement during exercise, sitting, or even while sleeping, includes a new pulse meter feature making it the best in show for being the most comprehensive of the latest health monitoring devices. Along with standard functions like step and calorie counting, distance and pace logging, and sleep quality measures, its heart rate monitor during rest and motion makes it uniquely versatile. Its app stores records allowing easy sharing with doctors. Convenient blue tooth connectivity sends notification alerts to a smart phone. With the size of a memory stick, Withings Smart Activity Tracker slides easily into a pocket, armband, or belt clip.
Best in Frequent Flyer Tools: Trakdot Luggage Tracker
Finding out whether checked bags made it onto the plane, before takeoff, takes all the lost luggage hassles away. The small device operates on AA batteries and is placed inside baggage. A GPS tracker sends real-time location information to any smartphone. Families with multiple bags can track them on multiple smartphones for convenience. Most useful when bags go astray and smartphones are off, email notifications and website tracking provide location data as well. In compliance with FCC and FAA regulations, the device goes into sleep mode after takeoff. It’s scheduled for release in March of 2013.
Best in Green Energy Devices: Yeti 150 Solar Power Generator
Between hurricanes, tornadoes, and winter blizzards, this device wins best in show for its small portable size, versatility, and long lasting duration. Goal Zero introduced its newest solar power generator weighing in at 12 pounds. Its small size includes a 150-watt battery for keeping laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more charged up from anywhere. Its flexible charging system from the sun, electric outlets, or car chargers has AC, 12V and USB port connections. Pricey at $360, yet affordable in lieu of waiting in line like recent New Yorkers after Hurricane Sandy, the generator is planned for spring 2013 availability.
Best in Televisions: Sony 4K OLED TV
Without CES stars Microsoft and other high profile computer vendors, televisions “stole the show.” According to CNN Money reporters, Sony’s 56-inch, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) model displayed the most vivid of picture quality, despite a blue-screen error glitch during the CES demonstration — reminiscent of a Bill Gates or Steve Jobs presentation. Ultra HD 4K televisions are the latest in TV quality innovation and are planned to hit the showrooms big in 2013.
These useful and practical products from CES 2013 prove that what happens in Las Vegas should never stay in Las Vegas.
Eric Halberg enjoys keeping up with the latest technologies. He shares his findings and insights on various tech blogs. Learn more about ExpertSatellite.com, visit the link.