With more than 4,000 companies exhibiting at CES, choosing the best of CES was a challenge. Even so, we want to recognize the products we saw that are truly innovative, take technology in new directions or, in one case, make something great accessible to every consumer.
I’ve previously reviewed each of the various generations of Plantronics’ BackBeat GO wireless earbuds. When they announced the BackBeat FIT 305 Wireless Sweatproof Sport Earbuds, I was curious to see what Plantronics had done to make excellent wireless earbuds even better. Not only am I impressed but Raina was too. She asked if she could keep my review sample.
When I reviewed the Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST a few weeks ago, I noted that Ultimate Ears is one of those rare companies who promise device updates and actually deliver! Well, they just proved my point by delivering voice control for Pandora. I already loved the MEGABLAST and I truly love knowing UE will keep making it better.
Incipio is extending its line of external batteries with the new offGRID Turbo and offGRID Turbo+ USB-C universal and USB-C integrated portable power banks. I’ve used previous iterations of the offGRID line They’re durable, easy to use and a great addition to any gear bag. I have no doubt the same will be true with these new offerings.
Some dogs don’t like the rain. Our mini golden doodle Nava isn’t one of them. Some dogs don’t like the snow. Nava DEFINITELY isn’t one of them. But when Nava is out in the snow her thick, curly fur becomes packed with the stuff, and she turns into a fur-cicle. So the other day I tried Pawz aka doggie-booties.
Our home is all-in with Alexa-enabled smart devices. I considered getting an Amazon Echo Spot and using it as a bedside clock, but I didn’t see much advantage to that. Then I saw the upcoming Sandman Doppler from Palo Alto Innovation. It may look like a bedside alarm clock, but it is a complete information hub powered by Alexa.
If you travel a lot, you know that having the right luggage can make a huge difference. That’s especially true about what you carry on board a flight with you. Incase has just introduced something that any traveler who relies upon tech is going to love. Their ProConnected Power-Optimized, Connected 4-Wheel Luggage is pricey, but it looks amazing.
One of the coolest things about CES is getting to know new companies such as RapidX. They have two key products they are showing off this year, one for the home and the other for use in the car, and we thought it would be fun to take a quick look at both, as well as one additional RapidX product.
Moshi is an accessory design house we first got to know at CES a few years ago. They make awesome products, and we are excited to see them releasing a brand new product, the Avanti Air wireless headphones. The headphones are designed to blend minimalism with a luxurious aesthetic. We think they achieved their goal. What do you think?
I love my 2017 13” MacBook Pro. Most of the time it’s docked to my BenQ PD2710QC 27” monitor. When I take it with me, however, I want to know it will be ready to use whenever I need it. Incase’s new IconConnected Power Sleeve for MacBook Pro solves this thanks to its integrated power supply and USB-C charging capabilities.
I’m a huge fan of Libratone products. Their speakers can’t be beaten and now offer integration with Amazon Alexa. Their Q Adapt headphones are some of the best on the market. Now, Libratone is unveiling the Libratone TRACK+ In-Ear Wireless Adjustable Noise Cancellation Earphones. Their smallest wireless headphones yet, the TRACK+ allow you rock on in isolation from the world.
Dell has two new monitors on the way. The Dell 24 and 27 Ultrathin Monitors are packed with features yet surprisingly affordable. The 24” model will be just $299.99 while the 27” model will be just 27”. Both models will arrive at the end of January and look to be an integral part of Dell’s 2018 lineup.
Western Digital introduces their new offerings noting they are geared to “help people capture, preserve, access and share their ever-growing collections of photos and videos.” That is just the beginning as they are also “showcasing voice-activated media streaming via smart home devices.” Their latest also includes the world’s smallest 1TB USB Flash Drive and much more. Let’s dive in.
I love the wireless charging of the iPhone X. I love the protection offered by Speck’s various cases. And I love that Speck is now bringing an iPhone case to market that works with Scosche’s MagicMount line of products that offers zero interference with the wireless charging. The Presidio Mount was created in partnership with Scosche and looks great!
A few years after his stroke my father was still able to get around thanks to an electric scooter. It was exactly what you think of when you think electric scooter. Now WHILL, Inc. Has launched its new Model Ci. Model Ci is an intelligent, personal electric vehicle (PEV). Here’s a look.
ZAGG keyboards and cases are among the best on the market. Newer one’s to rely on past successes, they have just announced a new Rugged Book Wireless Keyboard and Detachable Case for the Apple iPad, 9.7” iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad Air 2.
ZAGG’s Invisible Shield is a market leader when it comes to device protection. Today they announced their new InvisibleShield Glass+ Luxe 360 for the Apple iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. The new offerings promise to provide total protection to Apple’s iPhone 8, iPhone 8+ and iPhone X. Their years of experience have led to these offerings.
Both Greg and I love the Jabra Elite Sport Buds. They are comfortable, sound amazing and offer a ton of features. Now Jabra has announced three new Elite Series headsets– the Jabra Elite 65t, Elite Active 65t and Elite 45e that have Amazon Alexa integration baked in. I, for one, am pretty darn excited to try out them out.
From the start of the Chromebook phenomena, HP has been a major player. With the arrival of CES 2018, the company has announced two new Chromebooks. One is hitting the consumer market but is also targeted for enterprise, while the second is specifically targeted for board education; both will be available this February.
Belkin, one of our favorite accessory companies, is showing off a host of new products at CES 2018. Among them are new wireless charging offerings, a new power bank and a power delivery wall charging collection. They all arrive this spring and summer. Here’s a quick rundown of some of what they will have on hand.
If you like neckband-style wireless earphones, you want to check out the Jabra Elite 25e. Offering up to 18 hours of battery time, the Elite 25e are both wind and water resistance. They are an update to the Jabra Halo Smart and have a new neckband design that is surprisingly comfortable.