The largest consumer technology fair and conference — affectionately known as CES — kicks off today in Las Vegas and is expected to deliver the usual hoopla, diversions, product and brand launches, celebrity appearances and intense crowds that it has in previous years. (Case in point, the 2015 show attracted more than 176,000 attendees from 153 countries as well as a diverse group of entertainment, television, music, sports, scientific community and industry personalities, from Dr. Phil to Dr. Michio Kaku.) Whether you’re attending the show or not, don’t get lost in techie-toyland: be sure to take a look onsite or online at these practical residential products — some of which are already available to the public — that have been named honorees of the 2016 CES Innovation Awards.
Whirlpool Closet Depth Washer and HybridCare Dryer
What makes this appliance pair innovative is the super-efficient HybridCare Heat Pump system within the dryer. It combines Whirlpool’s heat-pump and ventless technologies and regenerates energy during the drying cycle as well as recycles the same air in order to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing performance.
From left: Whirlpool’s washer/dryer; Samsung’s refrigerator with Family Hub
Samsung 4-Door Flex Refrigerator With Family Hub
This “smart” appliance not only stores and cools perishables, it organizes notes, accesses info from websites (such as recipes and the weather), plays music and can be remotely viewed (via an internal camera) to remind family members of what needs restocking during a shopping trip. Its large (21.5-inch) HD touchscreen functions as the control hub for all of the above features.
iCamPRO Deluxe
Developed by Amaryllo International, this home surveillance product fits into a standard light bulb socket to power a 360-degree, panning FHD camera with a light sensor, day/night filters, infrared LEDs, motion sensor and microphone. Its patent-pending tracking system tracks moving objects such as intruders, and real-time push picture or text alerts of any detected activity can be sent to your smartphone or tablet. It also offers live-stream video.
Blink Home Monitoring System
Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, Immedia has developed this affordable, wireless and easy-to-install DIY home security system, which consists of a base unit that connects to your existing WiFi network and one or multiple Blink HD camera units that can be placed just about anywhere. Via smartphone app, users can access live-view video or still snapshots and can receive alerts if desired. The battery-powered cameras integrate LEDs for low-light or night conditions and motion sensors that can be disabled or set with different levels of sensitivity in case there are pets in the home. Additionally, the units feature a built-in alarm, temperature sensor and microphone.
Netatmo Presence
Outdoor surveillance technology has also gotten more sophisticated, as well. This WiFi security camera boasts an AI that detects (and recognizes the difference between) people, cars and animals, sends alerts to devices with an internet browser or app and even integrates a motion-sensor floodlight. Presence also streams live video.
Comfy Light
Something a bit different from all of the other home surveillance systems, Comfy Light installs in the standard A-lamp light socket and actually functions as a bulb with soft-white LED illumination — no cameras involved. However, it does incorporate a motion sensor that sends detection alerts to smartphones and helps deter intruders with a flashing mode that catches neighbors’ attentions. Additionally, it can be remotely switched on using the mobile app to simulate an occupied home.
Andersen VeriLock Integrated Security Sensors
The window and door giant now offers security sensors built directly into select windows, doors, and patio doors to keep homeowners informed if any have been opened or, even, accidentally left unlocked, the latter of which is unheard of for other, similar integrated products. The status can be remotely accessed on — or sent as alerts to — smartphones and tablets. The beauty is that, as opposed to unsightly alarm-system tape, the sensors are concealed within the hardware. Both self-monitoring and professional monitoring are available.
Ecoisme
This compact energy monitor (also shown at top) connects to a home’s fusebox to measure the usages of various electronics, appliances and other devices and, then, displays the tracked consumption and cost data on a user-friendly dashboard in the Ecoisme app. In addition to helping you keep track of energy use, it notifies you of anything that may have been unintentionally left on, such as a clothes iron or oven — preventing potential home disasters and accidents.