LAS VEGAS — The annual Consumer Electronics Show is one of those geek events where you want to toss aside reality (the “will-this-really-be-a-product?” reality) and focus on the gee-whiz of what has been dreamt up and built.
I’ve seen an unexpected gamut of “smart” objects: , and even a “). And I’ve spotted a handful of technologies that are less sexy but solve problems and are bound to have wide appeal. (Whether they make it to market remains to be seen.) Here are a few of my favorites:
A user-friendly IoT security app: Securifi, the company that simplified home routers with a touch-screen display, is tackling internet of things security. A new mobile app that works with the shows what IoT devices are on a home network and whether the devices are secure or vulnerable to bad stuff. Bad password? Open ports? The app will take users through the steps to fix security weaknesses. Plus, like any good home security system, it monitors what goes in and out over the home’s internet connection and alerts users if something is compromised. The service launches Jan. 23 for $3.99 a month. +
WattUp wire-free charging: Not needing to plug in my smartphone to charge nightly appeals to me. I’ve tried the main wireless charging technologies out there — and PMA. While to charge my fast-charging smartphone. But a company called Energous is working on something fascinating — wireless charging at a distance using radio frequencies. The goal is to charge devices up to 15 feet away from the base, which means I can drop my purse by the door when I get home from work and the phone inside will automatically charge. Energous received Federal Communications for last spring and it’s tackling a 3-feet charging distance. While getting to 15 feet seems a long ways away, that’s the goal, the company assures. +
-ԱپDz¾-: Speed continues to climb in the Wi-Fi world. And next-gen Wi-Fi, or 802.11ad, touts rates of 4.6 Gbps, or at least four to five times faster than the speediest AC. But another reason the technology, nicknamed WiGig, should appeal to consumers is that AD uses the much-less-crowded wireless spectrum of 60 gigahertz (most of us are on the more congested 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). That means you actually might get those gigabit speeds because all your neighbors have older Wi-Fi routers. Chipmaker Peraso, based in Toronto, Canada, says that its 802.11ad chips are some of the by the official organization. That means early adopters can expect to see new AD products available by the end of the year. +
Faster Wi-Fi for apartment dwellers: While we wait for faster Wi-Fi, Ignition Design Labs has solved the issue of wireless congestion for those living in apartments or too close to neighbors. The company, which router, said the key is to use the Wi-Fi that no one else is using. If you’re saying, “Wait. What?,” the company explains it like this: Wi-Fi runs over a certain radio spectrum to transmit data. But within the designated spectrum, a large chunk is reserved for radar and emergency use. IDL figured out how to use that chunk while not interrupting the radar and received the FCC’s blessing. IDL’s algorithm essentially jumps around the unused spectrum so the government doesn’t see interruption — and neither do users. Portal costs $179. +.
Smart remote for the flabbergasted: Universal remotes are great for controlling a plethora of home-entertainment devices. But have you ever tried to program one? The Smart Remote from SevenHugs has made set up easy peasy. As in, point the remote at the TV and voila! Connected! The technology does require placing three sensors around the room. The sensors help the remote know exactly where you are standing (or sitting) so when you point to a device, it knows which one. And this goes well beyond TVs, stereos and other home entertainment. The company says “the first remote for everything” is compatible with more than 25,000 devices — Roku, Xfinity boxes, smart thermostats, smart sockets, Lyft, Uber and more. It’s available for pre-order for $299. +
Drone that swims with the fishes: With all the talk about autonomous vehicles, I haven’t heard much about water-based drones. Especially underwater drones. The PowerRay is aimed at people who like to fish, but anyone who wants to see underwater via virtual-reality goggles would find this fascinating. The kit includes what looks like an alien spaceship, a 4K camera, detachable fish finder and PowerRay VR goggles. The precision remote bait drop is an add-on. Pre-orders start in February. No pricing has been announced. +.
