30 Cutting-Edge Products At CES Unveiled 2018

The Best Of CES Unveiled

Crowds flocked to the CES Unveiled show floor ahead of this year's CES 2018 to catch a glimpse of the coolest new technology products on the market. This year, Internet of Things products, wearables and robotic devices were the main attraction at the show.

Vendors lifted the curtain on their smart home devices – from smart thermostats to connected locks – and updated their existing IoT products to include compatibility with new smart digital voice assistants for the home – particularly Google Assistant.

On the wearables front, companies looked beyond the classic headsets and eyewear that dominated the CES floor last year, instead offering "hearables" with translation capabilities and even wearables that can attach to users' nails and track their UV levels.

Here are 30 cutting-edge products that CRN saw on the CES Unveiled show floor this year.

LIZN Hearpieces

LIZN came to CES this year hoping to help consumers better understand speech – especially in noisy environments and bad acoustics. The company's hearpieces use sound processing and directional sound technology to provide speech amplification, enhancing the sound of the person standing in front of someone over background noise. LIZN's Bluetooth-connected product also connects to phones, so users can answer or decline phone calls. The LIZN hearpieces will be available in the spring.

Naver' s Mars Earbuds

The CES Unveiled show floor was lined with wireless earbuds – but Naver and Line's joint project, Mars, has a different function than merely music. The Bluetooth-enabled Mars earbuds feature translation technology so that users can understand supported languages like English, Korean, Spanish and Mandarin. For instance, someone wearing the earbud who speaks English could hold a conversation with someone else wearing the earbud who speaks Mandarin. Mars is scheduled to be released in the summer.

RemoBell

Among the smart home products at CES is RemoBell, a smart doorbell that allows users to answer their door – even if they're not home. The doorbell comes with a built-in motion sensor that detects movement and streams HD live video to users' phones. The $149 RemoBell, now on the market, not only alerts users if someone's at their door via a complementary app, but also features two-way audio so they can answer their door.

Oledcomm's MyLiFi

Oledcomm's MyLiFi smart lamp is not only internet-connected – but also beams internet broadband to user's laptops. The light-emitting diode (LED) lamp offers wireless, radiowave-free internet and connects mobile devices with a new technology called LiFi. LiFi (light fidelity) transmits data through modulating LED light signals. Oledcomm's smart lamp comes in two models – a Pro version, which has more security features and targets businesses, and a Home version for consumers. The lamp is currently launched on a Kickstarter campaign with preorder prices starting at $500.

Kolibree's Magik AR Toothbrush

The Magik toothbrush takes the simple task of brushing one's teeth to the next level by transforming it into a fun game for children. Kolibree's toothbrush uses an augmented reality app on mobile devices so that children can watch themselves brush and use fun filters on the camera to help them brush in the right areas. Furthermore, the app detects positioning and movement of the toothbrush, so that parents can get reports on how well their children are brushing. Because the app detects these movements, instead of a sensor in the toothbrush, the toothbrush can be less expensive than higher-end, connected products. Magik will be on the market later in 2018.

Kuri

Kuri is a new robot for the home that acts as a home assistant and recently hit the market in December for $799. The robot can be voice-controlled, but the robot communicates only in a robot language of beeps and bloops, along with through facial expressions and head movements. Kuri responds affectionately to being petted, for instance. The robot is being developed by Mayfield Robotics, a Bosch-owned startup in Redwood City, Calif.

Mira Fertility

Mira Fertility is a connected ovulation monitoring system that helps consumers by providing smart algorithms about ovulation prediction. The palm-size system, which connects to smartphones, reads fertility hormone levels through urine samples and syncs that data automatically to a complementary app to help women keep tabs on their health and cycle tracking. Mira Fertility will be available in the second quarter of 2018.

L'Oreal's UV Sense

L'Oreal unveiled a new wearable at CES called UV Sense – but it isn't a headset or bracelet. The UV Sense sticks onto consumers' nails with adhesive glue and tracks their UV exposure. UV Sense, which is battery-free, connects to apps on smartphones to deliver data about sun exposure based on the user's location. The product will get a limited launch in summer 2018, when it will be given to dermatologists.

Schlage's Sense Smart Lock

Schlage's smart lock, Sense, pairs with smartphones via Bluetooth so that users can unlock their doors using their phones instead of having to search for the keys in their pockets. Using Sense, consumers can also share access to their valuables with trusted family and friends, so they can grant someone else access into their homes if need be. Schlage's $150 Sense, currently on the market, just became compatible with Google Assistant, so it can be integrated into and unlocked with existing home automation systems.

XYZ Printing's Da Vinci Color

3-D printer manufacturer XYZ Printing showed off what it said was the world's first full-color FFF 3-D printer at CES. Currently on the market, this $3,500 full-color Da Vinci Color printer uses inkjet technology to inject color into filament as it is printed. The printer comes with PLA filament and ink cartridges.

Somfy Connected Thermostat

French company Somfy lifted the curtain on its new connected thermostat during CES Unveiled. Like many other smart products, the connected thermostat learns the behavior of homeowners – but the product also uses geolocation tracking to enhance these features. For instance, if a homeowner likes his house to be set at 60 degrees when he gets home, the thermostat is able to track when he is approaching the house and automatically customize the temperature. The connected thermostat, available in both wired and wireless versions, has launched in Europe but not in the U.S. yet.

Homni Smart Sleep Solution

Terraillon's Homni a lamp that acts as a smart sleep solution for consumers. The small lamp, which can change colors and play music, connects to a sensor, called "Dot." Dot sticks on a pillow and tracks the sleeper's movement, sending that data to a complementary app so that users can see how well they slept. The lamp itself also tracks external conditions like humidity and temperature so users can see that information and how it impacted their sleep. Homni and Dot will be available at the end of the first quarter for $199.

Bellus3D Face Camera

Bellus3D showed off its 3-D selfie face scanner, the Bellus3D Face Camera Pro, at this year's CES. The face scanner uses an infrared depth camera to scan the user's face, while the user's smartphone camera can capture an additional detailed color image of them. The Face Camera Pro can be connected to users' phone through a USB-C. The Bellus3D Face Camera Pro is currently available for preorder at $499.

Foldimate

The Foldimate is a laundry machine that can fold shirts, pants and towels. These clothes are inserted in the top of the machine and drop to the bottom of the machine to be collected, stacked and folded. Foldimate can take in 10 to 15 items per stack and can fold up to 20 to 40 items in four minutes. The machine will launch at the end of 2019 for $980.

Zhor-Tech Smart Safety Shoe

Zhor-Tech showed off its smart safety footwear at CES – a sensor-equipped sole that can fit into shoes and analyzes daily activities. This connected shoe tracks daily distances walked, number of stairs climbed and calories burned, as well as biomechanical analysis to check that the user's posture is safe. This smart shoe will hit the market in September 2018.

Gemini

Is it time for the PDA to make a comeback? London-based Planet Computers thinks so -- as do its Indiegogo backers, who ponied up $1.2 million last year to make the Gemini personal digital assistant a reality. The Gemini folds open to reveal a physical keyboard, similar to the Psion PDA of the '80s and '90s. The big difference this time: the Gemini is a full-fledged Android smartphone. Essentially, what you get with the Gemini is a miniature clamshell laptop -- with a 6-inch FHD display and 10-core MediaTek Helio X27 CPU -- that folds back up to make phone calls. The Gemini will come in both Wi-Fi-only and 4G models; the unlocked phone will work with all major U.S. carriers, according to Planet Computers. It's a niche product, as the team at Planet Computers readily admits. But it could be a winner for those who miss their PDA of old, yet are still happy to be in the era of always-connected mobile devices. The Gemini is priced at $499 for the Wi-Fi-only model and $599 for 4G/Wi-Fi capability. It's expected to be commercially available in the next few months.

Bitdefender Box 2

Romania-based Bitdefender used CES Unveiled to showcase its second-generation home cybersecurity hub, which launched a month ago. The Bitdefender Box 2 is faster and more powerful than the original, with support for Gigabit Ethernet (compared to the cap of 100 Mbps with the first version). The Box 2 protects all devices in the home including laptops, desktops and smartphones, with an array of security features. Those include device management controls, continual vulnerability assessment, exploit prevention, advanced parental controls, and blocking of unsafe and malicious URLs. The Box 2 also works with existing home Wi-Fi networks and leverages machine learning to proactively protect devices in the home. The Bitdefender Box 2 has a suggested price of $249, which includes a one-year subscription to the Bitdefender Total Security suite.

OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock

As the trend toward thin-and-light laptops continues, many ports are going by the wayside on new laptops. But Illinois-based OWC could have a compelling solution for this problem with its forthcoming Thunderbolt 3 Dock. The dock connects to a user's laptop over a high-speed Thunderbolt 3 connection and includes a total of 13 ports -- which OWC says is the most ports of any dock on the market. Those include six USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, an SD card reader, a mini DisplayPort, FireWire 800, S/PDIF, Gigabit Ethernet, and expanded analog audio in/out. The OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock is priced at $279 and is expected to be available by early March.

LG Gram

LG debuted its newest offerings in the Gram notebook series at CES 2018, with updated models in 13.3-inch, 14-inch and 15.6-inch sizes. The notebooks are lightweight, starting at just over 2 pounds, but have space for a large 72Wh battery that provides around 20 hours of battery life on a charge for the Gram notebooks. The Gram notebooks also feature eighth-gen Intel Core processors, an optional touch screen and fingerprint reader, and military-standard durability ratings for protection against drops. The new LG Gram laptops are scheduled to be available in the U.S. in January. LG hasn't announced pricing.

Linksys Velop AC1300

At CES Unveiled, Linksys showed off its forthcoming Velop AC1300 offering, which enables users to build a mesh network in a home environment. The dual-band Velop AC1300 combines a router, bridge, and access point into one compact package. And presumably, Linksys will be selling the AC1300 at a lower price point than the company's tri-band Velop model. The Linksys Velop AC1300 will be released in April. Pricing has not been announced.

WeMo HomeKit Bridge

Belkin's WeMo division is a top player in the realm of home automtion, with its lineup of smart switches, plugs and dimmers. But what it's lacked to date has been compatibility with Apple's HomeKit, which offers smart-home control via Siri or the Apple Home app. In connection with CES Unveiled, WeMo launched a plug-in device, the WeMo HomeKit Bridge, to tie together HomeKit and WeMo devices. Supported devices include the WeMo Dimmer, WeMo Insight Smart Plug, WeMo Light Switch and WeMo Mini Smart Plug. The WeMo HomeKit Bridge is priced at $40.

Belkin Wireless Chargers

Belkin is also using CES 2018 to expand its wireless charging offerings -- which are compatible with all Qi wirelessly chargeable devices including Apple's iPhone X and iPhone 8/8 Plus, as well as Samsung's Galaxy Note8 and S8/S8 Plus. The new Belkin Boost Up lineup includes the Boost Up Bold, which charges at 10W, enabling faster charging than the company's prior 7.5W wireless chargers. Belkin is also introducing the Boost Up Wireless Charging Stand, which lets users stand up their phone while it's charging; a Dual Wireless Charging Pad, which can charge two devices at a time with 10W on both sides; and a commercial version of Boost Up for businesses such as restaurants and hotels. The new Belkin Wireless Chargers are expected to debut this summer. Pricing hasn't been disclosed.

Ricoh Ri 100

Ideal for small-business or consumer uses, the Ricoh Ri 100 is a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer that lets usersquickly and easily print images onto fabrics such as shirts and bags. The printer, which originated in Ricoh's AnaJet division, takes DTG technology used in industrial settings and makes it safe enough for home and small-business use, according to Ricoh. The Ricoh Ri 100 is currently in preorder and will launch in February for $4,200.

D-Link AX11000

The arrival of the 802.11ax wireless standard means the potential for much faster speeds -- and new Wi-Fi routers, such as the D-Link AX11000, are standing ready to deliver those speeds to heavy-duty users. The tri-band 802.11ax router can deliver up to 11,000 Mbps, according to D-Link -- making the AX11000 an ideal option for businesses or gamers. The D-Link AX11000 is expected to be available in the second half of 2018.

UBTech Stormtrooper Robot

Following up on the debut of its Lynx humanoid robot at CES 2017, UBTech Robotics used this year's CES to debut another small, voice-controllable robot -- this time based on a character that will already be familiar to many. The Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Robot includes capabilities such as responding to voice commands, working in tandem with an augmented-reality app game, launching patrols in designated areas, and recognizing faces using biometrics. The Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Robot is priced at $299.99.

Ujet Electric Scooter

Aimed at urban dwellers, the Ujet is an electric scooter that seeks to make transportation and parking easier while also cutting pollution. The Ujet, which goes up to 28 mph and has a range of 90 miles, runs on a battery that is rechargeable in a typical wall outlet. The scooter also folds up, and is relatively lightweight at 98 pounds (with a battery offering four hours of usage) or 108 pounds (with a six-hour battery). The Ujet Electric Scooter has a starting price of $8,800, and release is planned for the first half of this year, depending on regulatory approvals.

Moodo

Pitched as the first "smart home scent DJ" by manufacturer Agan Aroma, the Moodo is a connected device that lets users create custom fragrance blends for their home. The Moodo includes four scent capsules and lets users adjust the volume of the different scents their liking (users can also choose from among preset options). The machine can be controlled via smartphone app or by voice, using the Amazon Alexa assistant. The Moodo leverages the know-how of Israel-based Agan Aroma, which specializes in creating signature scents for businesses. The Moodo is available now for $189 (without a battery) or $209 (with a rechargeable battery).

ForwardX CX-1

One of the most unusual products at CES Unveiled was no doubt the CX-1, which manufacturer ForwardX says aims to improve the experience of getting from Point A to Point B in the airport. While rollaboard luggage is pretty convenient, even better would be self-driving luggage that follows users through the terminal -- and leaves their hands free to carry other things, according to ForwardX. That's what the company is seeking to accomplish with the CX-1, which ForwardX says combines auto-follow, obstacle avoidance, gesture-control, and anti-theft technologies. It's an intriguing idea, though quite possibly one that's a bit ahead of its time. We'll know soon enough if the demand is there as the company is looking to launch an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for the CX-1 in March or April. Pricing has yet to be determined.

Catalyst Impact Protection Case

For iPhone owners who don't want to take any chances with their pricey new device, the new Catalyst impact protection case may be a wise investment. The case features an "impact truss system" that cushions against drops, with the help of a blend of rubber polymers. The result is that drops of up to 9.9 feet should be no problem for iPhones that are in the case. The Catalyst impact protection case also includes a rotational mute dial and a clear backing. The iPhone X and iPhone 8 versions of the case are priced at $39.99, while the iPhone 8 Plus version is priced at $49.99.

Third Eye X1 Smart Glasses

Launched in connection with CES Unveiled, the Third Eye X1 Smart Glasses are an augmented-reality solution for overlaying live information into settings such as health care, sporting events or education. For instance, the glasses can stream player stats to a fan at a sporting event, with the content viewable by rotating your head. Likewise, in health care, a doctor might walk a patient through how to care for a medical issue using the augmented-reality capabilities of the X1 Smart Glasses.