Top Highlights from CES 2024: Unveiling the Future in Products, Prototypes, and Ideas

Monitoring the plethora of product unveilings at CES. Among the myriad gadgets, apps, and concepts showcased, we've identified a set of products that stand out. These items are not only enjoyable and practical but also address specific challenges through innovative technological approaches. Whether through intelligent design, revolutionary engineering, or a visionary outlook, these products encapsulate the essence of CES 2024.

Cutting-Edge Health Tech: Vivoo's At-Home UTI Diagnostic Kit

Vivoo, a pioneer in health technology, introduces an innovative at-home UTI diagnostic test kit, building on the success of their previous smart toilet gadget. For women, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and distressing issue, affecting six out of 10 adult women. Instead of the traditional process of scheduling a doctor's appointment and providing a urine sample, Vivoo's solution involves downloading an app, using a test strip, and scanning it with your phone. The deep learning image processing within the app analyzes the results, allowing users to promptly share the information with their doctor for quick prescription and relief. Additionally, Vivoo offers vaginal pH test strips for proactive prevention of future infections. While awaiting FDA clearance, these tests are set to be available for next-day delivery through Amazon and other online retailers later this year.

Heading: Revolutionary Smart Home Solution: Eureka's Dual Washing Bot

Eureka unveils an unparalleled smart home innovation with the Dual Washing Bot, crowned as the best in the smart home category. The concept of merging a washer, dryer, robot vacuum, and robot mop into a single device may not have been a common wish, but once you witness this domestic amalgamation, it becomes an irresistible addition to your life. This ingenious creation consolidates multiple bulky cleaning appliances into one convenient unit. Housed beneath the combo washer-dryer, Eureka's robot vacuum emerges to efficiently clean the floors with advanced AI dirt detection capabilities. The true mechanical innovation lies in the robot mop, seamlessly draining its dirty water tank into the same pipe as the washing machine, eliminating the need to empty floor-cleaning water separately. Although currently available only in China due to licensing issues, anticipation is high for its release in the United States, offering a comprehensive solution for washing, drying, robot vacuuming, and mopping tasks.

Cutting-Edge Camera Innovation: Abode Edge Camera

Abode introduces the top-tier Abode Edge Camera, securing its position as the best in the camera category. The standout feature that captured attention at CES is its remarkable Wi-Fi range, powered by Morse Micro's Wi-Fi HaLow system, providing an impressive wireless range of over a mile. Unlike conventional security cameras requiring close proximity to the Wi-Fi router, the Abode Edge Camera allows flexibility by connecting the base station to your Wi-Fi network, enabling placement anywhere on your property facing your home for a comprehensive view. With a six-month battery life, freedom of placement is ensured without concerns about power sources. The camera incorporates advanced features such as object detection for packages, pets, and people, along with face recognition for identifying known visitors. Customizable alerts and notifications add to its versatility. Priced at $199, the Abode Edge Camera is set to hit the market in the next few months, accompanied by a single-camera subscription plan at $4 per month, offering access to AI features and up to 10 days of footage.

Groundbreaking Transportation Innovation: Supernal S-A2

Supernal's S-A2, an eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) vehicle, claims the spotlight as the best in transportation at CES. While the notion of a flying car might seem like a distant fantasy, Supernal, a division of the Hyundai Motor Group, presents a tangible reality with the S-A2. If their promises hold true, this all-electric vehicle, accommodating a pilot and four passengers, will take to the skies within the next four years. Operating at maximum speeds of 120 mph and flying at altitudes of up to 1,500 feet, the S-A2 is designed to cover distances ranging from 25 to 40 miles. Beyond its striking design, influenced by biomimicry inspired by the shapes of bees, the S-A2 boasts an exceptionally low noise level. During vertical takeoff and landing, it registers at just 65 dB, quieter than the average dishwasher.

Ultimate Outdoor Communication: Milo Action Communicator

Milo Action Communicator takes the spotlight as the best in outdoor gear at CES, offering a revolutionary solution for group activities like skiing or backpacking. The familiar walkie-talkie gets a modern makeover, transforming into a compact voice communication platform designed for small groups. Attach the palm-sized device to your jacket or backpack strap, enabling hassle-free communication without the need to fumble with buttons or frequencies. Milo ensures hands-free and phone-free interaction, with MiloAI providing quick, hands-free assistance when needed. Capable of sending and receiving signals up to 5,000 feet away in clear terrain, Milo redefines group communication, making it efficient and convenient. The long-lasting battery, lasting an entire day on a single charge, coupled with the option of using Bluetooth or a wired headset, enhances the overall outdoor experience. Milo is the perfect companion, ensuring you never have to choose between enjoying the outdoors and staying connected with friends.

Quirky Innovation: Looking Glass Go

Looking Glass presents an unconventional yet fascinating creation with the Looking Glass Go, earning it the title of the best in the "weird" category at CES. Known for their holographic displays, the Brooklyn-based company introduces a compact 6-inch digital frame that redefines visual experiences. The Looking Glass Go boasts a sharper and thinner screen than its predecessors, allowing users to load spatial photos or 3D holograms onto it. An intriguing feature is its capability to transform any 2D photo, including those from Polaroid, into a stunning 3D display. This remarkable transformation is achieved through the ingenious use of generative AI, which enhances the depth of 2D images, creating a holographic effect. Priced at $300, the Looking Glass Go is not only a fun gadget to experiment with but also hints at a future where screens transcend the flat and mundane, reminiscent of Google's Project Starline, all without requiring cumbersome headsets.

Innovative Parenting Aid: Droyd Venym Electric Scooterboard

Droyd Venym Electric Scooterboard emerges as the frontrunner in the parenting category, catering to the adventurous spirit of children. Prior to parenthood, one might underestimate the creative ways children find to move about, from sliding down hills on cardboard to spinning in mixing bowls. Droyd's electric scooterboard offers a significant upgrade to traditional toys, featuring a sit-on panel with handles and spinning wheels, designed for children aged 4 and above. Resembling a tarantula with its black color and four spindly legs, the scooterboard comes with customizable stickers to add a personal touch and alleviate any fears. Controlled by dual motors with two push-button accelerators, the scooterboard is engineered with safety in mind, capped at a speed of 3 mph. While it may appear adventurous, rest assured it only brings joy and excitement to children, leaving them a little dizzy and a lot delighted.

Revolutionary Software: Apostrophy OS

Apostrophy OS, the latest mobile operating system, makes its debut on the MC02 smartphone by Punkt, a Swiss electronics company. Developed from GrapheneOS, which is derived from Android, Apostrophy OS eliminates every aspect of Google's presence, offering a privacy-focused alternative to Android without the confines of Apple's closed ecosystem. While users need to subscribe for $15 per month (free for the first year), the subscription ensures enhanced privacy and peace of mind. Operating entirely from Switzerland, Apostrophy OS features built-in privacy tools like VPN and pre-installed apps such as email clients and calendars. With plans to collaborate with additional device manufacturers, Apostrophy OS aims to avoid the pitfalls encountered by previous privacy-focused Android variants by providing access to a curated app store based on F-Droid. Additionally, a built-in wizard facilitates the installation of Google Play Store and Services Framework, enabling compatibility with a wide range of Android apps while maintaining stringent privacy measures. Despite its simplicity, the MC02 smartphone boasts a 6.7-inch screen, a 5,500-mAh battery, and 6 GB of RAM, with a 64-megapixel primary camera. The MC02 is set to ship within the next four weeks, offering users an unparalleled software experience.

Innovative Mobile Enhancement: Clicks

Clicks Technology introduces a unique solution for smartphone enthusiasts longing for the tactile feedback of physical keyboards. Spearheaded by individuals passionate about buttons, including YouTube tech reviewer Michael Fisher (MrMobile) and fxtech alumni, Clicks presents a case that seamlessly integrates a physical QWERTY keyboard with the iPhone. Unlike previous attempts to revive the BlackBerry-esque smartphone experience, Clicks takes a different approach, prioritizing functionality and user experience. The case, while elongating the phone, adds a touch of charm with its backlit keys. Notably, the iPhone's virtual keyboard remains hidden unless intentionally summoned, optimizing screen space for users while typing. Clicks supports Mac and iPad keyboard shortcuts, further enhancing productivity. Available exclusively for the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the case ranges in price from $139 to $159 depending on the model. Orders are currently open, with select models set to ship in February.

Compact Home Cinema Innovation: LG CineBeam Qube

Amidst the trend of oversized TVs at CES, LG introduces a refreshing solution with the CineBeam Qube projector, offering compact dimensions and elegant design reminiscent of characters from Disney animated films. Measuring just over 3 inches thick and 5.3 inches in height and depth, the Qube delivers impressive 4K images ranging from 50 to 120 inches, boasting a contrast ratio of 450,000:1. Equipped with auto screen adjustment and auto-focus features, it can also display digital images to enhance the ambiance when not in use. Despite its modest 500-lumen brightness, ideal for dimming lights during movie nights, the Qube supports various streaming services via LG's webOS or through HDMI eARC and USB C ports. Audio is delivered through a built-in 3-watt mono speaker. However, the highlight lies in its compact and stylish design, complete with a 360-degree rotatable handle, allowing for easy transportation between rooms. Smart, sleek, and space-efficient.

Innovative Mobile Companion: Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit

Among the plethora of Qi wireless chargers showcased at CES, Belkin's Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit stands out as the premier mobile accessory. Priced at $180, this MagSafe charger for the iPhone offers a unique feature: doubling as a 360-degree swiveling tripod for your iPhone's camera. Set to launch soon, it eliminates the need for manual adjustments to ensure you're always perfectly framed in the shot. One of the first products to support Apple's Works With DockKit program, the Stand Pro pairs with the iPhone's camera via NFC, enabling seamless tracking whether using the rear or selfie camera, regardless of the app in use. Whether presenting in Microsoft Teams or filming on Instagram Stories, the Stand Pro ensures you're never out of the frame. It can be powered via wall plug or battery, providing approximately five hours of usage. With subject-tracking technology expanding to various devices, this innovation heralds a future where capturing moments becomes effortless and independent.

Innovative Computing Solution: Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid

Among Lenovo's impressive array of 40 new products showcased at CES 2024, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid emerges as the standout, marking it as the most remarkable offering from the brand and the PC category as a whole. While it may appear as a standard Windows laptop at first glance, it boasts a distinctive feature: the ability to detach the entire display from the keyboard, transforming it into an Android 13 tablet instantaneously. Furthermore, when connected to an external monitor, users can seamlessly switch to using Windows, as all computing components are housed within the keyboard portion of the device. With a dedicated button on the keyboard facilitating OS switching between Android and Windows, users can enjoy Android functionality with the convenience of a keyboard and trackpad. Despite the abundance of 2-in-1 laptop designs in the market, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid stands out for its unique and streamlined approach. Priced at approximately $2,000, it is set to hit the market in the second quarter of the year.