CES 2015: Electronic shoes and remote wireless chargers among gadgets unveiled
comments
Among all the gadgets and gizmos unveiled so far during this year's Consumer Electronics Show, one technology stands out.
And it's one that could revolutionise how all the others are used.
Called WattUp, it is a transmitter that lets you wirelessly charge devices from as much as 20 feet (6 metres) away - even through walls.
It was showcased during the second day of the event, which also saw Selfie Flash extensions, £4,000 phones, smart baby bottles and a TV that's thinner than the iPhone 6.
Scroll down for video
The WattUp transmitter (pictured) sends energy through radio waves to paired devices that feature WattUp receivers. The receivers convert these radio waves into power, which in turn charges the receiver's battery. It also only works with paired devices, meaning it won't randomly charge any phones or tablets placed near it
LONG DISTANCE CHARGING
WattUp was designed by California-based Energous and combines radio frequencies and Bluetooth to send power through the air.
In simple terms, a WattUp transmitter sends energy through radio waves to paired devices that feature WattUp receivers.
The receivers convert these radio waves into power, which in turn charges the receiver's battery.
In theory, the transmitters can be built into any existing device, such as a TV or washing machine, or placed on a box on the wall.
Receivers can equally be built into a range of devices.
The RF energy is transmitted through different micro waveforms, each containing very small amounts of power, which are sent out in all directions within the room, reflecting off walls and surfaces in the same way as a Wi-Fi signal.
The company said that the energy density at any one point in the room is, therefore, extremely low.
These waves are only sent when requested by a device, and if there are no receivers in a room, or if charging has not been requested by any devices present, the transmitter goes into standby mode.
It also only works with paired devices, meaning it won't charge every phone or tablet placed close to it.
The energy conversion is called rectification, and Energous said its chips are around 70 per efficient, providing enough power to easily charge multiple devices at once.
SELFIE ACCESSORIES
Selfie was the word of 2014, and a number of firms have launched products specifically designed for this market during this year's CES.
Lenovo, for example, has launched a Vibe Extension Selfie Flash.
Typically, front-facing cameras on smartphones are poorer quality than the cameras on the rear, and don't include a flash.
Lenovo's extension flash is detachable and plugs into a 3.5mm audio jack on the phone to illuminate selfies.
It is designed to work exclusively on Lenovo's new Vibe X2 Pro smartphone, also unveiled at the show, but the technology is expected to become more universal next year.
The Vibe X2 phone is a 5.3-inch Android handset with 13MP cameras on the front and rear.
The IO Hawk is a cross between a Segway, without the handle, and a skateboard. It costs $1,799 (£1,185) and has a maximum speed limit of 6.2mph (10km/h). The futuristic board weighs 22lbs (10kg) and is controlled by leaning and tilting the body to change the speed and direction of the device
It is powered by Qualcomm's 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon processor and comes with 32GB storage space. There is no word on release date or price for the devices yet.
MAKE ANY PEN SMART
Lenovo additionally unveiled its Yoga Tablet 2, which features its so-called AnyPen technology.
AnyPen is built into the tablet and means the 8-inch display will react to any metal object, such as a biro or, in theory, even a knitting needle, thus turning an everyday object into a stylus.
Lenovo's extension Selfie Flash (pictured) is detachable and plugs into a 3.5mm audio jack on the Vibe X2 phone to illuminate selfies
The tablet runs on Windows 8.1, has an 8MP rear-facing and 1.6MP front-facing camera, and is powered by an Intel Atom quad-core processor.
Meanwhile, Allie Play, Home and Go by IC Real Tech are a series of dual-lens cameras that display 720-degree video.
This video can be watched in real time on smartphones and range from professional cameras for security firms, to selfie-style cameras to capture wider pictures.
SMART BIKES
Paris-based Connected Cycle showcased its smart pedal that turns any bike into a connected one.
It is fitted with sensors that automatically record the speed, route, incline and calories burnt during each trip.
These stats are then sent wirelessly to the Connected Cycle app.
Each pedal additionally has a built-in GPS unit and if the bike is moved, especially when the connected phone is out of range, the bike will alert the rider that it may have been stolen.
The owner can then track its location using the app.
Plus, once fitted, the pedals can only be removed using a special key that the owner keeps.
Each pedal is powered by energy harnessed as the bike is ridden, so they don't need to charged separately, and they feature their own internet connection.
However, the release date and price for a pair of pedals as well as the network coverage has not yet been announced.
HI-TECH - AND DOWNRIGHT BIZARRE - TRANSPORT
This year's CES has also seen a number of other novel ways to get around including Rollkers electronic shoes, and the IO Hawk.
Rollkers is a prototype of powered roller skates that claim to increase walking speed, taking it up to a maximum of 7mph (11km/h).
The Selfie Flash is designed to work exclusively on Lenovo's new Vibe X2 Pro smartphone (pictured), also unveiled at the show, but the technology is expected to become more universal next year. The Vibe X2 phone is a 5.3-inch Android handset with 13MP cameras on the front and rear
The 88 Tauri handset (pictured), from car-maker Lamborghini costs $6,300 (£4,000). Only 1,947 - in homage to the year Antonio Lamborghini was born – will be sold. It is made of steel and calfskin leather, has a 5-inch screen and features 20MP rear-facing and 8MP front-facing cameras
Lenovo additionally unveiled its Yoga Tablet 2, with AnyPen technology. AnyPen means the 8-inch display will react to any metal object (pictured)
They can be strapped to the bottom of any conventional shoes and the firm's chief executive, Paul Chavand said: 'It's for everybody who has to walk long distance.'
He added the skates are designed to work a like airport travelators and said: 'You have no loss of balance. You walk, but you get speed like a [moving platform].'
No release date or prices have been announced.
Meanwhile, the IO Hawk is a cross between a Segway, without the handle, and a skateboard.
It costs $1,799 (£1,185) and has a maximum speed limit of 6.2mph (10km/h).
The futuristic board weighs 22lbs (10kg) and is controlled by leaning and tilting the body.
It is similar to the AirWheel, which has steps on either side of a larger wheel, but is more portable and streamlined.
Apple announced its HomeKit software last year, and iDevices is one of the first firms to release a product that takes advantage of the technology.
Its Switch device plugs into a regular household outlet. Appliances are then plugged into the Switch and can be controlled using Apple's Siri, or through an app on iPhones and iPads.
Switch is expected to launch by the summer and will cost $50 (£32).
Sony was one of the major firms to unveil a host of new gadgets at is press conference.
Rollkers is a prototype of powered roller skates that claim to increase walking speed, taking it up to a maximum of 7mph (11km/h). They can be strapped to the bottom of any conventional shoes and the firm's chief executive, Paul Chavand said: 'It's for everybody who has to walk long distance'
Paris-based Connected Cycle showcased its smart pedal (pictured) that turns any bike into a connected one. It is fitted with sensors that automatically record the speed, route, incline and calories burnt during each single bike trip. These stats are then sent wirelessly to the Connected Cycle app
Among its SmartWear prototypes, the firm introduced its Smart B-Trainer, an all-in-one headset designed for runners.
Each pedal additionally has a GPS unit, and if the bike is moved when a paired phone is out of range, the bike alerts the rider that it may have been stolen
It is equipped with sensors and plays music that is selected based on the tempo of the user's heart rate. It also offers guidance through training programs.
RETURN OF SMART SPECS
Sony is also showcasing its SmartEyeglass Attach! concept.
Details of its Single Lens Display Module were announced last month, and the high-resolution eyewear module is fitted with an OLED screen that attaches to existing glasses and sunglasses.
Sony said the board has capabilities that are 'on par with smartphones' to show people useful information, quickly, over their right eye.
This display module's microdisplay measures 0.23-inches, with a resolution of 640 x 400 pixels.
The display unit weighs around 40g - 22g for the display arm and 18g for the secondary arm.
By comparison, Google Glass weighs 43g, and its display has a resolution of 640 × 360 pixels.
Sony is hoping to start selling the module 'within the coming year'.
SUPER THIN GADGETS
The firm also announced a 4K Action Cam, as well as next-generation 4K TVs. One model in particular, called the X9000C series, uses what Sony calls a Floating Style design.
Sony is showcasing its SmartEyeglass Attach! concept at this year's event. Details of its Single Lens Display Module were announced last month, and the high-resolution eyewear module is fitted with an OLED screen that attaches to existing glasses and sunglasses (pictured)
Sony said the board has capabilities that are 'on par with smartphones' to show people useful information, quickly, over their right eye. This display module's microdisplay measures 0.23-inches, with a resolution of 640 x 400 pixels. Sony said it is hoping to start selling the module 'within the coming year'
Sony also announced a 4K Action Cam (left), as well as next-generation, thin 4K TVs (right). One model in particular, called the X9000C series, uses what Sony calls a Floating Style design. It has the world's thinnest build - approximately 4.9 mm at its thinnest point – making it 2mm thinner than Apple's iPhone 6
It has the world's thinnest build - approximately 4.9 mm at its thinnest point – making it 2mm thinner than the iPhone 6.
Plus, the Japanese firm used the conference to introduce its latest Life Space UX concepts.
It has created a number of Life Space UX prototypes, designed to take smart homes further, following the line's first product - the 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector.
This projector, when placed at the foot of a wall, transforms the entire wall into a life-size window, and was released in the US last September.
New products within this range will include an LED Bulb Speaker - a bulb-shaped speaker that doubles as a light bulb, and a Portable Ultra Short Throw Projector.
This is a compact cube-shaped projector measuring approximately 10cm per side that lets people watch films on a kitchen table or by the bath, for example.
Sony also used the conference to introduce its latest Life Space UX concepts, and has created a number of prototypes. New products within this range will include an LED Bulb Speaker (left) - a bulb-shaped speaker that doubles as a light bulb, and a Portable Ultra Short Throw Projector (right)
Apple announced its HomeKit software last year, and iDevices is one of the first firms to release a product that takes advantage of the technology. Its $50 (£32) Switch (pictured) plugs into a household outlet. Appliances are then plugged into the Switch plug and can be controlled using Apple's Siri, or through an app
Smartphones at this year's CES seem to have fallen by the wayside a little, but one in particular has turned heads - mainly due to its price.
The 88 Tauri handset, from car-maker Tonino Lamborghini costs $6,300 (£4,00).
Only 1,947 – in homage to the year Antonio Lamborghini was born – will be sold, and it is made of steel and calfskin leather.
It has a 5-inch screen, 20MP rear-facing and 8MP front-facing camera and 64GB of storage.
It is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, with 3GB pf RAM.
Meanwhile, Asus announced its ZenFone Zoom - the world's thinnest smartphone to feature a 13MP camera with a 3X optical zoom.
The rear camera on the phone has a 10-element lens design with up to a 12X digital zoom, and the device also has an optical image stabilizer for shake-free photos.
Other specifications include a 5.5-inch screen and Android 5.0 Lollipop software.
In addition to the £25 ($30) Bluetooth smart dummy called Pacif-i, unveiled yesterday, the show has seen a range of other smart devices designed for parents.
Meanwhile, Allie Play, Home and Go by IC Real Tech are a series of dual-lens cameras that display 720-degree video (pictured left to right) This video can be watched in real time on smartphones and range from professional cameras for security firms, to selfie-style cameras to capture wider pictures
Elsewhere, French firm Slow Control unveiled a smart baby bottle that monitors how much milk a baby is drinking. It also tells parents the best angle to hold the bottle to feed the child in a way that prevents gas or colic. The Baby GlGl is a plastic sleeve that fits around existing bottles, and costs €100 (£78)
4moms is showcasing its latest mamaRoo baby rocker. It is fitted with Bluetooth to wirelessly sync to a smartphone or tablet app and the parent can control the speed at which the chair, rocks. Music on the chair can also be controlled remotely, and prices start at $239 (£156)
4moms, for example, is showcasing its latest mamaRoo baby rocker.
It is fitted with Bluetooth to wirelessly sync to a smartphone or tablet app, on which the parent can control the speed at which the chair rocks.
Music on the chair can also be controlled remotely, and prices start at $239 (£156).
Elsewhere, French firm Slow Control unveiled a smart baby bottle that monitors how much milk a baby is drinking.
It also tells parents the best angle to hold the bottle to feed the child in a way that prevents gas or colic.
The bottle is from the same company that launched the Hapifork that vibrated if food was eaten too fast.
The Baby GlGl, which stands for 'glug glug', is a plastic sleeve that fits around existing bottles, and costs €100 (£78).
Meanwhile, Asus announced its ZenFone Zoom - the world's thinnest smartphone to feature a 13MP camera with a 3X optical zoom. The rear camera has a 10-element lens design with up to a 12X digital zoom, and the device (pictured) also has an optical image stabilizer for shake-free photos
The Ring Video Doorbell was initially unveiled last month.The Wi-Fi enabled bell is fitted with a HD camera and connects to a home's Wi-Fi network. Each time the bell is pressed, an alert is sent to a smartphone which shows a live video stream showing who is at the door
Meanwhile, the latest smart fashion accessory to come out of CES is Lepow's HiSmart bag (pictured). The bag syncs via Bluetooth to a phone or tablet, and buttons in the strap lets wearers answer calls when headphones are plugged in. HiSmart will also vibrate when a notification is received
It is battery-powered, and is fitted with sensors that monitor the angle the bottle is being held at, known as the inclinometer, and the correct angle is guided using LED arrows.
The amount of milk being drunk is monitored using weight sensors.
For adults looking to lose weight, Kiqplan has also announced its latest 12-week fitness plans that work with trackers, phones and watches
For adults looking to lose weight, Kiqplan has also announced its latest 12-week fitness plans that work with trackers, phones and watches.
In addition, Kiqplan will use connected home devices to include fridge and cookie jar alert systems.
Notifications could be sent to Kiqplan users when a fridge or cookie jar is opened, shaming them into eating too much.
Another product, designed for the home is the Ring Video Doorbell, that was initially unveiled last month.
The Wi-Fi enabled bell is fitted with a HD camera and connects to a home's Wi-Fi network. Each time the bell is pressed, an alert is sent to a smartphone which shows a live video stream showing who is at the door.
Homeowners can then speak to the visitor using the bell's built-in microphone, and all footage is recorded. Ring will launch on 19 January for $199 (£130).
Meanwhile, the latest smart fashion accessory to come out of CES – following yesterday's self-adjusting belt – was Lepow's HiSmart bag.
The bag syncs via Bluetooth to a phone or tablet, and buttons in the strap lets wearers answer calls when headphones are plugged in.
HiSmart will also vibrate when a notification is received.
The company plans to launch an Indiegoog campaign later this year to add more functionalities, such as controlling music playback.
The price of the basic bag wasn't announced, but the firm said the more advanced version will sell for $299 (£196).
Put the internet to work for you.
0 comments:
Post a Comment