Even in a virtual environment, CES 2021 remains ground zero for innovation, with exhibitors, enthusiasts and media opting for virtual press briefings from cramped convention halls and casinos for the first time. Of course, it’s an online-only event, but with more than 1,000 virtual exhibits and 150,000 online attendees, there will still be plenty of product announcements and plenty of technology for us to discover from afar.
Whether you’re interested in TV, gaming, 5G, robotics, EVs or new wearables, we’ve rounded up the best gadgets and gadgets from the online trenches of CES 2021. Please check back often as we will continue to update it.
More CES 2021 coverage
- CES 2021 Experience Center
- CES 2021: Must See
- CES 2021: Product Launches
- CES 2021: Innovation
Brink Bionics Impulse Neural Controller
For example, what if you could reduce the time it takes your brain to tell your mouse finger to click/shoot an enemy in a game by 80 milliseconds? Overwatch? This is the example used by Canadian startup Brink Bionics when explaining the benefits of its Impulse Neuro-Controller, a glove-like gaming peripheral unveiled at CES 2021. Sure, it might not sound like much, but leveraging a glove’s ability to detect mouse clicks before your fingers move could be a huge advantage in the world of esports.
Razer Project Hazel Smart Mask
Perhaps members of the anti-mask community will change their minds after seeing Razer’s futuristic face masks. Not only does Razer’s Project Hazel filter air well (qualifying it as a surgical N95 respirator), it also has a silicone seal on top that glasses wearers will be happy about. In true Razer fashion, the see-through concept features “Razer Voiceamp” technology that listens to the user’s voice and “intelligently reproduces” it through a set of speakers, so it sounds less muddy. sorry. Voice manipulation like Bane is not included.
Cadillac eVTOL Flying Taxi Concept
It’s generally said that TVs are the biggest issue at CES, but we sincerely hope that’s not the case. Year after year, the show continues to feature some of the coolest, weirdest, and most technologically advanced cars and vehicles we’ve ever seen. And with all the big automakers going all out for an EV future, you need to stand out. One way to do this is with wild concept vehicles, like Cadillac’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flying taxi. In its keynote address, General Motors highlighted the single-seat, twin-rotor eVTOL along with other luxury EVs in the Cadillac lineup. Each product serves as an example of how the company sees the future of commuting.
bHaptics TactSuit X40 VR Vest
bHaptics TactSuit X40 The haptic vest helps us get closer. Ready Player One A world where all of our senses of touch are transmitted through VR images and full-body simulated contact. But let’s not go too deep down that rabbit hole. Instead, let’s focus on the awesomeness of this wireless haptic vest, which boasts 40 vibration points designed to work with the company’s sleeves, face cushions, and hand and foot devices, providing life-like physical feedback in VR and gaming content (including SteamVR and Oculus Quest).
LG Transparent Smart Bed TV
Imagine waking up in the morning, stretching a bit, yawning, and then activating your 55 inches. minority report– A transparent screen that rolls out from the bottom of your bed and displays the day’s weather, traffic, news and social media streams. Dubbed the Smart Bed TV, it’s another example of LG’s prowess in rollable displays, something that’s been wowing CES attendees for the past few years. This transparent concept was also featured at CES, and the company sees a wide range of uses for the concept, including shopping malls, self-driving cars, and other commercial applications.
Razer Project Brooklyn Gaming Chair
One of the great things about the many concept devices and technologies at CES is that many of them, across different sectors, come together to create some truly amazing and innovative products. Gaming heavyweight Razer is no stranger to cool concepts, as evidenced by its Project Brooklyn gaming chair, which combines a rollable OLED display with one cool seat. A bar extends from the back of the slim bucket chair, and the 60-inch curved display delivers immersive gameplay that rivals VR.
Panasonic Car AR HUD
While many automakers are exploring heads-up displays (HUDs) and have actually already added them to their cars, Panasonic expects to consider augmented reality HUD systems as an option as well. Taking things a step further with an AR spin, the Panasonic system overlays symbols and text on images projected onto the windshield, while advanced AI and machine learning assist with orientation and allow drivers to detect pedestrians, objects and obscured lanes. Eye tracking technology helps deliver a more immersive and informed driving experience by following the driver’s eyes to accurately match AR graphics to what they see in the real world.
Kohler Stillness Bath
With millions of people stuck inside their homes, it’s no surprise that many have explored the idea of sprucing up their homes with renovations, pools, hot tubs, luxury bathroom spas and more. We deserve it. Kohler’s Zen-Beyond-zen Stillness Bath will require deep pockets, but it will be worth it. Ranging from $6,200 to $16,000, the Stillness line comes in a variety of sizes and offers a relaxing experience with colored lights, aromatherapy, mist, and soft infinity edges that trickle water into a drain below.
Samsung’s Micro LED TV returns home
You may remember Samsung’s incredible Micro LED technology from the past few years for “The Wall,” a massive modular LED panel system that can be assembled as desired, aimed at commercial use. This year, the South Korean tech giant will be bringing micro LED panels to the home in 110-inch, 99-inch, and 88-inch iterations that come pre-assembled and easy enough to hang around your neck. As Digital Trends Senior Editor Caleb Denison points out here , it’s a groundbreaking piece of technology that boasts intense brightness, perfect black levels, and all the features you’ve come to expect from Samsung. ‘Nuff said.
LG Electronics unveils rollable smartphone
Traditionally, we don’t see many smartphones at CES, but the global pandemic seems to have put all speculation to rest. Samsung is also planning to unveil the Galaxy S21 on the last day of the conference. LG revealed details about its latest LG smartphone during a virtual presentation on Monday, but what caught everyone’s attention was the brief glimpse of the company’s rollable smartphone at the beginning and end of the rumor. In the video, the device, which is said to be released later this year, seamlessly transitions from smartphone to tablet and vice versa in just seconds. It was like a Marvel end credits scene.
Novi Smart Lamp
Health and wellness technologies that protect seniors are quickly becoming a major industry as the population ages. The Nobi smart lamp is one such medically focused technology. Nobi, a stylish ceiling-mounted lamp that can be networked throughout your home, offers several features, including motion detection, which uses motion sensors and AI to automatically turn on the lights to reduce disorientation and illuminate the way. It also features intelligent fall detection that can alert caregivers if there is a problem.
ColdSnap Quick Freezing Device
Every year there’s at least one “Keurig of…” appliance at CES, and this year is no different. Promising to make everything from soft serve and frozen yogurt to smoothies and frozen cocktails, the ColdSnap blast-freezer is really the Keurig of soft serve. Using pods, you can deliver delicious frozen treats to order in less than 120 seconds.
Petpuls AI-powered dog collar
For Gary Larson Fareside A dog barking is just shouting “Hey!” Basically everything. Not really, but according to Petpuls, an AI-powered smart collar launched at CES 2021 that uses voice recognition to decode up to five emotions: happy, anxious, angry, sad, and comfortable. Known as the Fitbit for dogs, Petpuls works with a smartphone app and even tracks your dog’s activity and sleep, so you can make sure your best friend is happy and healthy.
Samsung Jetbot 90 AI+
Every year Samsung moves a little further into robotics at CES, and this year is no different. The robot vacuum game just got pretty competitive thanks to the JetBot 90 AI+. Efficiency is key here. JetBot uses AI and LiDAR to scan the room for even the smallest obstacles, identifying them and avoiding them so you can complete tasks faster. When used with the Samsung SmarThings app, you can set cleaning timers, no-go zones, and even get a bot-eye view of your pets (and spouse?) with the onboard camera. Check out what Samsung is cooking up at this year’s show.
Lenovo ThinkReality AR Glasses
If you were trying to find equipment like a sit-stand desk, office chair, or second monitor when quarantine began, forget it. And now, as the market adapts to us staying at home, it would be an understatement to say that the work-from-home sector is booming. Tech-based solutions like the Lenovo ThinkReality A3 smart glasses have yet to be tested in the real world, but with the promise of being able to project up to five virtual desktops via augmented reality, this could mean that home office setups could make quite a bit of sense – with or without a physical monitor. The ThinkReality glasses “fit like sunglasses” and are compatible with Motorola smartphones and PCs via USB-C.