CES 2016: top gadgets from the smaller start-ups
Wake up and smell the alarm clock? Check out the amazing gadgets and gizmos from the CES in Las Vegas | VIDEO
An alarm clock that changes the wake up time based on traffic flow, 360-degree cameras and a large drone that folds to the size of an iPad were among devices rolled out at a global gadget show in Las Vegas.
The CES show is in full swing, and today was the turn for smaller start-ups from around the world to show their wares.
Staying connected
Connected devices were the go and there were exotic contributions such as Sensorwake, an alarm clock that wakes you by pumping out exotic smells. It could be the smell of brewing espresso, a hot croissant, the seaside, lush jungle, chocolate or peppermint.
You buy 30-day capsules with your chosen smell and Sensorwake pumps it out at the right time. Sadly bacon isn’t on offer.
Should you miss the wafts of this sensuous reminder, Sensorwake will sound an auditory alarm as a backup, but a spokesman today says odour wake up reminders work — provided you don’t have a cold.
Why bacon isn't on this sign is beyond me. Sensorwake is an alarm clock that wakes you up with smells . #CES2016 pic.twitter.com/xOoDTblKgH
— James Tindale (@jamestindale) January 5, 2016Alternatively you can program a Holi internet connected alarm clock to wake you at different times depending on what’s happening in your world. For example, if it is snowing outside and you’re a keen skier, the alarm can be set to go off earlier, likewise if there is heavy traffic on the way to work. The alarm clock can be linked to various online services and connects to the IFTTT (if this then that) website which lets users create their own action recipes.
There was Nex, a so-called hackable bracelet with programmable buttons you can use to play music, start the coffee pot, turn on the lights, send an email, or perform an action across the Internet. Like the Holi alarm clock, it too links to IFTTT.com which lets you create recipes for remote Internet actions. You can share actions by taking the buttons out and giving them to as friend to put in their bracelet.
On the ground ...
For drivers, there was smart wheel — a steering wheel that knows when you’re distracted or even texting by the position and pressure exerted by your hands. You are alerted to any troublesome behaviour. Further, the wheel includes programmable gestures, so you can swipe it to turn on the windscreen wipers or slide your thumb to answer your phone — hands free of course.
There was Orbitrec, a 3D-printed, internet connected bike, sensors you can attach to objects at home or luggage to track them and located them such as TrackR and Chipolo, an indoor mapping platform for buildings called mapwize.io, and sensors you can put in the cupboard called Mats that keep track of grocery items.
... and in the air
Quadcopter drones were big last year. Now we’re starting to see refinements to existing models. French drone maker Parrot showed off a drone more in the shape of a glider, while Prodrone showcased three largish drones that fold up into the size of an iPad and can fit in a backpack for east transporting. Chinese drone maker DJI showcased its new Inspire 1 Black Edition. It’s the same as last year’s high end Inspire 1, but, following feedback from pros has been painted jet black.
Other cool stuff
We saw the Hydro Smart Shower Head, a useful implementation of an Internet of Things with an app that determines the pressure of the head and individual quotas of water can be metered out. It’s designed for saving water.
And there was the PicoBrew Pico automatic beer brewer, an attempt at smart brewing. Choose a beer you like the sound of from their web store and they’ll ship you the ingredients. A QR coded box will scan inside the brewer, select your Hoppiness and Bitterness and fill up the keg — the Pico does the rest.
We saw Enlapse, a solar-panel powered time lapse photography set up that will snap photos every 10 minutes without needing extra battery power for a year. It snaps a 220 degree panorama, and photos can be immediately uploaded to the Enlapse cloud so there is infinite file capacity. The Enlapse also claims to be weatherproof.
While there were surprising few VR (virtual reality) devices at CES Unveiled. There was however the 3D Rudder, a large disc that you place at your feet that can be programmed to represent an action in virtual space. So if you need to walk in your virtual game yet fear falling over the furniture in real life while doing so, you can instead program 3D Rudder so that a twist left or right of the disk with your feet represents a step forward.
Hitting the right note
There was the One Smart Piano, which borrows from music video games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero to prompt the user’s keystrokes. Lights above the keys indicate visually which key to play next. An accompanying iPad app provides a scrolling sheet of music that users can play in time with, or an enhanced sheet music style that keeps track of the next notes for both hands.
Finally there was Roli Seaboard Rise 25, designed for the next generation of musicians. Similar in shape to a synthesiser’s keyboard, the Seaboard controls programs like Apple Logic and Garage Band, or Roli’s own software to create a digital analogue of a bespoke synthesiser.
Chris Griffith is attending CES in Las Vegas courtesy of Sony and Acer, James Tindale, who contributed to this report, is attending courtesy of LG.
Why that Valentine’s Day gift might head back to the shop
Australians returned more than $11m in gifts, or 88,600 items, in the fortnight after Christmas and it could be down to people cashing in what they can to make ends meet, a data collector says.
CEO still MIA as Richard White is back with a vengeance
WiseTech says it is progressing with its search for a new chief, as Richard White wastes no time settling into his new $1m a year consulting role at the company he took some brief leave from.