CES 2021: Seven Gadgets and Concepts We're Fascinated By
For the first time ever, the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2021 was held completely virtual this year. But that didn’t mean that the technological advancements announced were any less groundbreaking. The best part? More than a handful of these gadgets and technologies will hopefully be hitting the market in the next couple of years. Here’s a roundup of the gadgets and concepts we’re most fascinated with that were unveiled at the conference.
1. LG’s Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) TVs of the Future
Every year, LG’s Display show never disappoints with their lineup of futuristic TV demos. This year’s demos included OLED transparent TVs for restaurants, which would be useful for pandemic times. In addition to allowing restaurant patrons to enter and pay for their orders, the transparent TVs can also serve as a shield of protection for restaurant workers.
2. Sony’s Quadcopter Airpeak Drone
If you’re a drone nerd like some of us at Tech Square ATL (TSQATL) Social Club, get excited. Sony debuted their smallest drone yet: the Airpeak. The Airpeak is sturdy enough to hold the weight of Sony’s Alpha™ mirrorless camera, allowing the drone pilot to capture high-quality photography and video footage with a precise, stable flight.
3. Toto’s Smart Wellness Toilet
Ready to upgrade from your bidet? Toto’s got your back (or, well…your bottom.) At CES, Toto unveiled their Wellness Toilet — the new smart toilet that will analyze your stool to help you determine your health. “Toto’s new toilet scans your body and key outputs, providing wellness recommendations as a result of the simple routine act of sitting down on the toilet,” the company announced.
4. Samsung’s Solar-Charging Remote Control
Samsung introduced their new Solar Cell Remote Control that charges from indoor and outdoor light. Made from 28 percent recycled plastic, the underside of the remote features solar panels that Samsung estimates will stay charged for two years before needing replacement. According to the company, all 2021 Samsung TV models will come with this remote control.
5. MyQ’s Pet Portal: The Smart Door for Your Fido
The latest addition to MyQ’s smart access internet of things, the Pet Portal allows canine parents to safely allow their pets outside remotely. Designed to be professionally installed to replace an existing door, the Pet Portal features a camera and a sliding smart panel that is self-opening and can also be controlled via their mobile app.
6. Samsung’s Bot Handy: The Robot Butler We’ve Been Waiting For
Among Samsung’s lineup of next-generation smart robots, Bot Handy is the Rosie Jetson we’ve all been waiting for. Featuring a long arm that can load the dishwasher, do the laundry, and even pour you a glass of wine, the Bot Handy will be programmed with artificial intelligence to recognize objects around the house.
7. Cadillac's eVTOL: GM’s Personal Air Taxi Concept
With the Cadillac eVTOL, General Motors (GM) announced at CES that they will be joining the race to bring automated flying taxis to market too. The battery-powered personal aircraft concept will be able to land, take off, and glide through the air to transport passengers across town with speeds up to 56 mph.
What product launches or technological concepts are you excited about this year? Are there any concepts you're skeptical of? Let us know in the comments below.
DID YOU KNOW?
In June 1967, the first CES was held in New York City. Three years later at CES, the videocassette recorder (VCR) was unveiled to the public for the first time.