Most Promising New Tech of 2013
From light bulbs that let you set the mood to glasses that help you see another side of your surroundings the latest and greatest tech, unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) offers plenty of exciting new developments.
1. Waterproof Gadgets
Never worry about dropping your smartphone in the sink again. Once it undergoes the Liquipel process, your device will be equipped with a watersafe coating to protect it against liquids. We saw it firsthand on the show floor - the coating is barely detectable, even when you're using the phone. You can choose the level of protection you want: resistance to light spills or splatters, bigger spills, pool splashes, and a quick drop in the sink or toilet, or surviving anything from a torrential downpour to a push into pool. Liquipel is available now and pricing starts at $59.
2. Sleek TV
Your entertainment setup doesn't need to be an eyesore. The 85-inch Samsung UN85S9000 is like a piece of art for your living room with its sculpture-like metallic stand. Plus this sizable set is uHD, meaning it offers impressive 4K resolution.
3. Looking Sharp
You probably own a Bluetooth headset for chatting on the go; Vuzix's smart glasses take that technology to the next level. This headset is made up of a virtual display with an integrated camera that lets you see what's on your phone without having to look down; you can answer the phone with a visual address book, read text messages, email through visual navigation, and use augmented reality applications to learn more about your surroundings.
Related: How to Find the Best Tech for Your Family
4. Instant Fit
We love the Fitbit One ($99.95, amazon.com), but you just can't beat the instant gratification of up-to-the-minute feedback. The new Fitbit Flex ($99.95, available spring 2013) does just that, being information to a detailed app via Bluetooth as you go about your day. For the complete package, the Fitbit Aria scale ($129.95, amazon.com) logs weight to the same account so you can track your progress all in one place.
5. Helpful High Beams
There's nothing worse than being blinded by the headlines of an oncoming car when you're driving at night. Audi's new lighting system, which is pending DOT approval in the US, is able to detect oncoming cars, and automatically shut off LED high beams that could distract other drivers. Additionally, the car's infrared sensors detect pedestrians in the path and highlight them with a flashing LED alerting both them to the oncoming car, as well as the driver to the hazard.
Related: Favorite Apps of 2012
6. Fork it Over
HapiLabs' HapiFork is an electronic fork that intends to keep you accountable for your eating habits. Built-in sensors can tell if you are eating too fast, how long it took to eat a meal, the amount of fork servings per minute, and intervals between servings. The fork will alert you if you are eating too fast with indicator lights or light vibrations to make sure you savor each bite and the mobile app lets you track your eating habits. The HapiFork should be available this summer and will retail for $99.
7. Special Speakers
The LG NP6630 speakers are more than just a pretty face; this thoughtful setup promises to make every member of your family happy. This set isn't tied to one protocol, meaning you can stream music via Bluetooth, Airplay, built-in docking, NFC, and more (a unique combination we haven't seen in any other speaker system). Now anyone can be DJ, no matter the device.
8. Hear This
For the hearing impaired, Moneual's Smart Care System SCS 1000 may just be a lifesaver. The device looks like a watch, but it's able to convert environmental sounds into visual and vibration notifications. It can recognize situations and adapt accordingly - so if a car honks, for instance, the device will alert with visual cues as well as vibrations to signal potential danger.
Related: Smart Appliances For Your Home
9. Touch Sensitive
No need to take off your gloves to make a call. The new Lumia 920 from Nokia ($99.99, amazon.com) features a super-sensitive touch screen that can be used with your hands covered, with a pen, or whatever you have laying around - a nifty trick if you live in colder climes.
10. Better Bulbs
Play lighting designer in your home with the new Hue LEDs from Philips. These efficient bulbs come with wireless capabilities built in and are fully programmable via the associated app. Adjust the color temperature, shade, or intensity to your liking. You can also schedule lights for different settings at different times of the day. Bulbs are available now for $59.95 each or $199.95 for the three-bulb starter pack with bridge.
What new technology are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!
-By Rachel Rothman & Erik Eibert
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