CES 2019: A Series of Hits and Misses and Products Twice Around the Block

Well, another CES is done and dusted. We all got together with 180,00 of our closest friends in Vegas to share, spruik and explore the latest in tech, walking millions of millions of miles over more than 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space. It can be a challenge to find the shining star smart devices amidst the noise and lights, especially as the lowlights tend to show themselves pretty easily.  If anything, this year's show has demonstrated the evolution of technology in consumer products.  While a number of companies have bought Version 2 of their earlier products (see below) but we're also seeing some new innovations using some fascinating tech. Let's take a look at some of the hits and misses:

Numi Intelligent Toilet 2.0

                     

mui Smart Home Hub

If you've ever wondered what people with money and a love of hygge buy, this might be it. It's a $999 piece of wood by mui described as a 'calm design device' built with natural wood, that serves as a smart home control hub. Using the digital display that appears with a swipe of your hand, you can talk, send/receive messages, check the news and weather, and control smart devices (lighting, thermostats, etc.) and more. When you are done, the display disappears, and the panel looks just like a piece of wood again. mui doesn't constantly demand your attention as smartphones do. The makers note that: "mui is designed to create a relaxing, distraction-free digital environment so you can enjoy quality time with your family." I'd suggest if you need an expensive piece of wood to make your life less distracting, you have other problems. Sure, touchscreens are huge right now (and the only thing that would make this funnier is if it was connected to voice activation) but this is just painfully self-indulgent.

Verdict: Miss 

PROTECTONNECT

As an Australian, I've never really had the problem of frozen water pipes but I know it's an issue for many every winter. But I am keenly aware of the toll of water leaks when there is a shortage of water. PROTECTONNECT is a connected device that is insulated to prevent domestic water waste. Thanks to a connected technology, embedded and at the forefront of electronics, the PROTECTONNECT cover insulates the water meter and is fitted with various sensors. 

The customer is warned remotely through a "Water Leak Alert" by SMS or email. Once the customer received the alert, they can either manage the leakage by itself or ask the PROTECTO team to do it in his place for lack of knowledge, in the event of prolonged absence or removal from the place of residence (holiday homes).

PROTECTO provides technical support, within 24 hours by putting the customer in touch with a network of selected professional partners (local plumber, geolocation leakage company, water service of the municipalities).

Verdict: Hit 

LG HomeBrew

It's clear that food retailers have been desperately trying to court subscription models since Nespresso, despite the Juicero debacle of 2017. 2019 brings the launch of LG HomeBrew, an espresso machine sized home brewing device. I have nothing against homebrew, I even wrote an article about the Internet of Beer, but this device goes against some of the basic logic of the convenience and abundance of home brewing. It's 'one touch solution' is only convenient when you consider each batch takes two weeks to mature before it's drinkable - meaning you can't brew another batch easily at home unless you buy another machine. Further, the reliance of four single-use use capsules per batch is nothing but problematic at a time when consumers are leading the push beyond single-use convenience and plastic.

Verdict: Miss 

PowerWatch

A watch powered by your own body heat? That's pretty cool. The PowerWatch uses a thermoelectric generator (TEG) that senses body heat and converts it into energy. TEGs need to have a hot side and a cold side to operate. The hot side is the circular black aluminum plate on the back of the watch. The cold side is the entire metal bezel and body of the watch. The hot and cold sides are separated from each other by a layer of insulating thermoplastic. The TEGs harvest the heat flowing from the hot side to the cold side and turn it into electricity.

The PowerWatch has a small battery inside that’s constantly charged whenever you wear the watch. The battery also charges in the sun and maintains time and fitness data when you are not wearing the PowerWatch for up to one year.

The watch has a range of functionalities including message notifications, heart monitor, GPS, sleep tracking, and step and calorie counting. It goes way beyond wireless tech and it's technology I suspect we'll see more of in the future. 

Verdict: Hit 

GE Kitchen Hub

Perhaps I hate this product so much as it looks like an accident waiting to happen. A computer situated right above the stove where people fry, boil and simmer? Watch Netflix while you cook? Stirring food over an open flame while distracted; what could go wrong? Kitchen Hub contains a 27-inch touchscreen that enables the home cook to search for recipes, watch Netflix, and control smart home devices. A forward-facing camera lets you video chat using Google Duo, and another cooktop-facing camera means you can capture and post pictures of your meals in progress. As you cook, a high-powered, 4-speed, adjustable 600 CFM ventilation system removes smoke and odors, while a "patent-pending air curtain around the screen and cameras protect it from heat, steam, and grease." The company assures users it complies with UL standards for vents above ranges and cooktops but I'm not sure of the consequences of a distracted cook. 

Verdict: Miss

Artemis Smart Mirror

Facial recognition tech is becoming a feature in more smart home products. CareOS's Artemis is part mirror, part computer, and uses facial and object recognition. It recognizes each user and the products (such as makeup being applied) that the user is using and can connect them with tutorials to assist with hair and makeup. It also has the usual internet and teleconferencing functionalities, but it also provides vision tests —  allowing you to keep track of any changes in your vision that may need a visit to the doctor.

Verdict: Hit