Consumer Electronic Show or better known as CES 2014 kicked off yesterday in Las Vegas. CES is typically used by companies to launch a range of new products and gadgets throughout the sprawling halls of the Las Vegas convention center. USA Today had some interesting insights even though it had only been the first day of CES 2014.
What did the first day of the Consumer Electronics Show yield?
1. Displays now bend and curve
Apparently, it’s not enough to just have a giant high-definition television. The screen has to bend and curve, too.
Companies such as LG and Samsung trotted out curved TVs, and even models that was bendable. Having already revealed its mammoth, 105-inch curved Ultra HD TV, Samsung announced it will launch curved television of the 55-, 65- and 78-inch varieties.
HS Kim, Samsung’s executive vice president of the visual display business, says the sets will offer “even more lifelike picture quality with more depth.”
But that wasn’t the only surprise. Both Samsung and LG revealed displays that bend to the user’s will. Samsung’s 85-inch LED featured a display that could either sit flat or curved. Meanwhile, LG — which already revealed the curved LG G Flex smartphone — boasted a 77-inch flexible OLED TV. However, neither company offered details on availability or pricing.
2. Even toothbrushes are smart.
Last year, we had the smart fork. This year, it’s all about the smart toothbrush.
French startup Kolibree created a Bluetooth enabled toothbrush that — when paired with an app — will track how well you’re brushing your teeth, right down to the number of strokes.
Prices for the toothbrush are expected to range between $100 and $200.
[more…]3. Wearables are back in a big way.
The wearable computing space seemed poised to expand after devices like the Pebble and Fitbit hit store shelves. But expect them to have plenty of company soon. Among the notables:
Both LG and Razer jumped into the fitness band business with their pair of wristbands. Let’s start with Razer’s Nabu, described as a “cross between a smartwatch and fitness band.” The device can track activity, sleep and location like a fitness band, but also delivers text and email alerts like a watch.
Smartwatch makers Pebble returned to showcase a more sophisticated model of their popular wearable device, called Pebble Steel. The smartwatch functions just like the standard Pebble, only includes a shiny metal body and Corning Gorilla Glass. It ships later this month for $249.
4. More tech is landing behind the wheel.
The invasion of mobile apps into the car has already started, but prepare for this tech to become more sophisticated in the coming years. Here are three interesting ways apps are being incorporated into cars:
Hyundai. The car maker’s app for the Genesis does everything from start your vehicle to help plan the appropriate route, including avoiding routes with heavy traffic.
BMW. Its not the driverless car, but BMW’s ActiveAssist is pretty close. The feature is built to take control of the vehicle in case of an emergency, braking, accelerating and steering when required.
Chevrolet. Need to book a hotel in a hurry? A new partnership with Priceline will let drivers book a room from their car. Drivers will be able to reach Priceline through the OnStar service or via app.
5. Ryan Seacrest wants a physical keyboard for the iPhone.
The American Idol host preferred a physical keyboard over the iPhone’s touchscreen. So what did he do? With developer help, he created the Typo.
The Bluetooth keyboard fits onto the iPhone 5 or 5s like a case, allowing users to easily type text with the physical keys.
One company already has its eyes on the accessory: BlackBerry. The ailing smartphone maker is suing Typo for patent infringement.
