Cool Home Tech For 2017
The always exciting consumer electronics trade show begins this week in Las Vegas, with smart home technology and robots stirring up most of the excitement.
The French company, Milliboo, is offering an exciting new innovation known as EKKO – a “smart mirror.” EKKO, in addition to functioning as a standard mirror, reflects your digital image, as well. The mirror is able to play music, TV shows, stream videos and display news and weather feeds, and allows the user to scan his emails. The information is shown at the bottom of the mirror. These functions, among others can be accomplished with just a click of a smartphone app. The sleek, modern design will complement most any home décor.
Mayfield Robotics is introducing Kuri, a 20-inch 14-pound robot. Kuri features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a 1080p camera, and an IOS/Android app control to help connect you to your devices. The robot can respond to questions (and facial expressions). Amazingly, it can also distinguish between different people, and respond accordingly. Also, it has a security feature: it can monitor your home when you are away. Kuri will be available later this year and will retail for about $699.
LG, the South Korean multinational conglomerate is also debuting a number of robots including one which can do your gardening.
With the amazing commercial success of “Echo,” debuted by Amazon in 2015, many other companies are introducing voice-activated devices. Samsung, for example, is introducing the POWERbot VR700 a “smart” vacuum cleaner which is compatible with the Echo, and responds to voice commands.
Somify corporation is introducing an entirely voice-activated home security system.
SmartBeings, a California based company, states on their website that “the Internet of Things is not just about things, it is actually about you.” Promoted as a personal concierge, its WooHoo device uses both voice and facial recognition when interfacing. The WooHoo can adjust the thermostat and lighting in your home, formulate to-do lists and control all of your home electronics. Also included is a 1080p HD camera which has facial recognition, infrared night vision and contains motion detection as a security feature.
The Whirlpool Corporation is offering a particularly shrewd door-within-door on its new refrigerator. The inner door can be set at a lower temperature to ensure that your beverages are kept very cold.
In this regard, the Samsung Corporation is offering its Family Hub 2.0. The refrigerator features a 21 and a half-inch LED touchscreen on the front door. The screen can help with food management via app integration, access recipes, remind you of appointments and to stay in touch with friends. This year’s updated model also has voice technology built in where you can access the time, the weather, create a shopping list and even order groceries online.
Buyer beware: If you should purchase the Family Hub 2.0 before they become popular, be sure to draw the blinds. If a neighbor should peer through your window and see you talking to your refrigerator, they may phone EMS!