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Toshiba's Symbio is both a security camera and Alexa speaker
Toshiba has integrated a dizzying number of devices into one with its new Symbio. It's an Alexa-powered smart speaker, security camera, intercom, smart home hub that's compatible with Z-Wave or Zigbee, and sound detector. Using the iOS or Android-powered Toshiba Smart Home app, you can "control everything from lights and music to door locks and temperature settings, from any location -- at home, at the office or out of town," the company claims.
Kohler's new smart fixtures make Alexa your bathroom buddy
While Kohler is best known for its classic bathroom fixtures, over the past few years it's released a few high-end smart products, like toilets. But now the company is expanding to the whole bathroom. The brand introduced a new platform at CES, Kohler Konnect, that runs on a new line of products users can customize with presets and control with motion or voice -- and some even have Amazon Alexa built in.
XYZPrinting's latest 3D printing pen costs just $45
XYZPrinting is a company known for making affordable 3D printers for the home, and today, it's about to unveil even more of them. It's releasing not one, not two, but three new devices at this year's CES. But if you've been paying attention to the company at all, they should all be pretty familiar. That's because they're incrementally updated versions of existing products.
Samsung gives the 13-inch Notebook 7 Spin a few modest updates
Well, Samsung seems hell-bent on revealing all its new laptops before CES even starts. First there was the trio of Notebook 9 models announced last month, and now the company is talking up a new version of its Notebook 7 Spin. For those not aware, the original 13.3-inch Spin debuted in 2016 as a relatively inexpensive laptop that turned into a slightly unwieldy tablet, and this refreshed version doesn't stray far from Samsung's original formula.
LG's tiny 4K projector puts a 150-inch screen in any room
LG is showcasing its 2018 projector lineup at CES next week, and one of the new models is the brand's first 4K UHD projector. It doesn't look like most of its peers either. The model (HU80KA) is a compact, upright device that can create a 150-inch screen on your wall. Its portable design was made possible by its mirrorless I-shaped engine, which allows it to do its job whether you simply place it on the floor or carefully hang it from the ceiling. LG says it's a product of the company's engineers challenging themselves to make a 4K projector smaller than others on the market without sacrificing performance.
Ajit Pai reportedly cancelled CES appearance due to death threats
Yesterday, CES announced that FCC Chairman Ajit Pai would no longer be appearing at the trade show where he was scheduled to take part in a conversation with FTC Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen. At the time, neither FCC nor the show organizers gave a reason for the sudden change in plans, but Recode now reports that the cancellation is due to Pai receiving death threats. Two FCC sources added that law enforcement is now involved.
Hyundai and Volkswagen team with Google's former self-driving lead
Both Hyundai and the Volkswagen Group announced today that they are partnering with self-driving technology company Aurora Innovation and will be incorporating the company's autonomous driving systems into their own vehicles. Hyundai will be working the technology into its latest fuel cell vehicle, debuting next week at CES, while the Volkswagen Group says it could be incorporated into a number of its brands' vehicles, including self-driving Sedric pods, shuttles, delivery vans or trucks.
Toyota's new self-driving test car can better recognize small objects
Toyota Research Institute (TRI) will debut the latest version of its automated driving research vehicle at CES next week. TRI had three major goals with this latest model and Platform 3.0 incorporates them all into a car with more perception capabilities, a design that's easier to produce at scale and a much sleeker look. "To elevate our test platform to a new level, we tapped Toyota's design and engineering expertise to create an all-new test platform that has the potential to be a benchmark in function and style," TRI CEO Gill Pratt said in a statement.
Samsung's next-gen chips point to Galaxy S9 face detection
Samsung has unveiled its next-generation smartphone chip that will give its upcoming Galaxy S9 some iPhone X-like features, including face unlocking and animated emojis. The Exynos 9810 is built on its second-generation 10-nanometer fabrication tech, and will outperform the current flagship Exynos 8895 chip by up to 100 percent in single-core mode, Samsung said. The chip is likely to be sold in Asia, while US and European customers will get the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip.
Tivo’s new TV platform will combine cable and streaming
TiVo has launched its new streaming service that promises big things for both consumers and cable or streaming operators. Called the Next-Gen Platform, it gives viewers a convenient, unified way to watch recorded content from both cable providers and streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Operators like Altice, meanwhile, can implement TiVo's tech to provide consumers with "hyper-personalization, recommendations and voice-control" on multiple devices and screens, TiVo says.
Lenovo's new ThinkPads pack 8th-gen Core CPUs and slimmer designs
Lenovo just revamped the lion's share of its ThinkPad lineup, and it's good news if you want a speedy portable that won't weigh down your laptop bag -- or if you're privacy-conscious, for that matter. Its new ThinkPad X, T and L models have all made the switch to faster eighth-generation Intel Core processors while sporting slimmer, lighter bodies. The 12.5-inch X280, for example, is 15 percent thinner (0.69 inch) and 20 percent lighter (2.6 pounds) than its predecessor. There's also a new 13-inch L-series (the L380) for people who want a no-frills pro laptop in a more portable design than the 14- and 15-inch versions.
Dell XPS 13 hands-on: A makeover inside and out
Dell's XPS 13 has long been one of our favorite laptops, and for good reason: Its compact design, brilliant display, comfortable keyboard and long battery life make it a well-rounded device. Dell wasn't content to simply offer an incremental upgrade this year, though. It has given the XPS 13 a makeover, with narrower bezels, a new cooling system and a white color option with a stain-resistant coating.
LG's new CLOi robots are designed for hotels and supermarkets
LG unveiled an impression with a range of robots at last year's CES, and it's poised for a repeat performance at next week's show. Following the trial runs of its Airport Guide Robot and the Airport Cleaning Robot at Incheon International Airport, the Korean company is now expanding its family of robots -- now branded under the "CLOi" name -- with three new models geared toward commercial use. These include the Serving Robot, Porter Robot and Shopping Cart Robot. The machines appear to be about the same size as the Airport Guide Robot, and you'll find a familiar pair of jade-colored eyes on a circular plate at the top.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai cancels appearance at CES
If you were hoping FCC Chairman Ajit Pai would answer for some of his policy decisions with his presence at CES... well, you'll be disappointed. The Consumer Technology Association has issued a brief statement saying that Pai is "unable to attend" CES 2018, where he was slated to participate in a "candid conversation" on January 9th. There's no reason given, and neither the CTA nor the FCC is willing to comment. Needless to say, it's odd to cancel at the last minute with no explanation.
This device will tell you just how bad your hair is
If you've ever wanted a more precise analysis of your hair, if you want to add a little tech to your hair care routine, or if you just don't trust your hairstylist, Schwarzkopf has you covered. Henkel Beauty Care and its Schwarzkopf Professional brand are launching a hair analyzer that can supposedly give you a much more detailed assessment on the health of your hair. Using near-infrared and visible light sensors, the device can measure moisture level, inner hair quality and true hair color and can help your hair care professional come up with a personalized color and care plan.
Hisense's latest 4K TVs will include Amazon Alexa
We've found the running theme for TVs at this year's CES: built-in voice assistants. Hisense has revealed that some of its 2018 4K TVs will include Amazon Alexa, letting you control both the set itself and your smart home. You can change inputs, stream online radio or turn on your lights without budging from the couch. Hisense isn't saying much about the TVs themselves, but it does note that a 100-inch laser TV will be one of those receiving the Alexa treatment.
Roku aims to take over home audio with its wireless speaker platform
No, Roku isn't building a wireless speaker, despite rumors hinting at that. Instead, it's approaching home audio similar to how it tackled TVs: By offering its technology to other companies. Specifically, Roku is unveiling a new wireless audio platform, Roku Connect, that it'll license to third parties. The company also put together a hardware reference design for a smart soundbar and speaker, which will guide partners as they develop their own hardware. The goal? To make it even easier for consumers to put together their own theater systems and spread speakers throughout their homes.
Netgear’s Orbi Satellite takes mesh WiFi networks outdoors
WiFi mesh networking is not for the faint of wallet, but if you're going to spend the money, Netgear's Orbi is one of the better systems out there. Until now, it's been geared toward indoor home and apartment use, but Netgear has introduced the Orbi Outdoor Satellite (RBS50Y). The device lets you expand coverage by up to 2,500 square feet, making it ideal for use by your pool, garage or guest house.
LG will launch a 'raspberry red' V30 at CES next week
LG is launching a new V30 variant at CES next week, targeting those not quite fond of the phone's original black, blue, silver and lavender color schemes. The upcoming version is called "raspberry red," a muted red-pink that's much darker than the "pink rose" Samsung Galaxy S8. As we concluded in our review, the V30 is a flawed phone that's both powerful and unpolished -- it's fast with fantastic audio quality, but it's held back by a dim screen, middling battery life and a camera that doesn't always fare well in low light.
Samsung's latest curved QLED monitor packs Thunderbolt 3
Samsung isn't going to sit idly by while LG's upcoming range of monitors hog the limelight at CES 2018. The electronics giant just unveiled another curved QLED display, the world's first with Thunderbolt 3, which should pique the interest of MacBook Pro users. It's officially called the CJ791, which doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, and also features 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, a wide 21:9 aspect ratio and a four-millisecond response time.
