CES 2016 Wrap-Up, Part 1

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

The Blaze, Fitbit's latest tracker, is aimed at smartwatch lovers. A number of smartwatches were introduced at CES, but this one caught our eyes. This watch focuses on fitness, as you would expect from FitBit. It can’t read e-mails and texts like the Microsoft smartwatch and others can, but this wearable device leans on style, with a dash of extra watch-type smarts. You can change its design, too. The center part of Blaze pops out and can be swapped into other bands and accessories. The Blaze is reasonably priced at about $200.

The first in D-Link's new EXO line of Wi-Fi routers, the DIR-879 strikes a balance between performance and cost. This is an AC1900 router (1,300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band). The router features gigabit Ethernet for fast wired connections, a high-power amplifier for better Wi-Fi range, SmartConnect that blends two Wi-Fi bands into a single network, and Intelligent QoS that offers traffic optimization for Internet applications. It will be available soon. D-Link also introduced the Unified Home Wi-Fi Network Kit that consists of a Wi-Fi router and a range extender: the AC4200 Tri-Band MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router (model DIR-891L) and the AC1300 Gigabit Wi-Fi Extender (DAP-1655).

Intel showed its next-gen Compute Stick. The new unit has a similar look and feel to the previous model, though it is slightly longer. This is because the new model has two ports (one USB 3.0, one USB 2.0), which is handy if you want to plug in wireless dongles for a keyboard and mouse, or any other peripherals. It's shipping now for a suggested retail price of $159 in the U.S.

Speaking of IoT, if you ever need to turn your oven on or off while you're out, Samsung has you covered. The company has added Wi-Fi to some of its newer ranges.

Dell's new Latitude Ultrabook has a couple of different options. The slim keyboard has full-size, backlit keys, despite being very thin, much like the keyboard cover on a Surface Pro. The premium keyboard acts more like a dock than a cover, with deeper keys, a better touchpad and a channel along the back that allow you to slot the tablet half in single-handedly. While I was very impressed with this computer and some of the new ultra-slim offerings from HP, the most impressive new notebook I have seen and used is the new Microsoft SurfaceBook. I did not see any on display but I did see some of them being used in the press room. (By way of disclosure, I just bought one and I love it, especially its power, extremely long battery life and very slim, cool-looking design).

Speaking of computers, check out the MSI Gaming 27XT desktop computer. It too supports a discrete desktop-class graphics card, grafted onto the rear of its screen. Origin's Omni ups the ante by cramming an Nvidia Titan X and an octa-core Intel Core i7-5960X into its all-in-one. I am not sure if I liked the design, however.

Again, in the IoT category, there is the new Kwikset Premis, a Bluetooth deadbolt that boasts compatibility with Apple HomeKit, the set of smart home protocols programmed into iOS devices. That means you'll be able to ask Siri to lock and unlock it. Kwikset’s SmartCode deadbolts and levers with Home Connect technology integrate with home security and automation systems, allowing the locks to communicate with other wireless products in the home such as security systems and home entertainment systems.  Home Connect technology delivers convenience and peace of mind to homeowners with complete remote locking and unlocking via smartphones and tablets.  When paired with most home automation systems, homeowners can receive text messages when their doors are locked or unlocked.

Cobra Electronics launched a new series of Drive HD Dash Cams for high-definition road recording and added security. Two new models sport 1080P full HD recording and ultra-wide viewing angle to capture as much of the road as possible, with the flagship model integrating Bluetooth smart wireless technology for added iRadar alert capabilities.

uSens showed off its advanced 3D hand- and head-tracking for augmented reality and virtual reality. The company’s 3D hand-tracking technology replaces the need for peripheral device support such as connected game controllers, cameras, and other input devices. It recognizes, tracks and learns from hand, finger, and head movements in the real world. This unit is not as yet available, but it is reported that it will be released by mid-2016. Again, VR and AR taking hold.

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