The most exciting tech products from CES 2023
Buzzworthy innovations from the tech world's biggest outing
The 2023 Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, took place in Las Vegas from Jan. 5 to Jan. 8. The convention, often described as the world's most influential tech event, featured some of the most anticipated and talked-about innovations in the space. Here are a few of the most notable:
1. ASKA A5 flying car
Taking to the skies for a daily commute may no longer be a thing of the distant future. Concept car company ASKA has debuted a prototype flying car known as the ASKA A5, showing it off for the first time at CES. In a press release, ASKA described the car as "the world's first four-seater electric vehicle that can travel by road," and one that can also fly 250 miles on a single charge. Unlike other flying car prototypes, ASKA said the A5 is able to take off and land vertically, requiring "only a compact space, such as a helipad or vertiport." Similar to other electric vehicles, the A5 can also be charged using home and EV stations. While the FAA has not authorized the A5 to take flight yet, ASKA co-founder Guy Kaplinsky told CNET he hopes this will come "within a month." However, anyone looking to get their hands on one will have to shell out a lot of cash, as preorders are being accepted for the $789,000 vehicle that ZDNet said "may soar above the rest."
2. Displace wireless television
Television has seen numerous innovations since its invention, but one stubborn feature has remained: wires. That is, until now. The Displace wireless television is described by the company as the world's first "truly wireless TV." It has no wires or ports, and comes with swappable long-lasting batteries. Unlike conventional televisions that must be mounted to the wall, the Displace can be stuck to any wall or window using strong suction cups. The Displace has no remote, but is instead controlled entirely by the gestures of the person watching. While not unique in the market, as wireless TVs were a massive hit at CES, the Displace is "the one that so far wins my uniqueness award," CNET said, while ZDNet called the device "groundbreaking." Displace said the product will hit the market at the end of 2023 for $2,999.
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3. Movano Evie health-tracking ring
Health company Movano unveiled a new smart ring, the Evie, at CES. While it may not be the first wearable health tracker, it will be "the first consumer wearable that is also a medical device," as the company is planning to seek FDA clearance for the ring. "The clearance will offer women trusted and personalized insights that can help them draw connections between cause and effect, so they can better understand the 'why' behind what they're feeling," Movano said in a press release. The Evie will reportedly be able to track a woman's resting and variable heart rate, skin temperature, menstrual cycle, sleep stages, and more. As ZDNet noted, "the move away from smartwatches to a more compact smart ring to track vitals and activity" has been increasing steadily in the past year, so the Evie appears to be right on trend. The outlet also noted that, when it comes to fitness trackers, "many of them aren't [accurate], especially in certain scenarios. So the fact that Movano plans to release medical-grade fitness trackers is significant by itself." The ring will be released in 2023 and cost $300, per Digital Trends.
4. FluentPet dog communication app
Lots of people probably dream about having a full-blown conversation with their dog. While that may not be possible, FluentPet showed off the closest thing at CES: the FluentPet Connect. The WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled app sends pet parents a push notification when their animal presses one of the company's multicolored buttons. The buttons, which come in a series of connectable floor mats, can let humans record themselves saying specific commands such as "outside," "play," and "eat," allowing owners to train their pets to push specific buttons for different desires. While this type of button-based pet technology has been used in the past, the app's push notification system brings a new element, and allows pets to communicate with their owners even when they're elsewhere. The app also saves each button push, letting pet parents track their dog's patterns and behaviors. The new app was lauded by industry insiders, with TechCrunch saying it brings "the dream of being able to communicate with your dog" closer to reality. The Connect base tile can be pre-ordered for $69.96, with the entire system starting at $159.95. FluentPet said that it will begin shipping the product this February.
5. TCL RayNeo X2 augmented reality glasses
TCL's new RayNeo X2 augmented reality glasses have a number of features, including a smart GPS navigation system and a hands-free integrated camera. But their most buzzworthy tool can "automatically detect and translate in-person conversations with subtitles displaying on the screen," allowing people to have a different-language conversation in real time. A reporter from CNET who tried the glasses during their debut at CES said the translation tool "allowed me to understand someone in the room speaking in Chinese to me." Other companies, including Google, are trying to introduce similar technology, but TCL said its glasses are the first step in creating "a new AR ecosystem." It will be releasing the glasses to developers in early 2023, with a wider launch expected later this year.
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Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
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