When we think CES, we think B-I-G. We want the flashiest, most outrageous technology of the 21st century. But many times it’s the simple, practical gadgets that leave the biggest imprints. They are the unsung heroes of the show and we’ve selected a handful to sing their praises.
1. SureCall Flare Signal Booster
Can you hear me now? You sure can with the SureCall Flare. SureCall debuted its newest innovation at CES 2017 and garnered recognition as a CES Innovation Award Honoree. The Flare is the first of its kind to combine an indoor antenna and signal booster into a single device. The kit includes an outdoor antenna that captures the cell tower signal and sends it to the booster. The booster then amplifies and rebroadcasts your voice, text, and data 2,500 square feet around the home or office. It can support eight users simultaneously on all North American cell carriers.
SureCall Flare will be available Q1 2017; price: $399.
2. Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed
You won’t get cold feet when deciding on this investment. A built-in heater warms the foot of the bed and bakes those little piggies of yours! The 360 smart bed collects data and reacts to your sleep positions—so when you switch, it switches. But the feature most will appreciate, is the one that keeps the yard work in the yard. That’s right, the 360 can help quiet that lawn mower next to you by gently raising their head when it senses snoring. I hope I am not dreaming.
Sleep Number 360 will be available H1 2017; price: TBA.
3. Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 3000
1.21 gigawatts?! While the Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 3000 can’t power a flux capacitor for time travel, it can power just about everything else. From phones to fridges to power tools, it has your back. Lithium-ion batteries have replaced previous models’ lead-acid batteries, shaving significant size and weight to allow easier transportation. Improvements also include a more powerful AC inverter, a smart screen to monitor power consumption and battery level, faster charge times through solar or AC, and the ability to connect with other batteries for longer runtimes.
Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 3000 will be available Q2 2017; price: TBA.
4. Willow Wearable Breast Pump
What’s that sound? If you didn’t hear anything, you are correct. My wife’s breast pump sounded like the offspring of a vacuum and old computer printer. The Willow wearable breast pump solves this by being discreet in sound and appearance. It is the only wearable pump that fits in a mother’s bra, allowing her the freedom to run out on errands, sit in a conference call, or just lie down completely flat and relax. The pump is smart enough to sense different milk production levels and adjust pump modes accordingly. A circular bag with a one-way valve prevents spillage. Additionally, the Willow pairs with an app to track pumping times and volume.
Willow will be available spring 2017; price: $429.
5. Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle
Tour de Indoors. With TVs and electronic devices practically everywhere, it’s a daily challenge limiting our little ones’ screen exposure. We try our best to police this but when we do allow them access, why not let it be fun, educational, and healthy. Fisher-Price presented the Think & Learn Smart Cycle, an upgrade of their previous Smart Cycle. Now instead of hooking up to a TV via cables, you connect to a tablet via Bluetooth. Kids complete educational games by pedaling through levels. The Smart Cycle’s combination of activity tracking and STEM-based learning provides a genuine way for youngsters to exercise their minds as well as their bodies.
Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle will be available fall 2017; price: $150.
