Whether you worked from home before the pandemic or not, chances are that you do so now, whether permanently, temporarily, or as part of a hybrid schedule. Whether you work from one or two days a week or five, however, it’s worthwhile to set up a space for a desk, computer, and everything else needed to create a motivating and comfortable workspace.
At CES, there were plenty of technologies introduced across all types of categories, including ones that are worth considering for the home office.
LG StanbyME
There are so many ways you can use the LG StanbyME in the home, and one is as a second screen for the home office. Whether you want to play the news in the background while you work, look at files on your computer while video chatting from the StanbyME, or use it as a second screen for multitasking, there are numerous ways it can come in handy. When the workday is over, meanwhile, take it into the kitchen to follow a recipe video while you make dinner, or in the living room to browse social media on a bigger screen than your phone. So, what is it? The StanbyME is a 27-inch LCD smart touchscreen TV powered by a built-in battery that lasts up to three hours per charge. It comes mounted on a movable stand with concealed wheels where it can tilt, swivel, and rotate so you can go from watching the hockey game to surfing TikTok videos and always get the perfect view. As a smart TV, you can access your favourite streaming services, wirelessly stream content from an Android or iOS device, or manually plug in a source device, like a streaming stick, via HDMI or USB.
Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger
If you use the Apple AirPods Max for Zoom calls and other virtual meetings, you’ll want to make sure they are recharged and always ready to go when you are. This Headphone Stand serves as both a neat place to dock and charge the headphones when you aren’t wearing them as well as a place to recharge other compatible devices, like an iPhone 13 or AirPods. It has a stainless-steel arm with padded grips and a built-in 7.5W charger at the foot. Plug the headphone stand in, connect the headphones via USB-C, place a device on the wireless charging pad, and you’ll see the LED light illuminate once charging has begun. The space grey aluminum base will look sleek on your desk and the cable management hook keeps things neat and tidy. It’s already available and sells for US$80.
Satechi Pro USB-4 Multiport Adapter
With this adapter, which includes 8K HDMI, you’ll enjoy upgraded bandwidth for video and data in the home office, fast transfer rates of up to 40Gbps, and backwards compatibility with USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 3, and more. The 8K HDMI output offers ultra-hi-res with an additional refresh rate of up to 60Hz. Along with 8K HDMI ports, it also includes Gigabit Ethernet, USB-C PD charging, USB-A data up to 10 Gbps, and micro/SD card readers. The rugged construction, meanwhile, allows for better heat dissipation and prevents connected devices from overheating. It will be available soon for US$150.
Ring Alarm Glass Break Sensor
Working at home means keeping a lot of valuable tech there that might otherwise be at the office. You may already have a smart home security system, but you can up the ante with the Ring Alarm Glass Break Sensor, which works seamlessly with existing Ring systems. Place the sensor on the wall, ceiling, or furniture near glass doors and windows. If glass is smashed or cracked, the sensor will detect it from up to 25 feet away and send a notification to your Ring app. You can also set it such that the glass breaking will automatically trigger the Ring Alarm siren. If you are enrolled in the professional monitoring via Ring Protect Pro, you’ll get a call from the monitoring centre. Grab one for US$40 once they become available February 16.
Plugable UD-6950PDZ Triple 4K Docking Station
Dock everything you need at your desk with this versatile accessory that has three 4K HDMI ports and three 4K DisplayPort ports, allowing you to mix and match up to three monitors without the need for adapters. With a single connection, the docking station can turn your laptop into a full workstation with enough ports for all your accessories including three 4K monitors, Ethernet, audio, charging, and more. It also has a Gigabit Ethernet port, audio jack, six USB 3.0 ports, and 60W charging to the host laptop. You can connect up to 11 devices through a single cable back to the laptop. It’s compatible with Windows 10, 11, or macOS 11+. It’s set for availability in Q1 2022 for US$249.
Noveto N1 Smart Audio Device
Touted as immersive 3D audio invisible headphones, the Noveto N1 is a smart audio device with built-in Alexa and Noveto’s proprietary smart audio beaming technology that the company says provides an immersive binaural audio sound without the need for headphones, but while also not disturbing others nearby. This makes it perfect for the home office when the kids are doing virtual school in the other room, or a spouse or roommate is in the room. The technology transmits ultrasound silently through the air, converging into audible pockets just outside the listener’s ears. Others in the room only hear a whisper of sound while the user is immersed in 3D spatial audio sound. Facial recognition using motion sensors and AI-incorporated technology helps the N1 track the ears to ensure 3D immersive sound travels where the user does.
Touted for those who work from home or in close quarters with others in an office, for music listening, fitness activities, meditation, and even casual gaming, it works with Alexa as soon as the owner looks at it, negating the need to say “Alexa” first before giving a command. It will also give prompts and details, like how many unread e-mails are in your inbox. With Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, and a 3.5mm jack, there are a multitude of connectivity options.
The N1 works alongside the Noveto app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The Noveto N1 is set to begin shipping by the end of the first quarter of 2022.
Aura Air Mini Air Purifier
An air purifier is great for the home office to keep the air you breathe clean and free of dust, dander, bacteria, and viruses. The Aura Air Mini (US$189) is designed for on-the-go travel use, but it’s perfect to keep on your desk as well. It can detect, capture, and kill 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, germs, and allergens as small as 0.3 microns in size. It operates via battery for 5-6 hours per charge, so you can run it for most of your workday. Small enough to fit in a bag to take with you to the office when you aren’t working remotely, or for travel at just 1.5 inches by 3 inches by 3 inches and 0.7 lbs., it can purify a room of space that’s up to 107 square feet in size.
Acer Swift X 16-inch Laptop
Perfect for computing at home and taking with you to travel, the Acer Swift X (SFX16-52G) boasts 12th Gen Intel Core processors with up to 12 cores, and discrete Intel Arc graphics. It comes equipped with a 16:10 aspect-ratio IPS screen with a 2,240 x 1,400 resolution, 100% sRGB, 400 nits of brightness, and narrow bezels, allowing for a 92%. Advanced cooling features help maintain peak performance.
Targus DOCK720 USB-C Hybrid/Universal 4K Quad Dock
Dubbed the “world’s first” biometric device and docking solution in one, the powerful dock delivers support for single 8K resolution or four 4K displays. With a variety of ports and security via fingerprint authentication. Developed alongside Synaptics, the DOCK720 employs Targus’ advanced SentryPoint biometric technology that includes encryption, Match-in-Sensor (MIS) architecture, and anti-spoof technology. Offering 100W Power Delivery, it includes four USB-A ports, one USB-C, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port, combo audio jack, and standard lock slot. Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and Chrome OS, the DOCK720 will be available in January 2022 for an MSRP of US$443.