Maskfone with guy on computer

A Fingerprint Bike Lock, Face Mask With Built-in Earbuds, & More Cool Gadgets From CES 2021

CES might be taking place virtually for the first time ever, but the event is being held through a neat interface where show-goers can access press conferences, panels, seminars, keynote speeches, events, and even virtual booths, all in one place.

Despite not being able to get hands-on with any gadgets, we came across some pretty interesting ones after navigating various press day events.

BenjiLock By Hampton Fingerprint Bike Lock

Benjilock Bike Lock

Cyclists will appreciate this product from the popular makers of the fingerprint lock, designed specifically for securing a bicycle without the need for a key, using the owner’s fingerprint authentication instead. The U-Lock can store up to 10 fingerprints and can be opened with a key if desired. Available at launch in an 8-inch shackle version, it is weather-resistant, IP65-rated, and features a pick-and drill-resistant cylinder and a bolt cutter-resistant, covered hardened steel shackle. It’s powered by rechargeable lithium batteries that provide an estimated six months’ use on a single USB charge.

Available in matte black, the Fingerprint Bike Lock comes with a USB charging cable and has an MSRP of US$79.

Scosche Rhythm+2.0 Waterproof Armband Heart Rate Monitor

Scosche Rhythm Plus 2

If you don’t need all of the other bells and whistles of a smartwatch or activity tracker and just want to keep track of your heart rate, this device might be the perfect alternative option. It’s a waterproof armband with a patented optical sensor that continuously measures blood flow and body movement to provide accurate readings.

 Built with Valencell’s PerformTek biometric sensor technology, it is accurate during virtually any exercise and in virtually any environment, says Scosche. The optical sensor technology uses green and yellow LEDs to measure blood flow for an accurate reading with all skin tones. A built-in accelerometer further assists in providing hyper-accurate measurements. It pairs easily with mobile devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, and fitness equipment and has a 100-foot wireless range. Its dual-mode radio transmits to ANT+ and Bluetooth devices and works with more than 200 popular fitness apps so you can easily track and analyze your workout and recovery. Rated IP68 for a dustproof and sweatproof/waterproof design, it is submersible in up to three meters of water, making it suitable for all activities and environments. It has a rechargeable battery that provides up to 24 hours of workout time between charges. A compact charger and charging cord is included, and a charging/carrying/storage case may be purchased separately.

The Rhythm+2.0 fits securely and comfortably on your arm, to your preferred location of upper forearm, biceps, or triceps. The comfortable, stretchy, washable, replaceable and easily adjustable armbands are suitable for men, women and children. 

Rhythm+2.0 will be available Spring 2021 at Scosche.com and select retailers for an MSRP of US$80.

Satechi Dock5 Multi-Device Charging Station

Satechi Dock5

Charge all of your devices at home at once using the Satechi Dock5 Multi-Device Charging Station with Wireless Charging, which was revealed at the virtual CES 2021. Compatible with a variety of popular smartphones and tablets, it has built-in silicone dividers, non-slip padding, and CE/ETL certifications. Ideal for placing on the nightstand, kitchen counter, home office, or work desk, it helps reduce clutter by keeping devices together in one space as they get a boost of power.

Finished in sleek aluminum space gray, it blends seamlessly with Apple products, in particular, says Satechi. It includes a Qi wireless charging slot that can accommodate a device up to 10W, two USB-C PD ports (up to 20W each), and two USB-A ports (up to 12W each), charging five devices simultaneously. The ETL and CE certification provides peace-of-mind with over-temperature protection.

Thanks to the spacious design, you can charge devices with the case still on. In addition to smartphones, it can be used to charge tablets, e-readers, handheld gaming devices, and more. The LED indicator displays power status. 

The Satechi Dock5 Multi-Device Charging Station with Wireless Charging is available and shipping now for US$60.

Konka Smart Home Gadgets

Konka smart home

At virtual CES 2021, Konka, the brand best known for its TVs, announced an entrance into the smart home market, including a variety of products like video doorbells, smart cameras, smart plugs, smart lighting, and more. All of them will work with the Konka OneApp, are Wi-Fi-enabled, and don’t require a separate hub. They all work with IFTTT as well as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

There are two video doorbells and two smart cameras, all four of which offer 1,080p Full HD, night vision, motion detection, live view, two-way communication, 128-bit AES encryption, and multiple video playback options, including an SD card slot. They are finished in white with rounded edges and are water-resistant. With the new CameraView App, you can view the feed from a Konka video doorbell or smart camera on a Konka Android TV.

The Video Doorbell is wired and replaces an existing traditional doorbell. In addition to all the standard Konka Smart camera features, this model includes a 140-degree Diagonal Field of View, and Camera Based Motion Detection with Motion Zones and Human Detection

The Konka Anywhere Video Doorbell is a battery powered video doorbell, so it can be mounted almost anywhere, including by a side door or back door where there had been no standard doorbell before. It offers a 130-degree Diagonal Field of View, and true PIR Motion Detection with adjustable sensitivity.

The Anywhere Cam is a battery powered smart camera with Quick Release Batteries for easy access.  By combining water resistance with rechargeable battery power, this camera can be used virtually anywhere, inside, or outside.  In addition to the standard KONKA Smart camera features, the Anywhere Cam includes a 130-degree Diagonal Field of View, true PIR Motion Detection with adjustable sensitivity, and includes a wall mounting bracket.  

The KONKA LED Floodlight Cam combines the key features of the Anywhere Cam with Dual LED Floodlights that provide 2,200 Lumens. The floodlights are adjustable to match the light coverage to the specific need and are dimmable. In addition to the mic and speaker for two-way communication, this model features a built-in 90db Siren for added security.

Konka Smart Plug models include the Single Outlet Smart Plug, the Two-Outlet Smart Plug Duo, and the Four Outlet Smart Power Strip, all of which include surge protection, the ability to set timers, and individual outlet control.  

Konka is also introducing three Smart Lighting models. The focused offering starts with the popular 60-watt equivalent A19 and also includes a directional BR30 for use in high hats and a Light Strip for a wide variety of creative applications. They are dimmable, tunable white (from Warm 2,800 to Cool 6.500 Kelvin), and multi-colour RGB capability.  There’s also a Color LED Light Strip that is five metres long with 7.5 Watts, 700 Lumens, and can create 16 million colours.  

All of the Konka Smart products are scheduled for March/April availability in the U.S.; no word yet on Canadian availability.

TCL Wearable Display

TCL Wearable Display

As the first product from Project Archery to be commercially available, this wearable display provides you with a personal viewing experience while you sit back and relax. Designed as a light and stylish pair of glasses, they include dual 1,080p Full HD micro OLED displays built-into them, providing a 140-degree view from up to four meters away with a density of 49 pixels-per-degree (PPD). It can connect to a variety of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and 2-in-1 computers with a display port over USB-C that can support 1,080p resolution. Once connected, you can watch movies, play games, and more from virtually anywhere.

The TCL Wearable Display will be commercially available later this year in select markets. More details will come closer to launch.

Kew Labs UTS-1 Invisible Wireless Smartphone Charger

Kew Labs UTS-1

Get a super clean set-up on your desk with this “invisible” wireless smartphone charger that mounts under a desk or other surface and works between 18-25mm (up to one-inch) to recharge Qi-enabled devices placed on top. Using patented technology, the device uses long distance charging to be able to charge through surfaces, like a desk, night table, shelf, or other flat surface. It helps to reduce heat damage to lithium-ion smartphones by allowing for a more efficient charge. Plus, it will automatically shut off once the device is fully charged.

It has foreign object detection, overcharge protection, overcurrent protection, and temperature control. Patent-pending audio confirmation technology helps you find the right spot for your device to ensure it recharges.

Kew Labs UTS-1

Easy to install, the device is available for US$105.

Findy by Foxsmart

Findy by Foxsmart

How many times have you misplaced your glasses and has to run around frantically trying to find them? This clever device attaches to your spectacles to help you track their location should you ever leave them behind, or even forget that they’re on top of your head or hanging around your neck.

The Findy glasses finder app works with both Android and iOS devices and communicates with the device via Bluetooth 5.0 from up to 100 feet away. When you need to find your glasses, select the option in the app and a loud buzzer will sound so you can track the location, whether you left them in your office or somewhere in the car. The app conveniently contains large icons so you can use them without your glasses should you be far-sighted.

Findy on Glasses

Additionally, you can track the glasses’ last known location on Google Maps should you have left them somewhere outside of Bluetooth range.

Should you want to use the Findy for something else, each one comes with a free adapter so you can attach it to keys, a gym bag, camera strap, or any other device. They come in black or transparent to blend into the eyeglass frame, and attach using double-sided adhesive stripes that are pre-cut to fit the Findy shape.

Belkin Boost Charge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe

Belkin BoostCharge 2-in-1 with MagSafe

Belkin is expanding its ever-growing Boost Charge line-up with this device that has built-in powerful magnets that are compatible with MagSafe: just place an iPhone 12 on the stand and you will get a perfectly aligned connection to recharge, either in portrait or landscape mode.

It delivers up to 15 watt charging experience to any of the newest iPhone models and comes with a charging pad that is optimized for AirPods Pro and AirPods with Wireless Charging Case (2nd Gen).

Set to be available in March or April 2021, it will sell for US$100.

Shure MV5C Home Office Microphone

Shure MV5C

If you’ve been working or going to school from home and will likely be doing so for the immediate future, this new home office microphone might be a worthwhile investment. It’s a directional microphone that prioritizes your voice versus the environment, and is perfect for providing improved, studio-quality audio for conferencing and video calls.

Set-up is simple: just plug it into a computer and you’re off to the races. It features Shure’s Speech Enhancement Mode to ensure you are heard loudly and clearly, whether you’re on a Zoom call with friends, heading up a virtual meeting with the team, or teaching a class. It is compatible with software video conferencing applications like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

The MV5C features a retro design that easily fits on any desk. The adjustable stand means you can tilt the mic toward your mouth. Headphones are optional when using the MV5C, allowing users to take a break and listen through the computer’s built-in speaker or external speakers. The microphone is compatible with Mac or Windows devices by using the supplied USB-A or USB-C cables for a direct connection.

The MV5C Home Office Microphone is available for US$99.

Targus Office Antimicrobial Backpack

Targus Antimicrobial backpack

Totally on these with this year’s CES and products that promote cleanliness and the reduction of the spread of germs, this backpack from Targus can hold a laptop from 15 up to 17.3 inches in size and features an antimicrobial infused protective finish on key touchpoints to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

In addition to the backpack, Targus is also releasing several other antimicrobial products including tablet cases, privacy screens, mice, and keyboards.

The backpack will be available in Spring 2021.

Lutron Caseta Outdoor Smart Plug

Lutron Caseta Outdoor Plug

Using this new smart plug, the latest addition to Lutron’s Caseta family, you can control landscape and string lighting, holiday lights and inflatables, some motors and pumps, and other outdoor devices, all using the convenient and free Lutron app or Pico remote control.

The plug is IP-65-rated, protected against dust and rainfall and can withstand severe weather. It integrates with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Ring video doorbells and cameras, and has a built-in smart timer to stay on the right time year-round, even with Daylight Savings.

Add a Lutron Smart Bridge to control the outdoor lighting and other connected devices from anywhere, putting them on a schedule or manually turning them on or off. Lutron Caseta products also now work with Ring, so if you have a device like a Ring doorbell, you could set it so the outdoor lights go on if motion is detected, for example.

The Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug will be available late March for an MSRP of US$80.

Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock

Anker PowerExpand

This Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock can charge laptops at up to 85W, transfer files at up to 40 Gbps, and power a single display up to 8K at 30Hz and dual display at up to 4K and 60 Hz. Slim in design, the metal has a striped groove for enhancing heat dissipation. It will launch in mid-February for an estimated price of US$200.

Speck Presidio Clickflip Case For Apple AirPods

Speck Presidio

This convenient protective case for the Apple AirPods true wireless earbuds offers a soft touch matte finish with a premium feel and grip and incorporates microban antimicrobial technology for reducing 99% of bacteria. Shipping with a carabiner clip, it has a secure locking mechanism and protects the buds against drops from up to four feet high. It also has an IP5X dust protection rating and an easy open port cover. The charging light is visible through the case.

MaskFone

MaskFone

Every year, CES has at least one – often many more – “what will they think of next-like gadgets.” This one perfectly fits into this category and is a sign of the current times. It’s a mask that incorporates earbuds so you can protect yourself from germs, bacteria, and viruses while also listening to your favourite tunes, a podcast, movie or TV show, or chat on the phone (your voice might sound a bit muffled but the design lets you speak directly into the mic).

The mask comes with a medical-grade N95 filter and built-in microphone with noise cancellation to suppress background noise. It is made from soft yet durable machine washable twill fabric that can easily form to any face shape. The N95 filters are disposable and interchangeable.

It offers up to 12 hours of talk time, and can be fit to your face by simply pulling the cable clip to hold the earbuds in place using the magnetic earbud holder.

The MaskFone features voice projection powered by the Hubble Connect app for clear audio. Amazon Alexa is embedded into the app, though it is also compatible with Siri and Google Assistant.

The MaskFone, which is IPX5 water resistant, starts at MSRP US$50 and will be available as of February 1, 2021.