It’s that time of year again! CES, the infamous Consumer Electronics Show that sets the stage for all the hot new tech of the year, is here again. The show doesn’t officially start until January 9th, but we’ve been here since Friday, getting a first hands-on review of the buzziest gadgets and gizmos on the planet.
This year, CES should truly be named C-AI-ES. AI is in EVERYTHING from cars to bikes to shoes, and yes, even in all those banner TVs that launch here each year.
AI and machine learning promise to make our gadgets more personalized and work faster and better overall. We’re excited to see where it all leads. Here are some of our favorite picks so far:
AI COMING TO YOUR HOME SCREEN
Samsung just unveiled their new flagship 65-inch QN900D Class Neo QLED 8K set. This upgraded new Samsung TV boasts brilliant picture quality and mind-blowing sound, courtesy of the latest AI Gen 3 processors tucked inside. It delivers enhanced 8K upscaling, sharpening low-resolution content for an “OMG, I’m right there in real life” feeling. We’re talking ultra-high resolution. Are you into all types of sports? This TV automatically detects the sport you’re watching, using deep learning to help you track the specific kind of ball on the screen with crystal clarity. Connect your Galaxy Buds2 Pro for 360-degree Audio and an even more immersive experience. The ultra-realistic acoustics and surround sound effects also make it amazing for gaming! It’s a really slick and attractive TV, too. The Mystic Floating Stand makes it appear to hover in space!
There is no word on the price or release for the TV quite yet but stay tuned to the website for updates.
THE ELECTRIC GRILL YOU CAN SET AND FORGET:
The Current Dual-Zone Electric Grill is the first full-size ELECTRIC grill that can reach a maximum searing temperature of 700 degrees, which is 150 times hotter than any gas grill. What’s even better though is that it makes grilling easier and safer. With no open flames, you can set it and forget it, placing it on a balcony, roof, or anywhere else you desire outdoors. Plus, you still get all the traditional flavors of a grill with a whole lot less smoke. It’s Wi-Fi enabled, so on your drive home, you can just tap the app, and have it heated and waiting to throw the meat and veggies on the minute you arrive. Plus, there are zero emissions — so it’s way better for the planet. What we love most about it, though, is that ANYONE can use it. No more pit-master spouses hogging the tongs. And, it features a self-clean mode—who doesn’t love that?
Price Starts at: $900
A NEW WAY TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH SQUEAKY CLEAN:
The Proclaim Custom-Jet Oral Health System deep-cleans your mouth and promises to eliminate all kinds of gross, disease-causing bacteria in just 7 seconds a day. It uses a 3D custom-fit mouthpiece to target 60 jets exactly where needed, specific to your mouth. The system pulses water between your teeth and gumline, providing a professional-level cleaning. Here’s the real kicker: It has been proven to be nearly 13 times more effective than flossing. Since oral bacteria have been linked to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, certain cancers, and more, this is HUGE. The Proclaim Custom-Jet Oral Health System not only cleans and reduces gum inflammation but also prevents plaque and tartar build-up, which leaves your breath smelling way fresher.
Price: $800 ($100 off for a limited time)
AN AI-POWERED WORLD OF MAGIC FOR YOUR KIDS:
Readyland is a wonderful example of AI crafted really well for kids. It’s careful, thoughtful, and safe. Readyland has pioneered ‘Alexa Interactive Books,’ which lets kids to use a voice-enabled speaker to bring specific books to life, kind of like a choose-your-own-adventure for the next generation. Now, they’re taking that to the next level and letting kids have FULL CONVERSATIONS with these characters — to really engage with amazing content that’s always changing. For instance, your child can name ANY animal they can think of and Readyland works it into the story. As the force behind ‘safeandsoundai.com,’ they have already made a significant impact on kids’ books and learning. We can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next when it comes to toys or anything else they might be working on.
Book Price: $13.49
Bundle (Book + Speaker) Price: $73.48
AI-POWERED SHOES TO GET YOU WHERE YOU ARE GOING FASTER!
Strapping on a pair of Shift Robotics Moonwalkers X, the new robotic “AI Informed” shoes, feels like taking a step into the future. These smart shoes make you walk about 3X faster than normal. You don’t skate. You don’t glide. You don’t do anything except walk, heel-to-toe. There’s no real learning curve. To speed up, you just take a bigger stride. To slow down or stop, you just… slow down or stop. Onboard regenerative brakes slow you down and bring you to a smooth standstill, similar to how the brakes work on most electric vehicles. They’ve been testing these at warehouses and distribution centers all over the world—I want them for my commute to work—and for sure here at CES, where there’s the equivalent of 43 football fields filled with new gadgets. These will be out sometime this year—still unsure of the final price yet.
GOT THE GADGET BUG?
We’ll be posting new and amazing devices we see at this year’s CES all week! So, stay tuned as we bring you the lowdown on our first looks at remarkable new gadgets and the freshest tech trends on display.
Our marketing department or production partners might work with some of the companies or products mentioned above to help offset studio and overall business costs. However, our comments, reviews, and content above are all our own.
Read Jennifer’s latest columns at USAToday.com/tech or follow her @JennJolly on Instagram.