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DEEP PICTURE.
THIN SCREEN.
www.wifihifi.ca | February/March 2018
PM42710013
DEEP PICTURE. THIN SCREEN.
TV VIEWING JUST REACHED
A NEW PEAK.
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The CES Innovation Awards are based upon
descriptive materials submitted to the judges.
CTA did not verify the accuracy of any submission
or of any claims made and did not test the item
to which the award was given.
CONTENTS | February/March 2018
THE CES ISSUE
18 06 PUBLISHER’S NOTE
08 SHORT BITS
We scoured the CES show floor and press events to present some of the coolest
new gadgets of 2018.
By Christine Persaud
18 HOME ENTERTAINMENT | Everything’s Connected: Audio-Video at CES 2018
In Vegas, major manufacturers showed how they’re integrating voice control and AI into their
products – and long-term strategies. They also showed mind-blowing concept products, and new
models that raise the bar on picture and sound quality.
By Gordon Brockhouse
24 24 MOBILE WORLD | Talk, Connect, Charge, and Listen: Phones, Smart Homes,
Charging & Portable Audio at CES 2018
What really defines the “mobile” category these days? With new products like smart and voice-assisted
speakers and wearables that can be used independent of a phone; along with emerging technology
like AI and wireless charging, the ever-expanding category will continue to evolve through 2018.
By Christine Persaud
32 HEADPHONES | Headphones at CES 2018
“True wireless” earbuds are taking the industry by storm, completely cutting the cord from the
portable audio experience. And the latest models integrate smart features, increase battery life,
and employ compelling designs.
By Ted Kritsonis
32 38 HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO | That Sounds Serious: Enthusiast Audio at CES 2018
Although high-end audio companies are abandoning CES in favour of Munich High End and
regional shows, there were still some interesting new two-channel products at the show.
By Gordon Brockhouse
42 AUTOMOTIVE | Automotive at CES 2018
For the first time, automotive vendors took over the entire North Hall of the Las Vegas
Convention Center, showing off interesting concept cars and concept technologies that reflect
a rapidly-changing industry.
By Ted Kritsonis
46 TALKING SHOP
42 While major retailers like Toys R Us are closing locations stateside, brands like Samsung and
Dyson are opening up exciting new concept stores, demonstrating that bricks-and-mortar retail
is alive and thriving.
50 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | Smart Speakers are the Bridge to Robot Butlers
It was only a matter of time before someone put wheels on smart speaker and turned them into
full-on home companions. As evidenced at CES, the exciting early stages of this development have
already begun.
By Peter Nowak
52 AUDIO/VIDEO | 10 of the Most Exciting AV Products and Technologies at CES 2018
The author handpicks 10 products and technologies he saw and/or experienced at CES 2018
that really made an impression.
50 By David Susilo
54 THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT CANADA NIGHT!
4 www.wifihifi.ca
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
THE STAGGERING
PACE OF CHANGE PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
IS GETTING FASTER John Thomson
Cell: 416-726-3667
jthomson@wifihifi.ca
@wifihifimag
I WAS AN UNDERGRAD at university from 1985 to 1989. Through
that four-year period, I never owned a computer. There were some EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
in the library that could be used for reference, but there was very Christine Persaud
little to which I needed to refer. Studies were done with textbooks, cpersaud@wifihifi.ca
research was completed with encyclopedias, and essays that were submitted for grading had @ChristineTechCA
to be typed – never by me, but by an enterprising retired secretary who charged $2 per page to
transcribe handwritten essays on her IBM Quietwriter. She made a killing! EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Gordon Brockhouse
In 1990, the year after I graduated, the World Wide Web made its debut. But still, no U.S. households gbrockhouse@wifihifi.ca
were online yet. Fourteen years later in 2004, when I was closing in on turning 40, only 39% of
U.S households had access to the Internet. It was dial-up. And it was slooowww. Today, of course, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
around 73% of American households have a broadband connection, affording access to the Internet. David Topping
I can’t remember when I finally bought my first computer, but I do remember being in no rush. CONTRIBUTORS
Why? I couldn’t really fathom why I would need one. My first cell phone, a Motorola StarTac flip Vawn Himmelsbach, Ted Kritsonis, Frank Lenk,
phone, arrived some time around 1996, and it put me in a very exclusive club since fewer than Steve Makris, Peter Nowak, David Susilo
30% of North Americans had a cell phone at that time. My phone (and my laptop) was paid for by
Sony, the company where I worked. And it was used mainly to call home to say I would be late DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL CONTENT
for dinner…again! James Campbell
jcampbell@wifihifi.ca
Today, as a 52-year-old, my digital, always connected world has really only been an essential part
of my life for the past decade or so. How crazy is it to think that in just over 10 years, every facet of DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
my life has changed such that I’ve become utterly dependent on technology – not only to do my Cathy Thomson
job, but to do virtually everything. cthomson@wifihifi.ca
While advances in technology have influenced every living generation (who could forget the Melsa Media Inc.
spear from 250,000 years ago or the granddaddy of all inventions, fire, from around one million 194 Robinson Street
years ago!), our generation over the past decade seems to have put technological advancement Oakville, Ontario
into full throttle overdrive. Thankfully, the wheels keeping chugging, and there’s something new L6J 1G3
for us to write about each year. And our first overwhelming glimpse of the future always takes
Advertising Inquiries:
place during CES in Las Vegas.
John Thomson
We call this our “Year Ahead” issue where we share what we saw at the annual show and make jthomson@wifihifi.ca
our predictions about where technology is taking us. Cars (driving themselves and speaking to
us), home appliances (robots that fold laundry coming soon), communication tools (OK, Google),
and our entertainment devices (a TV that rolls up like a blind) – the list could go on – are all on a
LET’S STAY IN TOUCH!
path to be virtually unrecognizable from the products that we once knew. But it’s about so much
Website: www.wifihifi.ca
more. At CES, I had an ECG done without any intrusive probes attached to my chest, but simply by
Twitter: twitter.com/wifihifimag
holding a small device in both of my hands. I’d say that’s pretty cool, and shows that technology,
Facebook: facebook.com/wifihifimag
as exciting as it is on the “fun” end of the spectrum, continues to advance in every facet of our lives,
Instagram: instagram.com/wifihifi
and in practical and useful ways that can truly make a difference moving forward.
Store: www.wifihifistore.com
Walking the halls of CES I was reminded of an Albert Einstein quote: “Learn from yesterday, live for
today, hope for tomorrow.” There’s a lot for which to be hopeful.
Enjoy the issue, Copyright 2018. WiFi HiFi is a registered brand of Melsa Media Inc.
and is published ten times each year. All rights reserved. The contents
John Thomson of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part
without the written consent of the publisher. The views expressed
jthomson@wifihifi.ca by advertisers are not necessarily those held by the publisher.
Publications Mail Agreement Number: PM42710013
Business Number: 81171 8709
6 www.wifihifi.ca
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SHORT BITS CES 2018 EDITION BY CHRISTINE PERSAUD MODULAR PHONE CASING The Roxon Vibes Modular smartphone accessories consist of a THE PERFECT SMOOTHIE standard case that can be used with interchangeable pieces that clip What better way to start off a morning than with a healthy and delicious onto the back using a patented connection. There’s a back-up battery smoothie. The high-tech NutriBullet Balance ensures that you not bank with a two-inch microUSB or Lightning cable that plugs into only get the right recipe to meet your needs, but that you also get the the phone (a Qi version is coming soon), a wallet slot, and the Vibes perfect smoothie, every time. Use the app to select dietary restrictions, Audio vibration speaker that uses vibrations to amplify the sound like gluten-free, ingredients you might want to avoid, like nuts, and from your phone. The case itself is US$30, and you can simply buy a choose a goal, like weight loss. Select from the list of recipe suggestions, new one when you get a new phone, and still use the same modular and as you pour ingredients into the device, it will measure them, letting accessories. The batteries range from US$50 for the 3,300mAh version you know when you’ve added enough, and even showing an ongoing up to US$70 for the 6,000mAh, with a 10,000mAh one in the works as tabulation of calories. Once all ingredients have been added, a custom well. The vibration speaker attachment is US$150. Vibesmodular.com blending cycle will commence. Q2, US$179. Nutribullet.com HERE, DOGGIE, DOGGIE! The first iteration of Sony’s Aibo robot dog was rudimentary compared to the latest version, which will melt the hearts of anyone who spends just five minutes with its expressive OLED puppy dog eyes and witnesses its realistic features and movements. The lifelike digital pet responds to sounds, touch, and faces, thanks to a myriad of sensors and actuators. It learns over time, developing a “bond” with its master thanks to a camera on its nose, that it also uses to play with an Aibone dog bone. A camera on its back leads Aibo back to its charging station – it lasts for about two hours and charges in three. At about $2,000 in Canadian bucks, plus an approx.. $30/mo. service fee, Aibo isn’t cheap. But it’s just about the cutest thing to have come out of CES in a long time. Sony.ca 8 www.wifihifi.ca
SHORT BITS
WHERE ARE MY READING GLASSES?
Don’t worry about fumbling for your reading glasses when you need
to read something short and quick. Thin Optics has a clever, what-
will-they-think-of-next solution to that. It’s a pocket that affixes to
the back of a phone case or loops onto your keychain and has a tiny
pair of reading glasses folded up inside. Pull the glasses out, unfold
them, place them over the bridge of your nose, and they stay firmly
in place. It’s a great back-up option, especially for those who require
reading glasses, but are reluctant to wear them all the time. Grab one
in a variety of funky designs or solid colours, and with your required
prescription. The smartphone attachment is US$20 each, and the MASSAGER IN YOUR POCKET
keychain US$25. Thinoptics.com Heating pads are yesterday’s news. The HiDow Manufacturing
XPD 12 TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) electrotherapy device works
with reusable adhesive electrode pads that connect to electrode
wires, then stick on the area of your body that is experiencing muscle
pain or stress. Connect them to the remote, and toggle among the
12 massage modes – vibrating sensations that mimic everything from
kneading to deep tissue massage and acupressure – and the desired
intensity (1-10) until you find the right setting to help ease your pain
or discomfort. The remote runs for about 60 hours before it needs
recharging, and charges in about two hours. A kit with the remote,
two sets of pads, two electrode wires, a plastic piece to hold the pads
when they aren’t in use, and the necessary charging cables, sells for
US$500. Hidow.com
SAY WHAT?
The Pioneer Nani PHA-M70 Personal Amplifier offers automatic
ambient noise reduction; dual mics and DSP for natural directionality;
L/R balance adjustment, and automatic input reduction. Anti-howling
technology lets users listen comfortably without feedback. The Nani,
which means “What?” in Japanese, has one large button/volume knob, GEE, IT’S SWELL
allowing for easy one-handed operation. It can run for up to 21 hours Swell is French company Cabasse’s (XLO Distribution) first wireless
per charge, and accepts AAA and R03 cell batteries. Microphones HiFi and Bluetooth portable speaker. The beautifully-designed
for left and right ears collect sound for amplification and playback speakers, which come in metallic or gold chrome, can deliver up to
through a pair of 10mm drivers. Roll your thumb on the volume 120 watts of power in stereo mode with two, and can connect to
wheel to adjust the sound levels during conversations, watching TV mobile devices via Bluetooth as well as NFC. You can also connect
programs, and in many other situations. Nani is meant for amplifying a turntable with a phono preamp or CD player via the auxiliary input.
daily sound in a user’s personal space, and not as a medical instrument. At just 750 grams, it’s super-portable, and can run for up to 10 hours
Pioneerelectronics.ca per charge. $400 Cabasse.com
February/March 2018 9
SHORT BITS
MEASURE YOUR SLEEP
Place the Nokia Sleep rectangular pad (ReSource Group Canada)
under your mattress, and it will log sleep data and provide insights
about your sleep patterns. It triggers when you get in and out of the
bed, and measures sleep stages, including deep sleep and REM,
as well as your heart rate. It can even track snoring by measuring an
audio signal from the low frequencies, and respiration rate. Plus, it has SURECALLS ON-THE-GO
some home automation integration features through the inclusion of Live in a remote area, or travel often through areas where the cellular
IFTTT, so you can set it to trigger different connected devices based signal is spotty? The SureCall FusionTrek signal booster for the car
on your sleep patterns. For example, you could have it lower the (Hitfar Concepts) helps boost the signal, and does not require any
temperature and the lights whenever you fall asleep, or conversely, equipment outside of the vehicle. It can be mounted by suction to the
raise the temperature, open the blinds, and turn on the lights when back window, powered by coaxial cable, with the cradle positioned
you wake up. Q1, US$99. Health.nokia.com on the vent via the vent clip. Your phone magnetically connects to
the mount, keeping it in full view for navigation while driving. You
can mount the device at the back of the car when needed, and simply
remove it when you don’t. Mid-March, $249. Surecall.com
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW, OVER?
Look like a Secret Service or FBI agent with Sgnl, a Body Conduction Unit
ALEXA IN A SOUNDBAR that comes in the form of a wristband that can replace most standard
Polk Audio’s Command Bar comes with Amazon Alexa Voice Service smartwatch bands, then allows you to take a call by simply placing your
built in, so you can use voice to control Fire TV, connected smart home fingertip overtop your ear. Vibrations are sent through your hand, up
devices, and the soundbar itself. It comes with far-field mics at its top your fingertip, and converted to sound. While sound was a bit muffled
for controlling volume, mute, bass, sound modes, and source selection when I tried it at CES, it was still surprisingly intelligible. It would be hard
by voice using the Polk Connect Skill. It also has an HDMI port, dual to imagine having a lengthy conversation that way. But as a quick way
HDMI 2.0b inputs, optical input, and USB port, is compatible with to answer a call or listen to a voice message without having to put the
4K HDTVs, and offers support for Dolby and DTS surround formats. It is phone up to your ear, or take out headphones or a Bluetooth headset,
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled, and features universal control via HDMI it’s an interesting idea. Samsung thinks so too – the project is part of the
CEC and IR remote, along with Alexa. Spring, US$299.95. Polkaudio.com Samsung C-Lab incubation program. March, US$250. Mysgnl.com
10 www.wifihifi.caSHORT BITS
HOLY HOLOGRAPHS
The Merge Cube is a cube-shaped holographic object that
transforms into a number of images, games, and virtual reality
(VR) experiences when viewed through VR/AR Goggles and used
with a compatible Android or iOS device. Hold it still and move your
head, or turn the cube around in your hands as you view images. POUR ME A GLASS
One of the most compelling experiences: a human skull that you
Maybe you live alone, your significant other doesn’t drink, or you guys
can view in full 3D, 360-degrees. At about $25 in Canada, it’s a cute
have different tastes in wine. Whatever the situation, the Coravin Wine
gift item that kids and adults will have tons of fun playing with, and
System is an interesting solution that lets you pour wine from a bottle
mesmerizing over the cool images and fun games that take mobile
without having to remove the cork. It has a small needle, clamp with
play to a new level. Mergevr.com
rubber grips that fit around the neck of the bottle, and a capsule-loading
chamber that ensures an airtight seal. Pierce the cork, pour a glass of
vino, then remove the needle and the cork will reseal. The Coravin
capsules contain more than 99.99% pure argon gas to protect the wine
from oxidation. Even if you scoff at the possibility that you’d ever have
“leftover” wine, perhaps having such useful technology would make
you feel better about just having one glass of that expensive bottle, and
saving the rest for the weekend. US$300 Coravin.com
CLEAN WITH POOP
If you attended CES, you probably noticed the clever Whoosh! STOP OVERCHARGING
advertising in the bathroom stalls of the Convention Center. The Raboo charger offers a simple, but appreciated feature: auto
A sign on the inside of each door read: “Chances are the toilet seat shut-off for power when your phone is fully charged. Rather than
you’re sitting on is cleaner than the phone you’re using. So you’re your smartphone continuously drawing power overnight after it has
gonna need one of these.” Beside the text was an image of the already been fully charged, this AC adapter will stop power when
Whoosh! cleaner, and details of the company’s booth. The coolest desired. Use the companion app to set parameters for both when you
item there, however, was the lowest tech one: the Awesome Tech want charging to stop and start. For example, you might only want
microfiber antimicrobial treated cloths (Hitfar Concepts). Designed charging to commence when your phone is at 40% battery in order
with imagery of the popular poop emoji on one side, use the other to conserve energy. This way, if you forget that your phone is plugged
textured orange side to clean your devices and the friendly fecal into the wall, you aren’t wasting electricity for a constant trickle
to polish. A three-pack of 6x6” cloths is US$15. Whoosh.com charge. Rabootec.com
12 www.wifihifi.caHollywood to Your Home
PANASONIC OLED TELEVISIONS ARE TUNED BY INDUSTRY
COLORISTS AND IMAGING SCIENTISTS TO BRING HOME THE
FILMMAKER’S VISION WITH REFERENCE GRADE ACCURACY.SHORT BITS KICKING GAME ZERO UP A NOTCH CURVED MONITOR Built on its previous-generation Game Zero headphones, Sennheiser’s Samsung Electronics Canada’s CJ791 curved QLED monitor is its first GSP 600 ‘phones feature improved aluminum voice coil speakers, to include Intel Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. Measuring 34”, the monitor and an integrated microphone that can deliver “broadcast-quality” is intended for both entertainment and business audiences. A single input, with noise cancellation. The mic automatically mutes when Thunderbolt 3 cable can link and dock the monitor to a laptop, offering its boom arm is tilted up. A volume control wheel is integrated into throughput up to 40Gbps (gigabits per second), nearly four-times faster the ear cup. The ergonomically shaped and ultra-deep memory foam than USB 3.1 (rated at 10Gbps). With a 21:9, 3,440 x 1,440 ultra-wide pad design blocks out external noise, and contains game sound. QHD resolution screen, the thin depth and narrow bezel design should Leatherette is used around the edges of the ear pad, while a “cooler suit multi-display setups, while a height- and tilt-adjustable stand feeling suede-like material” is used around the ear. A solid-metal hinge provides good viewing ergonomics. Curvature is rated 1,500R, with a system provides durability and freedom of movement. The hinge viewing angle of 178 degrees. The QLED display panel delivers 125% can adapt to fit a range of face shapes, pivoting to conform to either of sRGB color gamut. Gamer-oriented features include a Game Mode, narrow or broad jawlines. An Adjustable Contact Pressure feature with dynamic adjustment of gamma, colour and contrast for each scene. provides a snug fit. Compatible with PC, Mac and consoles, using Rated at 4ms response, the display should give lag-free performance a 3.5mm jack input. US$249.95. Sennheiser.ca in fast action games. Samsung.ca ALEXA PC SHAPED LIKE A SPEAKER Just about everything includes Alexa support these days. And HP’s latest POCKETABLE PROJECTIONS Pavilion Wave PC, which is shaped like a small, triangular tower speaker, The “ultra-portable” ViewSonic M1 LED projector has a built-in is the latest. With Amazon Alexa support built in, and a 360-degree battery that provides up to two hours of power, and the LED display reflective audio setup, the device can project sound and hear commands element is rated for up to 30,000 hours. It can display up to 250 from any direction, while an LED indicator shows whether Alexa is ANSI lumens at 120,000:1 rated contrast, and includes dual Harman listening. Access Windows Cortana assistant using voice as well. It comes Kardon speakers. Resolution is Full HD, with support for a 3D display equipped with an Intel 7th Generation chip, supported by up to 16GB using optional PGD-350 glasses. Weighing under two pounds, inputs of memory and optional AMD R9 470M graphics. Audio is designed in include HDMI, USB 2.0, USB Type C, and microSD. March, ESP US$299. collaboration with B&O Play. Spring, US$550. Viewsonic.com 14 www.wifihifi.ca
SHORT BITS
APP OF THE MONTH: Uber Eats
How often do you get so busy at work that you don’t have time to step
out for lunch? Bringing lunch from home is a great idea (and a money-
saver), and you can always spring for pizza delivery. But sometimes,
you’re just craving a sandwich from that great local shop, or delicious
pad thai from the mall 10 minutes away. Uber Eats is a super convenient
I’VE FALLEN, PLEASE HELP ME GET UP option. Connected to your existing Uber account, you can order food
These smart Connected Insoles from ZHORtech sense if you’re from participating restaurants, and have it delivered to your door faster
walking, tip-toeing, kneeling, or crouching, and track your gait. But than standard delivery, watching the driver’s path so you know exactly
most important is that they can detect if you’ve fallen down. If you when he’s pulling up to the front door. There’s a $5 delivery fee, but it
don’t respond within a specified period of time to confirm that can satisfy everything from your craving for a Big Mac, to your desire
you’re OK, the app will send a notification to your emergency contact. from some delicious pub grub. Order food for yourself, or surprise the
US$149 Zhortech.com team with delicious take-out for the night late meeting. Ubereats.com
WHAT TO BINGE WATCH
THIS MONTH:
Black Mirror – Season 4
Immerse yourself in the British series
that has been dubbed a modern-day
Twilight Zone. Except it looks at
terrifying interpretations of the world
if we took modern technology too
far, or technology took control of us.
Previous seasons presented scary
situations involving everything from
AI to memory recall, simulated life,
and social media acceptance. This
latest season, which includes just six
episodes, explores everything from
robot dogs (timely given how many
robots were at CES), to online dating,
and video game simulations. You
might not be able to stomach all six
Photo: Christos Kalohoridis / Netflix
in one sitting – content is pretty heavy
and thought-provoking. But you can
easily get through the whole season
in a week with one episode per
night. Keep an eye out for “Arkangel”
(episode 2), which looks at the idea of
parental controls, and the finale “Black
Museum” that contains callbacks from
previous episodes. Netflix.ca
16 www.wifihifi.caEVERYTHING’S CONNECTED:
AUDIO-VIDEO
Technology Officer for LG Electronics. “The more
you use our products, the better they evolve to
meet your specific needs.”
When it was time to introduce its 2018 TVs,
AT CES 2018 LG started with a video on its AI TV platform,
showing people of different ages using voice
control, speaking into the remote, to play
BY GORDON BROCKHOUSE games, view vacation photos, check sports
scores, and control lighting. Only after this intro
did LG outline the video and audio capabilities
It’s a stupid question, but I’ll ask it anyway: Why do people buy of its 2017 TV lineup.
The theme continued at Samsung’s 2 p.m.
TVs and loudspeakers? If you’re like me, you’ll give an obvious presser, which was largely devoted to Version
answer: to be entertained. We buy flat screens to watch movies, 2.0 of its Bixby AI platform, where a presenter
used voice control to overlay a weather forecast
TV shows and sports; and we buy speakers to listen to music on the TV screen and adjust room lighting.
and movie soundtracks. There was the same trends on the audio side.
Sound United devoted its Day One press confer-
IF YOU ATTENDED CES 2018, you might come None of this was a surprise: the whole tech ence to the new Polk Command Bar, a 2.1-channel
up with different answers. People buy TVs to order world knew that voice control and AI would be soundbar/wireless subwoofer package with inte-
pizza and see who’s ringing the doorbell. They buy the big themes at CES, and that the categories grated far-field microphones that support the
speakers to check the weather and call an Uber. that have defined the show for decades would Amazon Alexa Voice Service.
During their press conferences and in their become side attractions. While pure audio and video are becoming a
exhibits, CE vendors highlighted their products’ The shift was plain from the outset. At its smaller part of CES; they remain important cate-
connectivity, intelligence, and compatibility with 8 a.m. press conference on the day before CES, gories. There were meaningful advances in both
the Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice-con- LG announced the launch of its global AI brand: areas, plus some mind-blowing concept prod-
trol protocols. They talked about how their ThinQ. “Our products will learn from users to ucts. I’ll cover video and home-theatre audio
products communicate with each other, and provide intelligent services, not the other way in this report, and high-res audio and personal
adapt to user needs. around,” said I.P. Park, President and Chief audio in a separate article.
Sony’s HT-X9000F Dolby
Atmos soundbar has a
height virtualizer for
creating overhead effects.
Designed to complement
the company’s X900F
UHD televisions, its
chamfered edges allow
it to fit against the legs
of the TV’s pedestal stand.
Photo courtesy of Sony
18 www.wifihifi.caCES 2018: HOME ENTERTAINMENT
AMAZING PICTURES
As usual, LG was the first up on Press Day. For
2018, the big news from LG is five new series of
OLEDs ranging in size from 55” to 77”, all with
new video processors developed by LG. The C8,
E8, G8 and wallpaper-thin W8 series all employ
the new α9 processor.
Among its benefits is a four-step noise-reduction
process. This results in smoother tonal gradation
than the two-step NR process used in most TVs,
stated Tim Alessi, Senior Director, Home Enter-
tainment Product Marketing, LG Electronics USA.
Instead of edge-based depth enhancement,
the processor performs object-based enhance-
ment whereby textures and edges are processed
separately. This results in improved delineation
of onscreen objects, Alessi said, along with more
At the entrance to its CES 2018 exhibit, LG took visitors on a 28m walk through an “OLED Canyon” made up of 246 flexible
natural-looking images. OLED monitors displaying images of canyons, forests, waterfalls and glaciers.
The α9’s colour lookup table has more than
seven times the colour points than the processor
on LG’s 2017 lineup, resulting in more accurate
colour. And it supports high frame rate (HFR) 4K to its B2B and B2G ventures; but did announce Sony followed up on last year’s A1E OLED TVs
video to 120fps, so these TVs will be ready for two new series of OLED TVs, coming to the U.S. with two new OLED ultra-high-def televisions.
HFR content when it becomes available. this spring. Available in 55” and 65” versions, Available in 55” and 65” sizes, the new A8F OLEDs
LG’s B8 entry-level OLEDs, along with 2018 Panasonic’s FZ800 and FZ950 OLEDs will arrive have the same feature set as the A1E models,
Super UHD TVs, also employ a new processor, in Canada in the second half. In the meantime, including Sony’s X1 Extreme video processor and
the α7, which is less powerful than the α9. The Panasonic will continue to offer the E950- and Acoustic Surface technology, which produces
standout feature for LG’s premium 9500-series E1000-series OLEDs it launched in late 2017. sound by actuators that use the screen as a dia-
Super UHD lineup will be full-array backlighting Panasonic has also upgraded the video proces- phragm. And like the A1E series, the A8F models
with local dimming tailored for HDR content. sor on the new series, with expanded data points support both the HDR10 and Dolby Vision for-
LG’s 8000-series for 2018 will be edgelit models in the colour lookup table. But the big change in mats. The difference is form factor. The ultra-thin
like their predecessors. 2018 models is support for the HDR10+ format. A1E has an integrated easel stand, and is intended
For 2018, LG’s webOS smart-TV platform now HDR10+ supports dynamic metadata, which the for use on a horizontal surface. A8F models have
incorporates natural-language voice processing baseline HDR format does not. This allows for no protruding easel, so can be wall-mounted,
and built-in Google Assistant. ThinQ AI process- scene-by-scene adjustments on how high-con- with cables hidden by a built-in wire channel.
ing lets you do things like set the TV to turn off at trast scenes are rendered by the display. Twentieth Available in 49”, 55”, 65”, 75 and 85” sizes, Sony’s
the end of a program. Century Fox, Warner Bros. and Amazon Prime X900F-series LED-illuminated LCD TVs also employ
LG showed off its video prowess in a big way on Video have all announced support for HDR10+.
the show floor. The entrance to its LVCC exhibit At an off-site event at the MGM Grand, Panasonic
was an “OLED Canyon” made up of 246 open-frame had side-by-side demonstrations of HDR10 and
OLED monitors (some concave, some convex) with HDR10+ using OLED and LED-illuminated LCD THE STORY
a total of two billion pixels. The OLEDs displayed a TVs. On dark content, there wasn’t much differ- At CES 2018, major AV brands showed
variety of nature scenes along a 28m path, accom- ence. But in bright elements such as beaches how they’re integrating voice control
panied by Dolby Atmos immersive audio. and summer skies, detail was preserved much and AI into their products – and their
Behind the scenes, LG had another mind-blower: better in the HDR10+ video, whereas these high- long-term strategies.
a rollable muti-purpose OLED display that retracts lights were blown out in the HDR10 video. Barry
As we see every year, the big TV
into a base the size of a soundbar. When it emerges Murray, Director of Marketing for the AV Group at
manufacturers showed some mind-
all the way out, it’s a full-blown 65” UHD TV with Panasonic Canada Inc., told me that a decision on
blowing concept products, including
16:9 aspect ratio. You can leave some of the display whether to deliver HDR10+ support via a firmware
a foldable TV and a huge Wall TV made
rolled up inside the base, and have a 21:9 display update to 2017 OLEDs “is under discussion.”
up of small modular displays.
for wide-aspect-ratio movies. Or leave most of it in Panasonic also announced a new Ultra HD
the base and it becomes an informational display. Blu-ray player with HDR10+ support. The In video and audio, manufacturers
The two major Japanese brands also highlighted DP-UB820 employs a proprietary processor continue to make meaningful advances
new OLED TVs (which use LG panels) at CES 2018. whose features include an HDR Optimizer that in picture and sound quality.
Panasonic devoted most of its press conference pulls out bright detail.
February/March 2018 19CES 2018: HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Samsung kicked off its CES press conference by
noting that it is now the number-one seller of TVs
in the U.S. and worldwide; but unusually, it did not
announce specific new TVs for 2018. A big chunk of
the presser was devoted to its Bixby AI technology.
This year, 90% of Samsung’s TVs, smartphones,
tablets and appliances will be “IoT-ready,” said Tim
Baxter, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics
America. And by 2020, all Samsung’s products in
these categories will be AI-ready.
Select 2018 Samsung TVs will have Bixby voice
control (with voice recognition for individual Most of LG’s 2018 OLED TVs, including the ultra-thin W8 series,
family members). This will allow voice control employ the newly developed α9 video processor, which LG
says delivers improved tonal gradation, depth portrayal and
At CES 2018, LG Display showed a rollable OLED monitor of more than 400 SmartThings-compatible IoT colour accuracy compared to previous generations.
that retracts into a base the size of a big soundbar. devices, as well as controlling video playback, for
When it emerges all the way out, it’s a 65” UHD TV with
16:9 aspect ratio. example switching to movie mode, or transfer-
ring playback of a movie from the home theatre
to the master bedroom. You can also use the Wall will reach market, but as a technology state-
feature to have alerts of favourite programming ment, it doesn’t get more impressive than this.
the X1 Extreme processor and support Dolby sent to your phone. Samsung had another statement piece, and
Vision. Along with the more powerful processor, Yoon Lee, Senior Vice President of Samsung this one will reach market late this year. It’s an 85”
a significant upgrade over last year’s X900E series Electronics America, demonstrated how AI can be QLED display (i.e. an LED-illuminated LCD with
is the use of full-array backlighting and improved used to address a common pain point for consum- quantum-dot layer for wider colour gamut and
local dimming. ers: setting up a smart TV. A smartphone app will colour volume) with 8K resolution. The key tech-
The A8F and X900F series both use the Android connect with a new Samsung TV using Bluetooth nology is an upscaler, which is crucial for 720p
TV platform, and have built-in Google Assistant, Low Energy, and then automatically load the Wi-Fi and 1080i content (i.e. the vast majority of what
allowing voice control of the TV and of Google address and password onto the TV. It will also set people currently watch. No word on price, but
Home devices through a microphone in the login information for apps like Netflix, Amazon you know it’s going to be crazy (and that some
remote. In the U.S., they also support Amazon Prime Video and Spotify, with other apps coming people will just have to have it).
Alexa, allowing voice control of some TV functions soon. Of course, all this information has to be on One side note before I turn to audio: it’s sad
through an Alexa-enabled smart speaker. Alexa the user’s smartphone in the first place. to see that there’s a mini format war around
support in Canada is forthcoming. This was just a warm-up for the big event: the HDR. All HDR-capable UHD TVs support the
unveiling of The Wall: a modular 146” display baseline HDR10 format, which uses static meta-
made up of individual 4x6” MicroLED panels that data to map the image to the individual display.
create images with micrometre-scale self-emit- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ both use dynamic
Left: Samsung’s statement piece at CES was The Wall:
a modular 146” display made up of individual 4x6” ting LEDs. The non-organic panels require no metadata to map images on a scene-by-scene
MicroLED panels that create images with micrometre-scale backlight or colour filter. Samsung would not or frame-by-frame basis. But the market seems
self-emitting LEDs. Even up close, there are no seams specify the resolution of individual panels. The to be fragmenting, with LG and Sony support-
visible between the small panels. modular design allows users to configure an ing Dolby Vision, and Samsung and Panasonic
Right: Samsung’s wall-mountable three-channel NW700
appropriately sized display for their living space. supporting HDR10+. Some UHD content on
Soundbar Sound+ incorporates distortion-cancelling
technology that allows satisfying bass without the use Even up close, there are no seams visible between Netflix is encoded in Dolby Vision. If your TV
of an external subwoofer. the small panels. No word on when or how The doesn’t support Dolby Vision, you’ll still get HDR
20 www.wifihifi.caMeet your
Google Assistant
Onkyo Smart Speaker G3 has the Google Assistant built-in so you can stream
music, find answers on Google Search, manage everyday tasks, and easily
control smart devices around your home — simply by using your voice.
Sporting robust sound thanks to custom two-way drivers, you can ask the
G3 to play back music from leading online services and even send music VC-GX30 (B)
to Chromecast-enabled home theaters, wireless speakers, and more with
Chromecast built-in. GX30 (W)
VC-GX30
www.onkyo.ca
©2018 Onkyo U.S.A. Corporation. All rights reserved. Google and Chromecast built-in are trademarks of Google LLC. The Google Assistant requires an internet connection and is not available in all languages or
countries. Controlling certain devices in your home requires compatible smart devices. Subscriptions for services and applications may be required and additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply.CES 2018: HOME ENTERTAINMENT
video, but it’ll be HDR10 with static metadata. tion feature for creating overhead sound effects.
If you’re watching an Amazon Prime program “We worked significantly with Dolby Labs and
with HDR10+ video, but your TV doesn’t support Sony Pictures mixing engineers on this,” said Sony
HDR10+, you’ll get baseline HDR10. of Canada Spokesperson Karol Warminiec during
my booth tour. The XT-Z9F has an upmixing func-
SMART SOUND tion for creating 7.1.2 effects from two-channel
The big TV makers debuted soundbars at CES, content. It can be paired with two wireless rear
all of them lifestyle-oriented products intended speakers, and Sony of Canada will offer a bundle
to stylishly complement their flat screens. But that includes the XT-Z9F and wireless surrounds.
they incorporate some pretty impressive tech- The HT-X9000F has built-in Bluetooth, and the The Polk Command Bar has integrated far-field
nology, too. XT-Z9F will get that feature via a forthcoming microphones and Amazon Alexa support. Users can control
functions like volume and source selection by voice,
Intended for wall-mounting under the TV, firmware update. Additionally, the XT-Z9F has
operate Alexa-capable devices, and stream content from
Samsung’s three-channel NW700 Soundbar Wi-Fi networking, with access to several music Alexa-compatible music services.
Sound+ incorporates distortion-cancelling tech- services via Chromecast built-in. It also will work
nology developed at the Samsung Audio Lab with Google Assistant, allowing voice control via
in Valencia, CA, which is headed by Canadian a Google Home smart speaker.
ex-pat (and Harman alumnus) Allan Devantier. Also announced by Sony were the UBP-X700 compatible with the Amazon Alexa Smart Home
The technology works by monitoring the signal Ultra HD Blu-ray player, which features Dolby Skill for Entertainment Devices, allowing voice
and limiting cone excursion in loud passages, Vision support, and STR-DH790 7.2 AV receiver, control of on/off, volume, mute/unmute, music
allowing satisfying bass without the use of an which features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. play/pause, input selection and playback of sup-
external subwoofer. Both models have just begun shipping in Canada. ported streaming services. The Marantz AV8805
LG’s SK10Y soundbar supports 5.1.2 Dolby Mainstream audio brands have been absent 13.2-channel AV processor has a similar feature
Atmos immersive audio. It incorporates two from the LVCC show floor for several years now. set, minus the amplification of course; but adds
upward-firing drivers, and employs technology But at CES 2018, Sound United was at the LVCC refinements like XLR balanced outputs and MM
developed by U.K.-based Meridian Audio said to with its Polk, Definitive Technology, Denon and phono preamp.
elevate the sound to the level of the screen and Marantz brands. Yamaha was also at Vegas, but not on the
improve bass performance. The SK10Y supports As noted above, its major announcement was show floor. In a suite at Harrah’s, it showed off
streaming via Chromecast and Google Home the Polk Command Bar soundbar/subwoofer several new products for 2018 to invited guests.
compatibility. It’s designed to visually com- package, which features Amazon Alexa voice Unfortunately, information on these new prod-
plement LG’s B- and C-series OLEDs, as well as control. With the Command’s integrated far-field ucts is under embargo, so you’ll have to check
9500- and 9000-series Super UHD TVs. microphones and the Polk Connect skill, users can back for details. However, Yamaha used the event
Sony introduced two Dolby Atmos soundbars control volume, source, sound mode and other to demonstrate how Amazon Alexa integrates
at CES: the 2.1-channel HT-X9000F and the world’s soundbar functions by voice. They can also use with its MusicCast wireless music technology.
first 3.1-channel Atmos soundbar, the XT-Z9F. voice to operate other Alexa-enabled smart home MusicCast is built into 65 Yamaha AV compo-
They’ll be available in Canada this spring for $600 devices, stream from Alexa-supported music ser- nents and 14 Disklavier pianos. In addition to
and $900, respectively. Both have HDMI connec- vices, and get information like news and weather. basic smart home skills like power on/off and
tivity, with passthrough of HDR10 and Dolby There’s also a dedicated HDMI port for inserting volume up/down, there’s a MusicCast skill with
Vision content. And both have a height virtualiza- Amazon Fire devices between the Command Bar advanced options like linking rooms and shifting
and other HDMI-connected components. playback from one room to another. Alexa sup-
Sound United also announced a flagship Denon port for MusicCast is now available in the U.S.,
AV receiver and Marantz processor, both of them and is expected in Canada in late winter or early
Rated at 13x150 watts, Denon’s AVR-X8500H is the world’s hand-made in small batches in Japan. The Denon spring. Yamaha plans to add support for Google
first 13.2-channel AV receiver. It can power 7.2.6 and
AVR-X8500H is the world’s first 13.2-channel Home some time in 2018.
9.2.4 configurations, and features Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
and Auro 3D decoding. receiver. Rated at 13x150 watts (8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz, All this AI and voice-control stuff is pretty cool.
0.05% THD, two channels driven), the receiver But speaking as WiFi HiFi’s Dinosaur-at-Large, I gotta
can power 7.2.6 and 9.2.4 configurations, and say it doesn’t really push my buttons. Even so, it’s
features Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro 3D decod- clear to me that many of these developments have
ing. It has eight HDMI 2.2 inputs, all with support the potential to improve the user experience.
for 4K video at 60fps and 4:4:4 colour sub-sam- What really impressed me was the continu-
pling, HDR passthrough (including Dolby Vision ing improvement in how new products perform
and HLG), BT.2020 colour passthrough, and 21:9 their core functions. Year in and year out, when I
video. Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) Iook at the best flat panels or hear the most stag-
will be enabled by a future firmware update. gering surround-sound demos, I ask myself, “Can
Support for 8K video passthrough will be avail- it really get better than this?” After a trip to CES,
able through a paid upgrade. The AVR-X8500H is the answer becomes clear: Yes, it can.
22 www.wifihifi.caTALK, CONNECT, CHARGE, AND LISTEN: AFTER ATTENDING the pre-show press events
and walking the floor through the three main
PHONES, SMART HOMES, days of the event, it was clear that this year will
be all about voice and artificial intelligence (AI).
Voice-controlled smart speakers, smart robots,
CHARGING & and fully voice-controlled homes, stole the show.
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
noted during a private seminar on the eve before
PORTABLE AUDIO the show that retail revenues for the U.S. con-
sumer tech industry are expected to reach a
record high of US$351 billion. Smart speakers are
AT CES 2018 forecast to be up 93% to US$3.8 billion in revenue;
and smart home products 34% to US$4.5 billion.
BY CHRISTINE PERSAUD Other categories dominated as well, which
we’ve covered elsewhere in this issue. But on the
mobile side, particularly, smart connected gear
Even a two-hour blackout and incessant rain during was the highlight, along with wireless charging,
and portable audio. Other growing categories,
the first day couldn’t stop the 2018 CES from bringing like digital health tech, will be explored in future
Photo courtesy of Sony
features this year.
the top tech to light.
NEW PHONES MAKE AN APPEARANCE
Historically, smartphone manufacturers don’t
debut new hardware at CES, waiting instead
24 www.wifihifi.caCES 2018: MOBILE WORLD
but the phone will launch in the U.S. in February
unlocked for US$800.
TCL Communication, which makes phones
under both the BlackBerry and Alcatel brands,
confirmed a few upcoming devices. An unlocked
version of the BlackBerry Motion is now available
for US$450, and a Bronze Edition of the KEYone is
coming later this quarter in select markets, offer-
ing, alongside the new finish, dual SIM support.
Meanwhile, there will be three tiers of devices
coming from the Alcatel brand: the affordable
premium Alcatel 5 series; the Alcatel 3 with larger,
higher-resolution displays; and the Alcatel 1 series
that offers the best value. All three will include 18:9 With dual selfie cameras, the Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra
displays, and facial recognition and unlocking. smartphone lets you snap photos at 80-degrees, or an
expanded 120-degrees to capture more people, or more
But much of the attention was on a phone that of a background scene.
actually debuted just prior to CES: the ZTE Axon M.
Dubbed a “foldable” phone, its screen doesn’t
actually roll up as you might think. Rather, it’s
a phone with two screens that you can fold in thing by voice, or be controlled by voice, rest
multiple ways, much like you might do with a assured a company figured out a way to do it.
2-in-1 laptop/tablet. Fold it to use it as a standard From Alexa-enabled speakers, to appliances,
smartphone. Tent it so two people on either side bathroom mirrors, televisions, and full-fledged
of a table can watch the same video. Pull it out companion robots, CES showed that there
flat so you can access two apps at once. Or use really are no limits when it comes to innovation.
it as a stand to record videos. It’s an interesting Throw other AI into the mix, including Apple’s
concept that represents the ultimate in mobile Siri and HomePod, which became available in
multitasking, and could really catch on. the U.S. in early February, Microsoft Cortana, and
During a press day seminar at CES entitled “The Samsung’s Bixby, and voice control is going to
New Normal in Smartphones,” ZTE’s Jeff Yee said be hot this year.
the design of the device was meant to replicate the How much of it is actually useful and how much
to drop their latest handsets at Mobile World way consumers are already using other devices at just gimmick, of course, remains to be seen. In
Congress in Barcelona the following month. But home or the office, whether that’s two monitors at a seminar on “Connected Devices, Connected
this year, that wasn’t the case. Several companies work or watching TV while you’re Tweeting.
showed off new devices in Las Vegas. We’re still a ways away from 5G, which will
In a private event at a suite in the Wynn, Sony mark the next big evolution in mobile networks.
Canada demo’d the new XA2 and XA2 Ultra smart- Qualcomm Technologies’ Keith Kressin believes THE STORY
phones. One of the most interesting features of we’ll start to see 5G ramp up in 2019, then reach
Several manufacturers debuted
the XA2 Ultra is the dual selfie camera, which lets full potential by 2020. That, alongside good
new smartphones at CES this year,
you take shots at either 80-degrees or 120-degree chips, cameras, displays, and longer batteries,
demonstrating the event’s growing
angles. With the latter, you can fit more people, will represent the most significant upgrades
importance in the mobile market.
or more background scenery, into a selfie photo. with smartphones going forward. And 5G will
You get a sort of fisheye-like effect, and it’s ideal help facilitate the growing list of data-hungry Smart home gear was at the centre of the
for things like live blogging. things we do with our phones, from high-res show, fuelled by voice-assisted AI like
Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) video streaming, to gaming, and virtual reality Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and
featured its Mate 10 Pro smartphone, which has (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. Apple HomeKit and Siri; along with LG’s
a 6” QHD OLED display, slim 4,000mAh battery, ThinQ and Samsung’s Bixby.
and dual Leica Cameras with Summilux-H lenses, TALKING TO YOUR SMART HOME The Qi platform is the standard for
both with an aperture of f/1.6. Software includes The smart home was a primary focus of last year’s wireless charging, and it’s making its way
a new EMUI 8.0 OS, based on Android 8.0. Most CES, and Alexa was already beginning to domi- across a variety of products.
interestingly, however, was Huawei’s confir- nate the conversation. But this year, Alexa and
Portable speakers continue explosive
mation of a strategic collaboration with IMAX Google Assistant were a part of just about every
growth, with some interesting and unique
Corp. and Xerpi Corp. (for DTS audio), focused booth at the show.
new products being added to the mix.
on developing AR/VR products and content. If it’s a tech product (and even if it isn’t), and
There’s no word on Canadian availability just yet, if it can be used in some way to control some-
February/March 2018 25CES 2018: MOBILE WORLD
company. With Wemo functionality added to the
Apple Home app on the iPhone, iPad, or Apple
Watch, users can control dimmers, switches, and
motion sensors; create personalized scenes; set
schedules and timers; set vacation modes, and
more. The Wemo Bridge connects to a home
Wi-Fi router via Ethernet cable. It’s available in
Canada for an MSRP of $50.
Beyond the standard smart home and secu-
rity products, video doorbells are growing in
popularity, and there were plenty of options at
CES this year. One interesting item is the Blink
Video Doorbell. It offers a live view of your front
The smartphone with the most “buzz” at CES this year was door, with two-way audio capabilities, motion
ZTE’s Axon, a “foldable” device with two screens that can be Battery-operated, the Blink Video Doorbell runs wire-free
used in typical phone orientation, tented, or lying flat to
detection, and infrared night vision. With two for up to two years, providing a live view of the front door,
access two apps at once. years of battery life, it’s completely wire-free and along with two-way communication and free cloud storage.
weatherproof. You will also get free cloud stor-
age. Pricing and availability is TBA.
ABC television series Shark Tank has spawned
Everything,” BlackBerry’s Alex Manea noted that a number of cool tech products that have smart furnace filter uses Bluetooth Low Energy
where we will really see value is where devices and popped up at CES. Most notable is the Ring door- to communicate with a smartphone app, and
services are actually solving problems. “A lot of IoT bell, which has experienced tremendous success. remind you when it needs changing. It sends the
devices are solutions looking to find problems,” he There’s also Phonesoap, covered elsewhere in reminders based on the load of the filter, so you
says. “Don’t create solutions for problems. Look for this article. One of the latest is the Benjilock know exactly when it’s time to change it – ideal
problems and then create the solutions.” Smart Padlock. Rather than require a complex for households with pets or persons who have
That said, from a consumer perspective, there or difficult-to-remember combination code, they severe allergies. You can set up a profile in the
were a few standout products in this category. are rechargeable and unlock by your unique fin- app, customized based on your living quarters,
Belkin Wemo is adding compatibility for gerprint using patented technology. (You can and in the U.S., automatically order a replace-
another leading smart home platform to its use a key as a backup in the event that the bat- ment filter via Amazon. Through the app, you
mix: Apple HomeKit. The Wemo Bridge is now tery dies.) It’s such a simple, yet effective, idea. can also keep track of multiple filters if you have
compatible with HomeKit-enabled products, Currently on pre-order, availability and pricing more than one in your home, and the required
allowing users to ask Siri from a compatible Apple have not yet been finalized. filter size in case you forget while at the store.
device to do things like dim lights, and include Alongside security cameras, sensors you can It also provides tips for improving the air quality
Wemo products in HomeKit scenes. Wemo’s place through points of entry around the home, in your home. The filters will cost about $5 more
Senior Product Manager Kara Alexander says like windows and doors, can add another level of than standard filters.
working with Apple is a “top priority” now for the security. The Ingenious Things Myteepi Woody
Home Sensor is neat in that it functions using
two AA batteries that offer up to eight months
The Wemo Bridge now supports Apple HomeKit products,
of battery life, which means they can still work
Seen on ABC’s Shark Tank, the Benjilock is a simple yet so homeowners can control smart home devices and use
even if the power is out or your Internet is down. the Bridge in their scenes.
clever concept: a secure padlock that can be unlocked via
your fingerprint. And they rely on SigFox’s Low Power Wide Area
network instead of Wi-Fi or 4G for connectiv-
ity, making them an ideal solution for cottages
or homes in remote locations, as well as for the
elderly, who can even receive notifications via
good ‘ol SMS on their ancient cell phones. Super-
cute in design and made from attractive wood,
they nicely blend with your home decor. And can
detect motion, have temperature and humidity
sensors, a sound sensor to detect fire alarms, and
power failure detection.
This year’s CES saw some really interesting
innovations that bring seemingly low-tech home
gear into the realm of high-tech. One such item
was the Connected Filter from Filtrete. The
26 www.wifihifi.caYou can also read
