The Year Ahead - www.wifihifi.ca | February/March 2017 - Wifi Hifi Mobile Digital Edition
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The Year Ahead www.wifihifi.ca | February/March 2017 PM42710013
LIMITLESS. BOUNDLESS. TIMELESS. In an age where true value is put on a limitless and honest musical rendition, the new Totem SKY is born. A compact marvel for all types of source mediums, the SKY RIIHUVŴH[LELOLW\OLYDELOLW\DQGODVWLQJDFRXVWLFTXDOLW\7KH6.
CONTENTS | February/March 2017
04 PUBLISHER’S NOTE
07 SHORT BITS
The coolest upcoming and concept gadgets that debuted at CES 2017
By Christine Persaud 12
12 CES 2017: AUTOMOTIVE | Automotive Tech Takes a Front Seat at CES
Vehicle technology is quickly becoming an integral part of CES, with innovations that range from
connected consoles, to self-driving and electric cars, and even ones that adapt to the driver’s mood
using artificial intelligence.
By Ted Kritsonis
18 CES 2017: MOBILE WORLD | Innovations in Wearables, Protection & Power
The CES show floor was riddled with peripherals for smartphones, including interesting takes
on portable power and protection, and a new generation of wearables that track more than just
fitness and sports activities.
By Christine Persaud
24 CES 2017: NETWORKING | Connecting on a Different Level
24
Wi-Fi, Smart Home, and VR: While these three areas of consumer tech might seem unrelated,
they all lead back to the same theme: the need for better, faster, more robust wireless networks
in the home that can accommodate the diverse group of connected devices coming to market.
By Ted Kritsonis (additional reporting by Christine Persaud)
30
30 CES 2017: AUDIO | The Wow Factor
On the audio front, the big news from CES 2017 was the launch of high-res streaming on TIDAL.
Together with all the great new audio products announced at the show, this has the potential
to create wow moments for music-lovers of all generations.
By Gordon Brockhouse
42 CES 2017: PORTABLE AUDIO
New Wave of Bluetooth Earbuds Will Take on Apple’s AirPods: The trend toward wireless
headphones emerged long before the Apple AirPods hit the market. But these wire-free in-ear wonders
are inviting a whole new category of Bluetooth earbuds aiming to compete for customer dollars.
By Christine Persaud
50 CES 2017: VIDEO | Feast for the Eyes
42
At CES, TV makers unveiled stunning new designs, including UHD televisions that seem to float
on the wall. An important development could open the door to live UHD programming with
4K resolution and HDR.
By Gordon Brockhouse
56 Just What We Need!
58 10 PROMISING PIECES OF AV GEAR AT CES 2017
There was so much to choose from, but the author managed to pare things down to
10 of his favourite audio and video products from the show.
By David Susilo
60 TALKING SHOP
50
What HMV’s demise tells us about the industry; the latest industry appointments.
By Christine Persaud
62 50 YEARS OF CES
In celebration of CES’ 50th year anniversary, we take a walk down memory lane and recall some
of the most influential and inspiring products showcased at CES over the past five decades.
By John Thomson
ON THE COVER: Dog & Bone (distributed in Canada by Hitfar) Earmade Bluetooth earbuds. Photo courtesy of Dog & Bone.
February/March 2017 3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
THE SKY IS FALLING!
THE SKY IS FALLING! PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
John Thomson
LIVE LONG ENOUGH and you will read reports stating that eggs are Cell: 416-726-3667
jthomson@wifihifi.ca
bad for you, followed by another saying they’re good for you, and then
@wifihifimag
another reverting to eggs being bad. Then finally (for now) a definitive
report proves there is no correlation between eggs and cholesterol, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
and they’re a great source of protein. That’s good! Christine Persaud
cpersaud@wifihifi.ca
Butter, coffee and red wine have all had their share of conflicting studies. I’ve stopped reading
@ChristineTechCA
these reports, and instead rely on instinct. For better or for worse, my instincts tell me that red
wine with dinner (and after) is good for me, and coffee the next morning is even better! EDITOR-AT-LARGE
What is it about gloomy headlines that get us so worked up? “Consumer Confidence Reaches All Gordon Brockhouse
Time Low.” “Housing Market Stalls.” Nothing gets us talking more than bad news. But just as with gbrockhouse@wifihifi.ca
eggs, usually the headline is just that: a headline.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Who remembers the pundits saying e-mail had made Canada Post redundant? Then along came David Topping
online shopping, and suddenly Canada Post is reporting year-over-year growth, with revenues
reaching $8 billion. The Corporation has been profitable every year since 2013. CONTRIBUTORS
Vawn Himmelsbach, Ted Kritsonis, Frank Lenk,
So many stories get debunked with the passage of time. I foolishly sold shares in travel-related Steve Makris, David Susilo
companies after reading a headline stating that video conferencing would kill business travel.
Makes sense at first: who wants to get on a plane when you can sit in a boardroom in Montreal DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL CONTENT
and have a video meeting with your colleagues in San Francisco? Turns out we all do. According James Campbell
to The Global Business Travel Association, worldwide spending on business travel keeps breaking jcampbell@wifihifi.ca
records. It hit US$1.2 trillion in 2015, and is on track to surpass $1.6 trillion by 2020.
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
Most recently, we’re hearing how the showrooming phenomenon means the independents are Cathy Thomson
doomed. Showrooming customers will spend a few hours at bricks-and-mortar stores learning cthomson@wifihifi.ca
about products they want to buy, then purchase them online at a lower price.
Melsa Media Inc.
According to a recent study by research giant GfK, showrooming may be having a “bad-egg, good- 194 Robinson Street
egg” moment. The opposite behaviour – “webrooming” – is becoming the norm. Webrooming (or Oakville, Ontario
anti-showrooming) is when you spend hours researching products online. But when it comes time L6J 1G3
to buy, you head to your local shop. (Does that mean Canada Post is doomed again?)
Advertising Inquiries:
According to GfK, 46% of GenZ shoppers, the demographic that follow Millennials and are between John Thomson
the ages of 18 and 26 today, have engaged in webrooming. GfK adds that 34% of those surveyed, jthomson@wifihifi.ca
regardless of age, admit to webrooming, whereas only 21% admit to a habit of showrooming.
What is going on in this world? Vinyl LPs are on the rise, independent bookstores are re-emerging, LET’S STAY IN TOUCH!
and paper companies like Moleskin are enjoying record sales. And now we learn consumers are Website: www.wifihifi.ca / www.wifihifi.com
embracing the in-store experience and using online as a research tool. Twitter: twitter.com/wifihifimag
Facebook: facebook.com/wifihifimag
Let’s not get too cocky. Tomorrow, a new report may prove that everything I just wrote is bunk Instagram: instagram.com/wifihifi
(for the time being). Until that happens, we should all be pleased to ride the wave where human
interaction in a well-thought-out environment still counts for something.
Check out our Vintage Airstream
Enjoy the issue. www.wifihifiairstream.com
John Thomson
Copyright 2017. WiFi HiFi is a registered brand of Melsa Media Inc.
jthomson@wifihifi.ca
and is published ten times each year. All rights reserved. The contents
of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part
without the written consent of the publisher. The views expressed
by advertisers are not necessarily those held by the publisher.
Publications Mail Agreement Number: PM42710013
Business Number: 81171 8709
4 www.wifihifi.ca
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SHORT BITS CES 2017 EDITION
BY CHRISTINE PERSAUD
SELF-CLEANING FOR YOUR CAT
Any cat owner knows that one of the most dreaded tasks is having to
POP-UP PROJECTOR clean that smelly litter box. The Litter Robot adds technology to the
Since traditional projector screens must be rolled up, transport is mix as an automatic, self-cleaning litter box that uses a patented sifting
somewhat difficult. Arovia’s SPUD (Spontaneous Pop-Up Display) system to separate waste from clean litter. Once your cat exits, it senses
collapsible 24” monitor uses a patent-pending material for the this and a timer counts down to allow the litter to clump before cleaning
screen that does not wrinkle, allowing you to scrunch it up into its begins. The globe rotates slowly, and the waste is dropped into a
small case and bring it virtually anywhere. Battery life ranges from carbon-filtered drawer in the base. Then, just empty the waste drawer as
four-10 hours depending on screen brightness, and it charges via needed – at least every 7-10 days for a single cat household. The Open
USB-C. Set it up, connect a device, and watch movies, photo Air model (yes, there are several options in the line) has a spacious litter
slideshows, or view presentations at a coffee shop, or campsite. chamber with an enlarged entryway, and is safe for cats as little as 5 lbs.
With the Kickstarter campaign complete, anticipated availability to use, and suitable for those with multiple kitties. Its waste drawer has
is Q3, and pricing will be about US$500. Arovia.io a blue light that flashes when it’s time to empty. US$449 Litter-robot.com
CARRY-ON THAT CARRIES YOU
Who despises having to pull a rolling bag
around an airport? The Modo Bag transforms
carry-on luggage into a motorized vehicle that
can carry you. Hop aboard (up to 260 lbs.), pop
your smartphone into the side pocket (where
you can also charge it) and your laptop into
the crushproof side sleeve. Place your feet on
the pegs, tap the throttle to move, and touch
the brake to stop. It can go about 8 miles/hour,
and the battery can fully charge up in about
90 minutes. The seat is made of comfortable
Memory Foam, so feel free to relax once you
arrive at your gate. The interior is spacious
enough to fit a few pairs of pants, shirts,
and pair of shoes for an overnight business
trip. When you feel like moving about in the
traditional way, pull up the telescoping handle
and roll to your destination. Check out the
WiFiHiFiMag Facebook page to see the Modo
Bag in action. US$1,495 Modobag.com
6 www.wifihifi.ca
SHORT BITS
SUPER-SLEEK DATA PROJECTION
For the business crowd, Epson’s super-sleek Powerlite 1781W
projector is an eye-catcher. Weighing just 4 lbs. and about as thin
as a laptop, it’s a small 3LCD data projector that you can take along
with you for business presentations, photo slideshows, and other
content. It supports Chromecast, Roku, and MHL-enabled devices,
plus HDMI and wireless connectivity with automatic keystone
correction. Resolution is 1,280x800, with 3,200 lumens. It sells for REINVENTING THE BREAST PUMP
US$800. Epson.ca
For years, nursing mothers have been plagued by the breast pump,
which requires that they manually milk themselves like cows, or set
up a cumbersome electric pump, attached to a machine and bottles
for the duration of the pumping session. Willow hopes to change
this with its cordless pump that fits right into a bra. Milk is collected
in leak-proof bags enclosed in the device, and you can track volume
using the app. Pumping is discreet – you can do it while remaining
fully dressed. And it’s reportedly quiet, which means working moms
can continue a business call, or multi-task, hands-free. It brings a
whole new meaning to the term “cutting the cord!” Spring, US$429
Willowpump.com
TWO LOADS AT ONCE TERABYTES IN YOUR POCKET
Imagine being able to cut your laundry time in half. Samsung’s Whoever said the cloud meant the flash drive would go the way
FlexWash and FlexDry washer and dryer each include two of the floppy disk was wrong. Kingston’s DataTraveler Ultimate
compartments for laundering two loads at once, at different cycles. Generation USB 3.1 flash drive boasts a whopping 2TB of storage
The washer has a five-cubic-foot compartment at the front and space – enough to store up to 70 hours of 4K video, or more than
a one-cubic-foot at the top, both of which is fed by a single water line half-a-million compressed 12MP JPEG photo files. Available in
for easy installation. The dryer’s main compartment is 7.5-cubic-feet, February, pricing is TBD, though a representative predicts it will cost
while the second, top-loading compartment can be used for drying in the US$0.40-US$0.45 range per gigabyte. Do the math, and that
delicates via adjustable airflow. Naturally, the pair is smart as well – means it’ll be about US$800. But being able to carry an entire portfolio
you can control the machines remotely from the Samsung Smart of work, library of high-res music, movies, or other content literally
Home app. Pricing TBA. Samsung.ca in your pocket is an incredible thought. Kingston.com
February/March 2017 7
SHORT BITS
HOW’S MY BRUSHING? SUPER-CHARGE YOUR DEVICES
We can’t imagine this one taking off, but Withings has found a way OmniCharge is like the be-all, end-all of portable chargers. It can
to integrate smart technology into a hairbrush. The Kérastase Hair charge everything from your smartphones and tablets, to a MacBook,
Coach Powered by Withings (ReSource Group Canada) has a series Microsoft Surface, or Lenovo computer. There are special kit attach-
of sensors that analyze the quality of your hair and monitor the effects ments for each type of computer, AC/DC output, two fast-charging
of different hair care routines, and your brushing habits. A mic listens USB ports, and a Qi wireless charging pad on top. The unit charges in
to the sound of hair brushing to identify patterns, and determines if 2-3 hours, and flow-through charging allows you to charge it while
your hair is dry. The accelerometer and gyroscope analyze brushing still recharging your connected devices. Smart features regulate the
patterns, count brush strokes, and the brush will vibrate if you’re temperature so the unit won’t overheat while you’re charging multiple
brushing too vigorously. Sync it to the app to see metrics, and get devices at once. Charge a 13” MacBook Air about 1.2 times, extending
product recommendations. It can help you care for your coif, but battery life by about 8-13 hours. There’s an ultra-portable unit, or get
seems mainly to be a great marketing vehicle for Kerastase products. the whole she-bang with the pro-level model for heavy on-the-go
Mid-2017, about US$200. Withings.com users for US$299. Omnicharge.co
BEDTIME STORIES COME TO LIFE
The SpinTales Enchanted Duvet and
Jungle Rug work alongside the free
app to create an immersive, augmented
reality world. Using animated stories,
kids can join characters like Little Red,
the Three Pigs, Jack from Magic Beans,
or Milo and friends in the jungle, and
do things like climb a beanstalk, build
a forest, or feed a giant. You really have
to see and experience the technology
to truly appreciate it. Ideal for kids aged
3 and older, a twin duvet and pillow
sham retails for US$100. The company is
exploring more options, including larger
sheet sets. Tilttextiles.com
8 www.wifihifi.ca
SHORT BITS
LAUNDRY, DONE EASY
Placing dirty clothing in the washer and dryer is a pretty simple task.
What’s most time consuming is then folding and putting those items
away. In the “really?” category, yes, there’s actually a robot for that. COUNTING SHEEP
The FoldiMate by FoldiMate folds each item of clothing for you, Acoustic Sheep, maker of the RunPhones and SleepPhones (Erikson
stacking them neatly for put-away. Not only will this solve your need Consumer), is moving into a new demographic, kids, with Dozer the
for perfectly-folded items, but it can also supposedly help you finish Sleep Sheep. The cute stuffed animal is a music player, sleep tracker,
laundry twice as fast then manually having to fold each piece. Washer, and bed buddy. Your child can snuggle up with it at night, and listen
dryer, FoldiMate? That might be a stretch, but it’s an interesting to soothing tunes to help lull him to sleep. The tracking sensors work
option for those who have the space, the money, and the utter with the music software to help the little sheep get smarter, learning
dislike for folding clothes. On pre-order, target price of US$700-$850 which music helps your child get to sleep quicker, or what genre/tunes
Foldimate.com make him less restless at night. US$149 Sleepphones.com/dozer
WHERE’S MY LUGGAGE?
Dog & Bone’s LockSmart Travel
(Hitfar Concepts) is a neat version
of its Bluetooth Lock that’s made
specifically for travel. In addition to
being able to remotely unlock it, you
can send a virtual “key” to someone
else’s phone, or set an unlock schedule
for certain users. It also offers tracking,
so you can keep on top of where
your luggage is while you’re waiting
for it to come off the carousel in an
airport, for example. If somehow
your luggage ends up elsewhere,
crowdsourced tracking means other
LockSmart users can help pinpoint its
exact location. TSA-approved, it sells
for US$60. Dogandbonecases.com
10 www.wifihifi.caSHORT BITS
LIVE, 360-DEGREE VIDEO
Ricoh calls its new device the “industry’s first camera capable of
delivering up to 24 continuous hours of fully spherical, 360-degree
live video streams.” The Ricoh R Development Kit, which third parties MAGICALLY FLOATING SOUND
will be able to use to create applications in various environments The LG PJ9 Levitating Portable Speaker quite literally floats in
and industries, uses spherical imaging technology fore live streaming air. It hovers in place over its Levitation Station thanks to powerful
360-degree video in 2K resolution, and 30 frames-per-second (fps). Video electromagnets that create the eye-catching visual effect. Play music
is stitched within the camera, in real time. Finished MP4 video is output both inside and outdoors thanks to the IPX7 rating that ensures
via HDMI or USB, and recorded onto a micro SD card. The Kit includes operation in adverse weather conditions. There’s a 360-degree
the camera, stand, downloadable software development kit (SDK), plus omnidirectional speaker with turbine blade-inspired design and
image-control tools and source code. Spring, pricing TBD. Ricohr.ricoh deep bass via a subwoofer embedded in the Station. It can run for
10 hours, and the smart speaker automatically descends to the Station
when it needs charging so there’s no interruption in music playback.
Multipoint technology enables the speaker to connect to two
Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Lg.ca
CODE YOUR LEGO
Anyone who has kids in the 5-12-year-old age group knows the
obsession they can have over Lego. Lego Boost takes the toy to the OVEN ON THE COUNTER
next level, combining a love for traditional building with coding and Panasonic is innovating in the kitchen by combining the concept of
technology. Use the pieces in the set to build one of five items, from countertop appliances with the oven, allowing you to double up your
a cute cat to a robot or a guitar, with the app guiding you along the oven space, or accommodate an uber-small kitchen. No, this isn’t a
way. Once it’s built, you can program commands, telling the robot to glorified microwave, but rather a Countertop Induction Oven (CIO)
dance, for example, or making the cat wag its tail. As kids get older, that combines proprietary induction and double-infrared heating
they can use the app for direction on how to build the basic structure technologies to cook full meals, right from the counter. It can grill,
of something like a car, then use their own creativity to finish it off as bake, re-heat using pre-set menu options and adjustable temperature
they envision. August, about US$160. Lego.com control. US$599.95 Panasonic.ca
February/March 2017 11AUTOMOTIVE TECH
Looking like it came straight out
of a sci-fi flick, Toyota’s Concept-i
has built-in artificial intelligence
to interpret emotional responses
by reading facial expressions and
TAKES A FRONT SEAT AT CES respond accordingly. For example,
if it can sense you are frustrated
or stressed, it might remind you of
BY TED KRITSONIS your favourite coffee shop nearby,
adjust the music to something
more calming, find a better route
with less traffic, or even take over
driving altogether.
At next year’s CES, only automotive-related vendors will be any variation of things vehicles are being designed
to do. Every automaker on hand pushed this narra-
located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, tive in one form or another.
Toyota made a splash with its Concept-i, a
squeezing out the mobile accessories companies that had futuristic ride that looks like something out of a
been based there for years. It’s a strong indication that cars sci-fi movie. The carmaker’s vision is “technology
with a soul” via built-in artificial intelligence (AI)
are a big deal in consumer technology. that can interpret emotional responses.
Toyota’s “Yui” (pronounced “you-eee”) serves
All major automakers with the exception of Kia as a 2D avatar on the dashboard and in other parts
THE STORY returned to this year’s show, while hundreds of
other vendors showcased technology of all kinds
of the cabin. Yui is designed to read facial expres-
sions and understand the difference between joy
Concept cars on display at CES 2017 related to vehicles in one form or another. and sadness, or alertness and fatigue. It can con-
showcased some exciting new and Much of the focus was on emerging technolo- verse with the driver and offer suggestions. For
emerging technologies. gies, like autonomous driving, telematics and more example, if it notices more anxiety, it may open
robust user interfaces. Concept cars dotted the a conversation or offer something to calm the
Self-driving cars dominated the North
show floor and outdoor test drive areas, bringing mood, like reminding the driver that his favourite
Hall of the Las Vegas Convention
prototypes and incremental designs forward for all coffee shop is nearby. Yui can switch music based
Center, and will completely take over
to see. It was the kind of spectacle from which even on stress levels due to traffic, highlight a shorter
the Hall in 2018.
the grandeur of the Auto Show circuit could learn. route to get to a destination, note interesting
Infotainment continues to inch forward
Photo: Ted Kritsonis
details about a local area, or even take over driv-
with new ideas, while aftermarket players GETTING CONNECTED ing altogether. It’s kind of like KITT from Knight
look to get a piece of the autonomous The idea of a “connected car” is more than just Rider come to life.
driving space. a car that drives itself or integrates with mobile Toyota envisions this scenario being a reality
devices. It has become an overarching term for closer to 2030 than this decade. But the carmaker
12 www.wifihifi.caCES 2017: AUTOMOTIVE
centre console and you press virtual buttons in Ford also showcased more exciting new tech-
mid-air to perform tasks. A beep confirms the nologies on the connectivity side. Notable is
press, but it’s the short burst of air that makes it Alexa integration that would allow Amazon Echo
feel tactile. customers to do things like play and resume
On the less aspirational, more realistic side audiobooks, order products, search for desti-
of technological advancement for this decade, nations, or lock or unlock the garage door, all
Honda and Visa demoed a pilot project that from the car. Also introduced was the new Sync
would let drivers pay for gas directly from the car AppLink capability, which would allow drivers to
instead of having to use tap at the pump or go project compatible navigation apps from a smart-
inside and pay a cashier. In addition, this same sce- phone to the vehicle’s own touch screen. And Ford
nario would work with curbside parking metres. Sync-equipped vehicles will now integrate with
The next evolution for tap-and-pay might be the The one requirement, other than using a Visa card, Samsung Gear S2 and S3 smartwatches to deliver
ability to pay for gas or parking directly from Apple is having Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the car. parking reminders and send car-related alerts.
CarPlay or Android Auto in your vehicle, as per a
partnership between Honda and Visa. The pilot is planned for 2018, with Vancouver and
Toronto as the two most likely Canadian cities to GROWING AUTONOMY
be included in the rollout. Every automaker on hand had something to
says it’s committed to seeing this through, noting The deal is with Gilbarco, a firm that owns half show or talk about regarding the burgeoning
that people already supposedly have emotional the market in gas pumps, and IPS Group, a com- movement towards automated and electric vehi-
connections to their vehicles. Why not capitalize pany that builds and installs parking metres. cles, highlighting one of the enduring trends of
on that? Currently, however, the payment setup doesn’t the show.
Fiat Chrysler (FCA) has a similar idea in mind integrate rewards programs, like Petro-Points, Nissan made things interesting with its unique
with its concept Portal, a sleek-looking minivan Air Miles or Esso Extra, among others. Nor does it take on human oversight of autonomous vehicles.
that was “designed by millennials, for millenni- work with debit cards, an often preferred payment Its Seamless Autonomous Mobility (SAM) system,
als.” FCA figures one-in-three drivers in the next method among Canadians. Many of these issues a collaboration with NASA, is based on the tech-
10 years will be millennials starting new families are reportedly going to be assessed over the course nology the Administration uses to monitor and
or on the cusp of doing so. Hence, they came up of the pilot, but only time will tell if it takes off. control the Mars Rover.
with the idea of a vehicle that can fit more bod- Similarly, Ford is working with ExxonMobil’s “Human managers” would act as overseers to
ies, and identify each person inside using facial Speedpass+ app to allow drivers to authorize a literally get a self-driving car out of a jam. In a
recognition and biometrics. payment (and earn Plenti loyalty points) by voice demo at the Nissan booth, a manager on stage
The all-electric Portal is meant to be a “fifth-gen- at Exxon and Mobil gas stations. directed a vehicle in Sunnyvale, CA around a con-
eration of family transportation” following the
station wagon, minivan, SUV and crossover, and
to be viewed as a third “space” behind home and
work, not just a car. Outside of the rail system
used to move the three rows of seats to and fro,
and collapsing them to make room, connectivity
is a primary focus.
The Portal will detect who’s driving via voice
recognition, and adjust settings accordingly. If
desired, the self-driving mode could take over.
Audio is zoned specifically to each section of
the vehicle, allowing someone in the back seat
to watch a show or movie, while passengers up
front stream music, all of which would be audi-
bly distinct.
A “community display,” accessible by any
passenger, dominates the in-car infotainment
experience. It can be used to share content, shop
online, and more. Up to 10 docking stations would
be inside, ensuring all devices can be charged.
In a different tack, BMW unveiled its HoloActive
Touch concept, essentially an extension of the
gesture controls BMW introduced in the 2016 7
Continental is working with Silicon Valley’s DigiLens to develop an ultra-thin AR HUD that can project a wide windshield
Series. Looking like it was pulled out of the 2002 image to provide drivers with useful information, and a better view of what’s around them.
movie Minority Report, controls project over the
February/March 2017 13CES 2017: AUTOMOTIVE
struction site obstacle by drawing a line around when Google launched its Pixel smartphones
it on a map. While it took 90 seconds for the car and Home smart home device. Its greater accu-
to maneuver around, a second autonomous car racy and learning algorithms are a positive step
received the same instructions sooner, and was forward, but there are still a number of questions,
able to drive around it in only 12 seconds. Among the many features in Fiat Chrysler’s such as whether there will be any support for the
Nissan’s stance is that autonomous vehicles electric Portal, which is geared toward millennials iPhone. No word on when this unnamed collabo-
can’t be expected to navigate out of the myriad starting families, are zoned audio in each section ration will see the light of day out of the factory,
so each passenger can enjoy an audibly distinct
of scenarios and situations that can arise on the entertainment experience; docking stations to
but it’s clear Chrysler is looking to do something
road, which forms the basis for what it believes keep multiple devices charged; and the ability to significant with its dated Uconnect platform.
will be a necessary human-controlled support identify the driver and adjust settings to his liking. Harman, Continental and Visteon are also
infrastructure based on SAM. looking to make some inroads, and part of their
Lincoln and QNX, BlackBerry’s subsidiary, focus was on augmented reality (AR). AR expands
received regulatory approval to begin testing on what heads-up displays (HUDs) already do in
a concept self-driving MKZ on roads in Canada cars, projecting vehicle information, like speed
starting this year. and navigation, onto the windshield. It adds
Ford, meanwhile, is sticking to its vow to have more contextual bits using a combination of GPS
a fully autonomous car – without a steering wheel and onboard sensors.
inside – by 2021. For now, its electric self-driving For example, Harman’s LIVS concept showed
Focus vehicles will continue testing, with a plan to how street signs could be enlarged digitally to
use them in a possible ride-sharing service within make it easier to see them, especially at night,
the next two years. while also detecting other cars on the road,
Nvidia showed a self-driving car it has been Controls project over the centre console in BMW’s particularly how fast they’re driving or braking.
working on with Audi to hit the road by 2020. HoloActive Touch concept; drivers press virtual Harman hasn’t implemented this in an HUD yet,
Coining it the “world’s most advanced AI car,” it buttons in mid-air to perform tasks, while an but says it plans to soon.
will run on Nvidia’s DRIVE computing platform audible beep and short burst of air confirms that But on the heels of Samsung’s pending acquisi-
your command has been received.
that has been under development, and shown tion, Harman had already announced an agreement
in spurts at CES over the last few years. with Navdy, a startup that manufactures and
An Audi Q7 SUV was on a test track, along with sells an aftermarket HUD device for US$799, giv-
Nvidia’s BB8 concept self-driving car that drove ing Harman exclusive rights to co-brand a Navdy
attendees on a short track in a lot outside the device and distribute it to automakers, car audio
Convention Center with no one sitting at the wheel. companies and even wireless carriers.
Both vehicle’s had the latter’s DRIVE PX 2 processor Continental inked a deal with DigiLens, a Silicon
inside. Nvidia also showcased a Tesla Model S fea- Valley-based company that works on holographic
turing the same components at its booth. projection technologies, to build an ultra-thin AR
Mercedes-Benz showed how its all-electric HUD that will be smaller than other models, yet
“Vision Van” could transform delivery vehicles, project a wider image. No demos were shown at
complete with drones taking off from the roof CES, so it’s not entirely clear how this would look
to deliver packages in a wider vicinity. The cargo CES attendees got a ride around a short track in real-life, but deployment isn’t far off.
in the parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention
space in the rear would be fully automated Visteon’s model was slightly less complex,
Center in Nvidia’s concept BB8 self-driving car –
to increase efficiency and prepare packages there was no one at the wheel. focusing on colour-coding other vehicles and
throughout a route. pedestrians to help illustrate any potential dan-
gers on the road. The windshield HUD is about
INFOTAINMENT EXTRAS twice the size of a regular one. A less technical
FCA is working with Google on a prototype info- “combiner HUD” will be marketed to mass-mar-
tainment system that would run on Android, yet ket vehicles in an attempt to move beyond the
be entirely separate from Android Auto. luxury segment.
Demoed in a 2017 Chrysler 300, the system was
shown via an 8.4” touchscreen display on the dash. THE AFTERMARKET PLAYS BALL
While it’s Android-based, it was clearly built with a Aftermarket vendors occupied their fair share
different software architecture than Android Auto. of space in the highly-charged North Hall. Chief
Two-factor authentication is courtesy of biomet- Chrysler is looking for greater accuracy and among them were Pioneer and JVC Kenwood
rics, like a fingerprint sensor or face detection. learning through its new Android-based system, showing off their latest products, including for-
Whereas Android Auto uses Google Now as a which uses Google Assistant instead of Google Now – ays into autonomous driving.
the same AI first introduced in the Pixel
voice assistant, this system uses Google Assistant, smartphones and Home smart home device. Pioneer’s Advanced UX Cockpit was on dis-
the same AI that was first introduced in the fall play, primarily powered by the Driver Monitoring
14 www.wifihifi.caDON’T BREAK UP
WITH YOUR CAR
UPGRADE IT
SM
MARTPHONE MU
U SII C A ND CO
O N V ENIENCE
TEC
CHNOLOGY EN
N T E RTAINMENT PA
A C K A GE
Upgrade your vehicle with the Enjoy more entertainment Put your mind at ease while
latest in-vehicle smartphone options when you upgrade the on the road when you upgrade
technology by adding Android music sources in your vehicle with your vehicle with safety and
Auto™, Apple CarPlay™, and HD Radio™, Pandora®, SiriusXM®1, convenience features including
Bluetooth®. and Spotify®. back up camera, navigation,
rear parking assist2, and vehicle
diagnostic information2.
pioneerelectronics.com/car
1. SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner and subscription to SiriusXM Radio required (sold separately). 2. Retained features may vary by vehicle. Check compatibility at maestro.idatalink.com. Maestro RR module and additional
accessory cables required. PIONEER, and the Pioneer logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation. Apple, CarPlay, and the CarPlay logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Bluetooth and associated logos are trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. HD Radio and the HD Radio logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corp. SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. Android
and Android Auto are trademarks of Google Inc. iDatalink and Maestro are trademarks of Automotive Data Solutions Inc. Pandora, the Pandora logo and the Pandora trade dress are trademarks of Pandora Media, Inc. used with permission.
Spotify, the Spotify logo, and Spotify trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Spotify AB used with permission. Copyright: 2017 Pioneer Electronics (USA) INC.CES 2017: AUTOMOTIVE
8201NEX (US$1,300), AVIC-7201NEX (US$1,100),
AVIC-6201NEX (US$900) and AVH-4201NEX
(US$700). All support CarPlay and Android Auto.
Kenwood’s DMX7740S (US$500) head unit
supports both CarPlay and Android Auto, and the
6.8” display is resistive rather than capacitive so
you can operate it wearing gloves, for example.
JVC’s new KW-M730BT will also have a resistive
touchscreen and come in at the same MSRP.
Pioneer’s AVH-4201NEX double-DIN head Clarion’s NX807 includes support for both
unit supports CarPlay and Android Auto, and is Among many announcements made at CES 2017,
one of many in the flagship lineup that will come CarPlay and Android Auto through its 7” WVGA
Ford will have Alexa integration to allow Amazon Echo
bundled with the ND-BC8 rearview camera. touchscreen, but also adds “2-Zone entertain-
owners to do things like play and resume audiobooks,
ment” where rear passengers can listen to a order products, search for destinations, or lock or
separate audio source than those sitting in the unlock the garage door, all from the car.
System that detects a driver’s condition and alert- front. The optical digital output enables plug-
ness using a camera for facial recognition, a heart and-play with the company’s Full Digital Sound
rate monitor for stress and anxiety, plus sensors processor. No pricing information was provided the US$49 Glass that works with an app to proj-
on the steering wheel and seat. at the show or as of this report, though availabil- ect onto the windshield, will be releasing a more
The autonomous user interface deploys various ity is supposed to be in the spring. robust offering this year. The phone won’t need
features to assist in the transition from manual to Alpine’s iLX-107 (US$900) sports a 7” WVGA to be placed atop the hardware, and it will project
automated driving, including lighting, directional capacitive touchscreen, and full support for a wider image with more contextual information.
sound, AR, HUD, video and even a fragrance to CarPlay. What’s unique about this is that the sup- A crowdfunding campaign will kick off with avail-
keep drivers alert. Pioneer is also entering the port extends to Wireless CarPlay, meaning the ability slated for the spring or summer.
LiDAR space for light detection laser technology to iPhone wouldn’t have to be tethered to the head
help self-driving cars measure distance to objects. unit via a Lightning cable. The trade-off, however, LOOKING AHEAD
Amidst all that were new double-DIN head is that Android Auto isn’t supported at all. What a difference only a few years makes. CES
units. Pioneer will bundle the ND-BC8 rearview Navdy wasn’t the only HUD maker on hand. has quickly become integral to showing the lat-
camera with its flagship NEX units, the AVIC- Hudway, a Russian startup that has since launched est automotive technologies.
We could start seeing Level 3 or 4 semi-auton-
omous vehicles, which still require some manual
overrides, hitting the road in a big way within the
next five years. But Level 5 cars with full auton-
omy still seem a long way off, assuming we ever
truly get there.
Meanwhile, infotainment continues to be an
uphill battle, with OEMs trying to offset the ris-
ing influence of Google and Apple. Chrysler’s
Android-based concept seems to fly in the face
of that as a means of maintaining some level of
control over the company’s own dashboard.
SmartDeviceLink, the consortium Ford and
Toyota officially started, has added Mazda, Suzuki
and PSA Group as members, with others, like
Pioneer, Panasonic, QNX and Harman, report-
edly signing letters of intent to join too. Based on
Ford’s AppLink software, the goal is to standard-
ize the software so that all members can use it, yet
decide what features they want to include or add.
CES 2017 was as much an auto show as any
tech trade show has been to date. The con-
vergence of technologies and promise shown
with autonomy and connectivity portends an
Nissan believes that autonomous vehicles will still require some human control. The automaker is working with NASA
interesting future for the industry. Some of the
on the Seamless Autonomous Mobility (SAM) system, which would see human “managers” aid vehicles in getting around
unforeseen obstacles, like construction sites. futuristic scenes from movies and TV shows may
become reality sooner than we think.
16 www.wifihifi.cavictor
ia, bri
tish c
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A N C O U bia
Gr eetings fromV
Both are lovely places to visit.
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sŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ͕ƌŝƟƐŚŽůƵŵďŝĂ͕ŵĂLJďĞŽŶůLJĂϭЪͲŚŽƵƌĨĞƌƌLJƌŝĚĞĂǁĂLJĨƌŽŵsĂŶĐŽƵǀĞƌ͘zĞƚŝŶϰMOBILE WORLD | CES 2017
It’s all about keeping us connected, productive
Innovations and entertained; and, ironically at the same time,
about promoting better health and wellness.
While it would be impossible to cover every
in Wearables,
innovation from the show, here are some inter-
esting concepts introduced there that provide
a good indication as to how mobile accessories
products are evolving.
Protection A NEW GENERATION OF WEARABLES
For the past few years, wearables have domi-
& Power
nated sections of CES. Particularly in the Sands
Convention Center where a large section of the
exhibit area is dedicated to health and wellness
gear, but also in the Eureka Park start-up exhibits
where entrepreneurs demonstrate exciting new
BY CHRISTINE PERSAUD concepts. IHS Technology recently predicted that
sales for smartwatches and “smartphone com-
panions” would nearly double from 61 million in
2016 to 110 million in 2020.
Wearables that track and serve niche needs, innovative But while traditional wristworn trackers remain
protection, and power in the unlikeliest of places were all dominant, now with flashier designs and addi-
tional functionality, devices that fall into the
themes in the mobile category at CES 2017. “other” category are taking up more show floor
space, and innovating in unique ways.
Who says you can’t make your existing
watch smart? Swap out its band for the ct
band, with a display that sits below the
watch face and can track activity, heart
rate, and even blood oxygen rate.
Photo courtesy of Rifft
18 www.wifihifi.caCES 2017: MOBILE WORLD
Take the Nimb connected ring, for example,
which has a concealed panic button on the under-
side that you can use in case of emergency if you
can’t call 911. Maybe it’s an elderly person who
has fallen or is feeling ill, a young woman walking
on her own late at night who feels that trouble
is brewing, or a bank teller with an eerie feeling
about someone. Press and hold the button for
three seconds, and it will vibrate and send your
location to your emergency contacts. Your pro-
Crowdsourcing for help
file and call for help will go to Nimb users nearby in case of emergency?
so someone can stand in and help if needed. It The Nimb ring has a
connects to your phone via Bluetooth, and once hidden panic button on
its underside: press and
charged, the battery lasts for about two weeks.
hold for three seconds
Available now for pre-order, pricing will be about when in trouble, and
US$129 when it hits the market around March. your location will be sent
Another ring hails from Motiv, and it packs all to emergency contacts,
and other Nimb users
of the activity tracking you’d expect from a wrist-
so those nearby can
worn device, including activity, heart rate, and stand in and help.
sleep, into a tiny piece of jewelry for your finger. It
connects to the app and an iOS 9.0 or later device
via Bluetooth, and can run for 3-5 days per charge. an Uber, for example, to ensure you get home and seamless the longer you listen, and start to
Made of light titanium, it’s currently on pre-order safely. Sure, as accurate as it might be, telling a equate the physical vibration with the sound.
(U.S. only) for US$200, with an anticipated ship police officer who pulls you over that your wear- It’s almost like the D-Box theatre experience for
date some time in the Spring. able told you it was safe to drive won’t work. But personal audio. Availability is anticipated for
Breathalyzers have always been a hot category if you’ve downed a few glasses of red, the app February for US$199.
at CES, but typically in the form of handheld gad- could be a good motivator to hang out at the
gets with a built-in straw in which you can blow party for a few more hours until the alcohol has THE WRISTWORN WEARABLE GETS
air to determine your blood alcohol content left your system. The company plans to launch A MAKEOVER
(BAC). The Proof Wearable Alcohol Sensor from a Kickstarter campaign soon, but anticipates Amidst all of these interesting sub-categories
Milo Sensors is switching that concept to a wear- that the device will be on the market before was plenty of innovation in traditional wristworn
able. The device is worn around your wrist and the end of the year, and sell for anywhere from activity tracking bands.
looks like a standard activity tracker. But it uses US$100-US$150. The Mio Slice employs Personal Activity Intel-
a patent-pending disposable cartridge system Also touching on the topic of safety, but in a ligence (PAI), which uses algorithms to measure
to convert alcohol into an electric current so it far different way, is the Active Protective wear- movement, and heart rate intensity. It analyzes
can track your alcohol intake, for up to 12 hours able, which offers hip protection for the elderly your activities, then advises which ones earned
per cartridge. The app shows your BAC, and an or those with mobility issues. The smart belt is the most PAI “points” to help you improve your
estimation of the time it will take until you’re worn around the waist, and will automatically lifestyle. Keep your PAI score above 100 each day
sober, or even until you’ll be fully intoxicated. deploy airbags if a fall is detected. The purpose in a week and you know you are staying healthy,
View friends’ levels as well. The device can send is to reduce the impact on one’s hips.
an alert to friends and family so they can send A wearable subwoofer? Sort of. The Lofelt
Basslet is worn around the wrist, and adds a
physical dimension to sound by offering vibrat- THE STORY
ing bass along with the track you’re listening to CES 2017 showcased a new selection
through headphones. The idea, says the com- of interesting wearables that go beyond
pany, is that sound is “meant to be felt, not just the realm of fitness.
heard.” It communicates via Bluetooth with a
Wireless power is gaining ground, while
3.5mm dongle placed between your headphones
portable battery packs are turning up
and smartphone or other device – it’s ideal for
in the most creative of places.
not only music listening, but also gaming and
immersive VR experiences. The patent-pend- From protective cases shaped like butts
ing LoSound engine recreates bass frequencies to liquid screen protectors, the device
as low as 10Hz, creating the illusion that you’re protection industry is finding unique
All of the activity tracking capabilities you’ve become used
to in a wristworn device are packed into this ring from Motiv, standing next to a subwoofer. I tried it briefly, and ways to innovate.
which is set to ship this Spring. it is intriguing – the effects are more noticeable
February/March 2017 19CES 2017: MOBILE WORLD
regardless of if you spent one day working out Worth mentioning is a new trend emerging to
and the next simply lounging on the couch. It complement the wearables market: smart water
will also show what heart rate intensity level is bottles. These let you keep track of hydration,
needed in order to improve your overall health. and often sync that data with fitness track-
One of the coolest products on the show floor ers and/or third party fitness apps. Last year, I
in this space was Sony’s FES Watch U. Launched reviewed the Thermos Smart Water Bottle, which
in September as a crowdfunded project backed was one of the first, if not the first, of such prod-
by Sony, the watch has an E-Ink strap that can ucts to hit the market. The idea makes sense: if
change design by simply tapping a button. The you’re tracking fitness, heart rate, activity, sleep,
idea is to have one band that you can wear with and caloric intake, why not hydration as well?
A small Smart Core fits inside a Hello Zee case, offering
wireless charging capabilities, additional storage, multiple outfits, or to suit different moods and
and LED lighting. When you buy a new phone, just grab styles. In addition to the included designs, add
a new Hello Zee case and pop the Core into it. your own by using the mobile app to convert
photos into patterns. The watches are available
on Amazon for about $300. Sony also show-
cased a clutch purse using the same changing
pattern texture.
Fossil Group showed innovations in its own
name and Misfit brands, and under licensing with
designers. Notable are Kate Spade and Armani
Exchange branded smartwatches. In both cases,
they look like stylish wristwatches, but with high-
tech features hidden underneath, including the
ability to receive notifications in an interesting
way. With the Kate Spade models, for example,
you can program up to six VIP callers with num-
bers one through six. When someone calls, the
watch hands will move to the corresponding
number on its analog face to let you know who
it is. Sure, it isn’t the best representation of being
Program up to six VIP contacts in the Kate Spade able to keep on top of notifications - you won’t
smartwatch, and the hands will shift to the corresponding
see, for example, scrolling text of the actual mes- The name is no joke, but the design isn’t meant to be
number when the person calls.
sage. But it’s a nice (and stylish) way to integrate kitschy: developed by artist Allen Hirsch, the Handl Butt
Case combines the company’s signature elastic brace
smart functionality into a watch you can wear system with an ergonomically-designed backside (pun
everyday that actually looks like a watch. intended) that allows for more comfortable handling.
Speaking of which, some of us have grown
attached to our own wristwatches, and don’t
want to swap them out for a smart one, or wear
watches on both arms. Rifft’s ct band cleverly One of the most feature-rich of the many smart
lets you turn your own watch into a smart one. water bottles at CES 2017 was the iBottle Flip,
Sort of. The catch is that you have to replace the which not only tracks how much water you’re
watch’s band with the ct band. If you’re willing drinking and sends you reminders to drink more
to do that, you’ll gain use of a small display on in order to meet daily goals, but it also func-
the band itself that can record things like steps, tions as a smartphone stand by flipping up the
temperature, distance, heart rate, and blood top, flashlight via detachable base, and portable
oxygen rate, and display notifications from a con- charger through microUSB. Do we really need
nected iOS or Android smartphone. Use the app something like that? No. But is it pretty cool?
to customize notifications, like weather or sports Heck, ya!
updates. It’s nice because the actual display is
discreet, sitting below the watch face instead of POWERFUL, AND PRETTY
messing around with its design. They come in PROTECTION
silicone, leather, and stitched leather, in 20 differ- Overtaking fashion as the trend du jour in this
As the latest evolution in screen protection, Invisible
ent colours to match your style. Set for availability category is power, with cases and products that
First Defense from Qmadix is a liquid solution that can be
applied to any screen up to 10” in size to provide protection in April, it’s now on pre-order on Amazon for literally fuel our need to keep devices going all
against drops, cracks, and bumps. US$170-$200, depending on the model. day, and beyond.
20 www.wifihifi.caCES 2017: MOBILE WORLD
What happens if you drop a few hundred handling. Admittedly, I was sceptical of the
bucks on a power case, then end up upgrad- Handl Butt Case when I first read about it. I’m a
ing your phone a year later? The Hello Zee fan and user of the original Handl case, which
Smartcase aims to solve this issue through was created by designer and artist Allen Hirsch
its interchangeable design. Rather than build last year. Drawing inspiration from using a brush
wireless charging capabilities right into the while painting, he designed the leather case with
case, that’s housed within a small square device a proprietary flexible and elastic brace system
called the Smart Core that fits seamlessly into that can be used to hold the phone with just two
the underside of it. Most interesting about the fingers, and doubles as a stand. The concept Butt
Core, however, is that it also adds memory (32, Case is, as you may have guessed, shaped like a
Sony’s crowdfunded FES Watch U has an E-Ink strap that
64, or 128GB) and a 5,600 lumen LED light to the derrier. It includes the same elastic brace on the changes design right in front of your eyes.
phone. If you upgrade to a new phone, just buy back, but perched atop two padded bumps for
another Hello Zee case, and pop the Core into extra comfort. Despite my reservations, as soon
that one. The cases on their own are US$25, and as I held it, I understood the concept. It’s super
US$80-$200 with the Core. Oddly, part of the comfortable, and weirdly relaxing to hold. But
case design, presumably due to requirements for keep in mind that because of the extra junk in its
Apple MFI certification, is the Smart Cube, a small trunk, you won’t be able to slide your phone into
square piece that protrudes from the bottom of your back pocket as easily with this case on it.
the phone and can be used to loop it on a wallet And expect a few stares from curious passers-by.
chain, backpack, or necklace. Expected to ship in March 2017 for US$70.
One neat alternative to the traditional screen
protector is the Invisible First Defense liq-
uid glass screen protector by Qmadix, with
NANOtech. Apply the solution with the included
cloth, wait for it to cure for about five minutes,
and be on your merry way. It takes about 24-48
hours to fully cure, but once complete, your
phone’s screen will be protected without adding
any kind of film to the device, or the risk of cracks
or bubbles. It is, indeed, invisible. The solution is
Scosche combines magnetic mounting with Qi wireless
anti-bacterial as well. One of the biggest bene- charging in its latest MagicMount Charge line.
fits, however, is that the protection is universal:
you can use it for any device screen up to about
10” in size, including the curved screens found
in devices like some Samsung Galaxy models. It
sells for US$30.
ON-THE-GO POWER
Moving over to portable power, while products
Now with Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI), the Mio Slice are shifting in one direction towards battery
activity tracker will award points to activities, and help you
maintain a healthy score throughout the day. packs with large capacities that can give your
smartphone or other mobile devices multiple
boosts, it’s also moving in the complete opposite
direction with a new wave of ultra-portable solu-
iFace wants to eliminate the need to affix tions that can provide an extra 50-100% battery
a small magnet to the back of your phone or bump in the case of an emergency.
phone case in order to secure the device to a Phonesuit’s Flex Card Pocket Charger, which
magnetic mount with its patent-pending case, comes in 1,200mAh and 2,000mAh versions, is
which comes with the magnet built right in. a nice option on the latter end. It can be conve-
Because the piece is metal, it won’t demagnetize niently clipped onto a keychain via the integrated
other devices, like a hotel room key stored in the loop, and provides from 60%-100% boost of your
same pocket of your jeans. The cases are US$20 phone’s battery when in need. Cost is US$12.99
Meant for the elderly and those with mobility issues,
each, and will work with any magnetic mount. and US$19.99, respectively.
Active Protective is essentially a human airbag worn as a
Rather than focus on power and connectivity, Scosche might have the most innovative belt to help reduce impact on the hips in the event of an
Handl is paying all of its attention to ergonomic solution in this space in its MagicMount Charge, unfortunate fall.
22 www.wifihifi.caCES 2017: MOBILE WORLD
which combines the magnetic mounting capa- in a variety of styles, colours, and sizes. Notable
bilities of the popular MagicMount line with for men is the genuine leather wallet that has
built-in Qi wireless charging as well so you can a thin 2,500mAh battery pack and wraparound
charge your phone wire-free. There’s a version charging cable (microUSB and Lightning tips)
for mounting on the dash of the car, as well as a inside for recharging your phone. Available in
desktop option for the home or office. Both will three colours, it’s about US$110.
be available in Q1, though pricing is TBA. For the ladies, the Mighty Purses come with
One of the nicest yet subtle integrations a Lightning and/or microUSB adapter and com-
of portable power we saw is through a line pact built-in battery pack as well, offering from
of purses, clutches, and zipper wallets from 3,000-4,000mAh of power. It’s hidden in a com-
Australian company HButler. There are beautiful partment inside, along with the appropriate tips,
bags that come in leather or “vegan” leather and and a discreet USB cable for recharging. Pricing
starts at US$100 for the real leather options and
Australian company HButler offers a stylish line of purses,
US$70 for the faux leather.
clutches, and wallets with built-in battery packs and tips
Targeting the desktop, Belkin’s Powerhouse for discreetly charging mobile devices on-the-go.
Left Top: The Proof Wearable doesn’t track your activity, Charge Dock for Apple Watch + iPhone is a neat
but rather your blood alcohol content (BAC) through and tidy way to mount both gadgets on your
an enzyme-based electrochemical sensor that converts desk and charge them at the same time. It has a
alcohol to an electric current, thus allowing the level to built-in Apple Watch magnetic charging module arena for 2017. All three categories will shift
be measured through your wrist.
and an integrated Lightning connector for the focus as new smartphones come to market
Left Bottom: Wearing the Lofelt Basslet creates the illusion iPhone. It also comes in a portable version for and bring forth new accessory needs, whether
that you’re standing beside a subwoofer, offering up deep, on-the-go use. You’ll get about two additional it’s Type-C charging, built-in wireless charging
vibrating bass to complement the sound coming from your
charges of the devices with the portable version, capability, or special features and functions that
headphones, whether you’re listening to music, playing
games, or immersed in a VR experience. and each sells for US$99. make the potential for wearables grow. How
each will perform on the market, and which
Right: Ideal for charging your Apple devices at the office or
on the bedroom nightstand, Belkin’s Powerhouse Charge BOTTOM LINE innovations customers most desire, remains to
Dock can give an Apple iPhone and Watch a battery boost at Power, protection, and wearables will remain be seen. We’ll take a deeper look into each core
the same time, while keeping them neat, tidy, and in view. staple categories in the consumer technology accessories category throughout 2017.
February/March 2017 23You can also read
