An international springboard for consumer tech, the CES conference this year did not disappoint, with plenty of new technologies, gadgets galore and even innovative food products (plant-based Impossible pork, anyone?).
A veritable smorgasbord of smart home tech was on full display for every space, from garages and walkways to under-sink cabinets and showerheads. Here are seven new smart home products that caught our attention:
KOHLER SMART SHOWERHEAD WITH SPEAKER
Kohler offers a range of high-tech shower speakers, from basic bluetooth to Amazon-Alexa-enabled. The luxurious showerhead option has a magnetic docking system that holds the speaker — crafted with Harmon Kardon audio tuned to cancel out water noise — right in the center.
BOSCH FRIDGE WITH FOOD RECOGNITION
We've all lost food containers to the depths of our refrigerators. While reducing food waste isn't the top goal for Bosch's Home Connect Fridge, it's inventory abilities can certainly help. In partnership with Chefling — a recipe planning app — this fridge keeps track of what you have on hand and can recommend recipes so nothing goes to waste.
LG ThinQ Washing Machine
Working to make your weekly washing a little easier (on you and your water bill), the ThinQ washing machine is equipped with AI that can sense the type of fabric and automatically determine the best cycle for your clothing. As an added bonus, if you have the compatible dryer, the machines can communicate and share the optimal drying settings too.
HUB FREE SMART SWITCHES (THAT DON'T NEED A NEUTRAL WIRE)
GE Lighting is swinging for the fences with it's smart home lighting lineup — from color-changing bulbs to motion-sensing switches. It's latest offering includes three-wire and hub-free switches that are available in 5 different designs, are well-priced, include dimming and motion-sensing functionalities. Most impressively, only need three wires to connect (line, load, and ground), making them an excellent option for older homes.
BALLIE ROLLING BUTLER
Unlike Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, this AI assistant from Samsung is on the move. It can navigate your home and interact with you and other smart home devices. Like a rolling butler, it can do everything from dim lights to active your Roomba. Outfitted with a camera, Ballie (and you) can keep eyes on what goes on around the house.
