CES 2021: the top tech trends and new products

Tech fans worldwide can get a first look at a glut of hi-tech new products this week as the first ever virtual CES convention kicks off.

Or as SlashGear puts it, the annual trade expo is “switching out of its prominent home in Las Vegas right into your living room”, with around 2,000 exhibitors set to unveil their latest creations.

From pandemic-related health gear to robot vacuum cleaners, here are some of the key trends and devices to watch out for at CES 2021.

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1. Health tech, wearables and smart masks

Pandemic solutions

Companies are jumping on the “pandemic bandwagon” to launch a host of products designed to “help people cope with Covid-19 fears”, says CNet.

MassDevice reports that the expo will feature 419 digital health and 219 wearable devices, including portable air purifiers, hands-free body temperature thermometers and EEG brain mapping devices.

With face masks also now a part of everyday life, AirPop is launching a face covering that is supported by a mobile app. The San Francisco company’s AirPop Active+ Smart Mask brings “Fitbit-style health tracking to your face, but instead of being all about steps and calories, it’s about your breathing and air quality”, Digital Trends reports.

2. ‘Impressive’ MicroLED TVs and ‘magic’ remotes

Televisions

Tech firms are “tapping on the changing needs of home entertainment” by launching a fresh wave of state-of-the-art televisions, says SlashGear.

The range of new entrants to the booming market include MicroLED, 8K TVs, gaming friendly TVs and NextGen TV.

Samsung has been “showing off” massive Micro LED displays at CES for the last few years, says Business Insider, but “the impressive technology has yet to hit the consumer market” - until now. According to the news site, the company will release 110in, 99in, and 88in Micro LED 4K TVs before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, rival LG has announced the introduction of webOS 6.0 for its 2021 OLED, QNED Mini LED, NanoCell and UHD smart TVs. The latest version of the company’s TV platform will be paired with the new “Magic Remote”, which features speech recognition technology.

3. Bespoke designs and extra-hygienic water dispensers

Refrigerators

Televisions are not the only home appliance being showcased at CES 2021. The trusty refrigerator gets its place in the spotlight thanks to the growing desire among consumers to improve their kitchens as dining out remains off the menu.

Samsung has announced a range of Bespoke refrigerators that “embrace the custom aesthetic trend”, with the option to “mix and match colours, materials and finishes for each of the four doors”, CNet reports. The range hits the US market this year.

Meanwhile, LG has unveiled a new line-up of InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerators, which sanitise with UV light and feature an extra-hygienic water dispenser, says Reviewed.

4. Robot cleaners and smart bathrooms

Home improvements

With millions of people living and working or learning within the same four walls, “smart home” trends and products are a major theme at CES 2021.

This year’s big innovations include “disinfectant gadgets” and “robots that help you cook dinner”, CNN reports. Dreame Technology has created a robot vacuum cleaner, while LG’s cordless vacuum automatically empties itself when docked.

Bathrooms are also getting smarter, with Kohler ishowcasing a voice-activated smart stillness bath that “combines light, fog and aromatherapy to create a spa-like experience at home” and “costs more than a used car”, CNet says. Kohler’s line-up for CES also includes a showerhead with built-in smart speaker, an intelligent toilet, and a touchless faucet.