You don’t have to be a techie to appreciate many of the new electronic appliances and gadgets showcased at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. While there was no shortage of the ridiculous (Alexa-operated toilet, anyone?), there were also some coming-soon appliances and gadgets that can up the average consumer’s game in almost every room of the house.
From among the offerings of the 4,400 exhibitors at this year’s show in Las Vegas, we chose a few products that have potential for Walton EMC members’ homes. Keep in mind that most of these products aren’t yet available in local stores and, because they are brand new, the price tags are often steep. Here’s a thought: If you see something you like, make a note to look for it around Christmas when deals on new tech should be abundant.
KITCHEN
WLabs Smart Countertop Oven is expected to retail for $799.
Whirlpool’s WLabs has unveiled a new countertop oven (AKA fancy toaster oven) that uses a built-in camera and object recognition to identify the food inside it and set the temperature and cooking time accordingly. The oven offers 11 different modes (bake, broil, convection bake, convection roast, toast, reheat, proof, dehydrate, air fry, slow cook and keep warm); has a built-in food thermometer to check whether your meat is done; and can update you on your cooking status via notifications. The best function: You can access the oven’s internal camera via an app, allowing you to watch your food baking in real time. Preorders being accepted now (https://wlabsinnovations.com/products/smart-oven). Shipping this spring. Price tag: $799.
KitchenAid Cook Processor Connect, which is already sold in Australia, will debut in the U.S. this year.
KitchenAid Cook Processor Connect
With an expected retail price of $1,500, KitchenAid’s multitasking appliance is for serious cooks only. This intelligent and versatile all-in-one appliance provides step-by-step recipe guidance while it boils, fries, steams, stews, kneads, weighs, chops, minces, purees, mixes, emulsifies, whips and stirs. Available in the U.S. later this year.
LAUNDRY
Samsung’s Smart Front Load Washer can recommend the best wash cycles and do a load of laundry in 30 minutes.
Samsung Smart Front Load Washer
Equipped with smart assistant Bixby, this model can recommend the best wash cycles for your load, taking into account its size, colors and amount of dirt. You can use Bixby to start and stop the cycles, schedule washing in advance, get notifications when washing is complete and monitor energy usage. The unit’s SuperSpeed setting can wash a regular load of laundry in just 30 minutes. Price tag: $1,099.
The Whirlpool Smart All-in-One Washer and Dryer fits in tight spaces.
Whirlpool Smart All-in-One Washer and Dryer
It’s not the first in its class, but with a 2.8 cubic foot capacity the Whirlpool Smart All-in-One is the largest of the machines that allow the user to complete an entire load of laundry in one appliance. The compact 24-inch width and ventless feature makes this appliance ideal for apartments and other close quarters. Price tag: $1,799.
FAMILY ROOM
Sony’s Master Series Z9G TV is the electronics manufacturer’s first 8K television for consumers.
With sizes up to 98 inches, Sony’s first consumer 8K television delivers four times the resolution of its 4K model. It can also upscale 4K content to near 8K resolution. The mountable television features powerful front-firing speakers. Expect this TV to debut in the second half of 2019 — and with a steep price tag.
The Flip 5 brings more power to JBL’s line of Flip Bluetooth speakers
The JBL Flip line has consistently been among the top performers in the exploding Bluetooth speaker category. The Flip 5, due in stores this spring, has a larger battery and more power so that it delivers a little bigger sound. It also now has USB-C charging for quicker battery charging. It is fully waterproof, has a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls and comes in multiple color options. Price tag: $100.
BATHROOM
Developed by French company FasTeesH, the Y-Brush may turn dental care on its ear.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes, but FasTeesH says you only need 10 seconds to properly clean your teeth with its Y-Brush toothbrush. Resembles a mouth guard for sports, the device cleans half your mouth at a time. Kit comes with a handle, brush, charging station, storage pod and toothpaste applicator. Currently available only at y-brush.com. Price tag: $125.
The Capstone Connected Home Smart Mirror was one of the most popular new products reviewed at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show.
Capstone Connected Home Smart Mirror
Ask Capstone’s Google-enabled mirror who is the fairest one of all, or use its voice and touchscreen capabilities to access Google Assistant, allowing you to check weather and traffic, stream YouTube, review social media feeds, and run other downloadable applications. The manufacturer says the mirror will be available to buy in the next few months. Price tag: TBA.
BEDROOM
The Lenovo Smart Clock is expected in stores soon.
Ease into your wakeup routine with this Google Assistant-powered clock that begins to gradually brighten home lights 30 minutes before your scheduled wake time. Your customized morning alarm will then automatically trigger a morning routine, telling you about today’s weather, your personal agenda and reminders, as well as displaying your commute to work. The 4-inch touch display is small enough to set by the bed as your alarm clock and not have it take up the entire nightstand. Price tag: $80.
LAWN
The Orbit B-hyve Smart Sprinkler Controller accesses local weather data to help you make lawn-watering decisions.
Orbit B-hyve Smart Sprinkler Controller
Since it was introduced in 2016, the Orbit B-hyve has gotten smarter every year. For 2019, the B-hyve adds Google Assistant to its previous Alexa capabilities. The B-hyve helps you make watering decisions based on the ecological needs of your yard and local weather data. You can program and control your sprinklers from anywhere with your smartphone. Price tag: Units start at $99.