Whoever said “the future is now” is absolutely right. Fresh off the heels of the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, we’re still trying to wrap our heads around all the gadgets and gizmos galore that have us wondering when Skynet is going to take over the world. After scouring through all the offerings showcased in Vegas, here’s a round-up of the tech that has us lining up with our credit cards to get our hands on first.
Ili - Wearable Translator
If you’re traveling to a country where language is a huge barrier, then the world’s first wearable translator, Ili, might be up your alley. It’s a necklace and all you have to do is speak into it and the translator will do the job of blasting those language barriers out the window using an OS of its own, which allows it to translate words instantly. This translator currently supports English, Chinese, and Japanese and doesn’t require the use of the internet (cough Google Translate cough). It’s coming in Summer 2016, so if you’re getting ready to book a trip to China or Japan, this translator might be right up your alley!
Smart Suitcase from BlueSmart
Available in carry-on size only at the moment, the BlueSmart Smart Suitcase is the perfect travel companion. It features two USB ports for charging, and you can use an app on your phone to keep track of its whereabouts. You can also use the app to control your suitcase, such as checking the charging port battery life, making sure it’s locked (but the lock is TSA-approved for US travelers), and it has a built-in scale so you always know how much it weighs. Sign me up!
Zagg's Mobile Charging Station for iPhone and Apple Watcyh
Designed to be an at-home or an on-the-go solution (perfect for travelers), the Mobile Charging Station from Zagg (known for their durable screen protectors) can tackle both the charging of Apple Watch and iPhone at the same time. The device has a built-in 5,000mAh battery inside, so it can charge your devices without needing to be connected to a power source.
Fitbit Blaze
If you’re on a fitness kick, take it up a notch with the sleek new FitBit Blaze. Designed to look more like an Apple watch but keeping all your fitness features intact, FitBit has launched a new and sexy-looking fitness tracker that will make your other FitBits jealous. How many steps do you think you’ll log hiking up Machu Picchu, roaming the Great Wall of China, or across the cobblestone steps of London? Now you’ll know!
Polaroid Snap+
With the rise of Instagram, our digital snaps become filtered sensations, but for those of you that want a throwback to the retro era of Polaroid pictures, the instagram print camera game is changing with the new Polaroid Snap+. There’s a 3.5 inch touchscreen LCD (something you won’t find on your old school Polaroid cameras), a 13 megapixel CMOS sensor for high quality snaps, and remote connectivity through Bluetooth to the Polaroid print app.
Ultra-High Definition TVs and Blu-Ray Players!
Oooo pretty colors. You’ve seen the words 4K peppered all over YouTube (hint – you can even watch our Contiki Legends video by Devin Supertramp in 4K). So it is no wonder that the bigwigs over at Samsung, Sony, LG, and other brands have taken the ultra high def or 4K route, launching a bevy of televisions that will make you forget you’re sitting on your couch at home. From Sony’s XD93 coming in at 55 and 65-inch screens, to Samsung’s KS9500 SUHD, which tops out at 88-inches and is curved in a big to reduce complaints of screen glare from the brightness.
TrackR bravo
If you’re anything like me, I can be absent-minded every once in a while and forget where I leave some of my belongings. With the TrackR Bravo, called the world’s thinnest Bluetooth tracker, you will no longer be flipping your house upside down in search of your misplaced items. TrackR will locate your keys, your wallet, your phone – whatever it is that you can’t find in seconds.
See how it works in the video below!