10 Cutting-Edge Innovations from CES 2024 That Redefine Cool

After sifting through an overwhelming number of announcements from CES 2024 earlier this month, I uncovered 10 products that truly set the innovation bar high. These items stand out not only for their cool factor but also because they address intriguing problems I’ve found compelling.

I’ll wrap up with my pick for Product of the Week: an app and emergency preparedness kit from Perci that could be invaluable for managing the growing number of weather-related emergencies we face due to global climate change.

Firstly, let’s dive into the most groundbreaking products from CES 2024. I’ll skip over robots, which I discussed in detail last week.

The Game-Changing Nimo PC

It’s clear that the current generation of PCs might be reaching its limits, prompting a need to rethink personal computing in light of advancements in cloud computing, head-mounted displays, and Bluetooth technology.

The Nimo 1 Core is a PC that is the size of a mouse. It’s powered by the Qualcomm XR2 solution, specifically designed for spatial computing, and it’s compatible with both the Nimo 1 and Rokid Max glasses. The cost for this miniature computer is $399, excluding the glasses.

I’d argue that this is the first personal computer primarily intended for cloud applications, thanks to its unique operating system.

This device will be a competitor to the Apple Vision Pro, but at a fraction of the price.

With a wireless foldable keyboard and a small wireless mouse, coupled with the head-mounted display, this PC offers the potential for a mobile, virtual 50-inch display in a pocket-sized form.

PCs like this represent the future. We’re not quite there yet, but Nimo is working to turn that vision into reality.

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid

If you travel frequently like I do, you know the struggle of dragging both a laptop and a tablet along. The laptop is for work, while the tablet is for entertainment, ensuring the laptop’s battery isn’t drained mid-flight. Tablets can be used during takeoff and landing, unlike laptops.

This dual-device setup, however, necessitates that at least one device is pulled out during TSA screening, complicating the process. Ideally, you want a single device that fulfills both roles.

The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid PC fits the bill. It’s a Qualcomm-powered tablet combined with an Intel laptop, offering a modular device with strong Android performance in tablet mode and solid Intel performance in PC mode.

(Images Credit: Lenovo)

Since it’s a single device, you won’t need to pull it out at security, and you can use the tablet portion to watch content during takeoff and landing. This hybrid design could be the ultimate solution for blending the functionalities of both a tablet and a PC without compromising either.

Clicks Creator Keyboard

When smartphones were first introduced, they came with physical keyboards, which helped mitigate the issue of distracted driving since you could type by feel.

I got booted off the “Today” show during the iPhone’s launch for arguing that kids would get into accidents trying to use their iPhones while driving—something that, unfortunately, turned out to be true for adults as well, leading to new laws and numerous accidents.

By adding the Clicks creator keyboard to an iPhone, it transforms the device into something similar to a BlackBerry, making it much safer by reintroducing a physical keyboard.

The Clicks keyboard frees up to 50% more screen space for apps and content viewing by replacing the iPhone’s on-screen typing area. (Image Credit: Clicks Technology)

Besides speeding up texting significantly, this keyboard allows you to text by feel, reducing the temptation to look at your phone screen while typing.

While you still shouldn’t text and drive, if you do, you’re more likely to survive the experience than with a traditional touchscreen phone. It’s quite ironic that this points out that moving from physical keyboards to touchscreen ones may have been a mistake in the first place.

Current Dual-Zone Electric Grill

(Image Credit: Current Backyard)

If you’re anything like me, you have a propane grill and often face the inconvenience of rushing out to buy propane just when you want to BBQ. The tanks are heavy when full, can explode, and are a pain to replace in winter. However, electric grills could never match the performance of propane grills—until now.

The Current outdoor grill combines the advantages of propane grills with the convenience of being electric and incorporates smart features to enhance cooking. It also looks sleek, which is why it’s on my list of potential summer purchases. I’m eagerly anticipating retiring my propane grill. The dual-zone version with a cabinet is my favorite, and it’s slated for release in February. I’m already on the early order list to finally bid farewell to propane.

Barsys 360 Robotic Bartender

I already own two robotic bartenders, one from Black and Decker, but the Barsys 360 robotic bartender is more aesthetically pleasing and integrates better with a smartphone app.

It can hold up to three ingredients, and the app will suggest drinks based on what’s loaded. Unlike my current models, this one lacks a carbonator, but given that the robotic bartender I own with a carbonator was discontinued due to issues, this isn’t a negative.

Here’s a demonstration of the Barsys 360 from CES:

Interestingly, it features a built-in mixer, which my current robotic bartenders lack.

I’m on the waiting list for one of these, though I’m unsure if I really need a third robotic bartender. If I do get one, I might end up disposing of the other two, as this new model is vastly superior. It reminds me of a modern reinterpretation of the “Star Trek” replicator.

Skyted Voice Silencer Mask

With the right know-how, you can make and receive calls on certain planes, though this often irritates other passengers. I once received a barrage of abuse after doing a radio interview from a plane at the gate, as my voice tends to carry.

The Skyted Silent Mask lets you converse on your phone silently, preventing annoyance to those around you and keeping your conversation private. Currently available on Kickstarter for $249, its price will eventually rise to $599.

While not cheap, it offers a more attractive solution compared to others I’ve seen. It works effectively and could keep your calls quiet, reducing the chance of getting berated if you need to make a call in an inconvenient setting.

I have one on order and am hopeful it will prevent another passenger from wanting to punch me out during a plane interview. Should phone calls ever be enabled on flights, this mask could become as essential as headphones are today.

Horwin Senmenti X Electric Motorcycle

Though I no longer ride motorcycles, the Horwin Senmenti X piqued my interest. Set for release in 2025, fans of anime will instantly recognize this bike as a replica of the motorcycle from Akira.

Powered by electricity and featuring twin swing arms (similar to those on the Yamaha I used to own) along with a low center of gravity, this bike should excel in cornering and stopping, outperforming any other motorcycle, electric or otherwise. Its futuristic design is bound to attract attention at motorcycle events and on rides.

If you’re passionate about motorcycles and eager to embrace the future, Horwin offers several cutting-edge designs, but the Senmenti X is the standout. It has even rekindled my urge to rewatch Akira.

Pebble Flow Electric Car-Focused Camper Trailer

I’ve been eagerly monitoring the Pebble Flow camper trailer even before CES, and it’s nothing short of impressive:

Electric cars and trucks often face significant range reduction when towing a trailer. However:

• What if the trailer had its own power source, capable of not only moving its own weight but also recharging your vehicle through enhanced solar panels?
• What if it simplified the hitching process?
• What if it offered the same features as high-end camper trailers but at a lower cost?
• What if it was the most technologically advanced camper trailer available?

The Pebble Flow is designed specifically for electric cars, and it’s truly remarkable!

You can go off-grid for up to a week with full functionality—with power to all appliances, heating, and cooling. It has three times the electrical capacity of a Tesla Powerwall. As the world’s first dual-motor electric camper trailer, it signals a new era. I’m very tempted to buy it.

Brelyon Ultra Reality Display

(Image Credit: Brelyon)

I’m a big fan of head-mounted displays. While I use them during travel, they don’t fit my home office setup. Still, a monitor that leverages new technology to reduce its footprint is very appealing.

Currently, I use a Dell 49-inch monitor. It’s wider than my field of vision when seated up close, and moving away from it shrinks everything, negating the benefits of its size. Additionally, it completely obstructs my office window view.

The Brelyon Ultra Reality Display is meant to be closer to your face, mimicking the effect of a head-mounted display but as a monitor. It uses high resolution to simulate a massive screen without needing an actual large screen.

It provides the equivalent of a 122-inch screen in a 32-inch form factor, making it much smaller yet offering more screen real estate than my hefty 49-inch monitor. Priced at $12,000, it’s beyond my budget, but it could be perfect for traders, coders, animators, engineers, or anyone needing a large screen in a compact size.

It’s definitely on my wish list, but I’ll wait for the price to drop.

Rabbit R1

Last but not least, we have the Rabbit R1, a wearable gadget similar to a “Star Trek” communicator. Priced at $199, it offers a body camera (great for capturing YouTube moments) and an improved voice interface for smartphones. It’s currently in beta, and I think its design needs refining, as it looks more like a toy than the advanced device it is.

I anticipate products like this will become common as AI technology progresses, making advanced Siri-like features more widespread. It supports natural language processing and, while currently compatible with most smartphones, could eventually spark a design revolution akin to the iPhone.

The Rabbit R1 might represent the future of smartphones and is definitely worth a look. I just wish it resembled a gadget from “Star Trek” instead of a kid’s toy.

Wrapping Up

CES was a pricey affair for me this year as I discovered 10 products I wanted, leading me to order several. I glimpsed the future of robotics, PCs and monitors, smartphones, grilling, motorcycles, and voice communication at the event. I’m already excited for next year, anticipating even more innovative and tempting products.

Perci App and Vest Disaster Preparedness Kit

In my area, we see a lot of fires. With current weather patterns, there’s potential for flooding as well. There’s also a major fault line nearby, and we recently experienced a severe snowstorm that hampered mobility.

Given the realities of global warming, disaster preparedness is more important than ever. The Perci app and vest offer a practical solution.

Equipped with 25 essential items in easily accessible pockets, the Perci app and vest disaster preparedness kit is a comprehensive solution for any survival checklist. (Image Credit: Invicta Ready)

The app facilitates quick emergency preparedness by guiding users through creating a packing list, establishing a family meeting point, and forming a support network. It also helps secure your home, keep a detailed inventory for insurance, and compile real-time disaster alerts to ensure you don’t miss crucial updates.

You can order a vest stocked with essential emergency supplies, including medical items, hygiene products like toothpaste, and water purification tablets, ensuring you have critical resources during a disaster.

With extreme weather and other natural or human-made disasters becoming more frequent, it’s vital to be prepared to act swiftly. The Perci app and vest effectively address this need, making them my Product of the Week.