Unveiling Innovation: USA TODAY’s 50 Must-See Highlights from CES 2025

What occurs in Vegas does not remain in Vegas − particularly regarding technology.

In fact, attending the annual tech expo CES 2025 in Las Vegas was unnecessary to learn about the most exciting gadgets and tools emerging this year. You hold a summary right here in your hands.

From wireless wearables and voice-activated smart home devices to massive TVs and handheld projectors, as well as autonomous vehicles and passenger drones, over 140,000 participants explored nearly 2.5 million square feet of exhibition space to experiment with future technology today.

As anticipated, artificial intelligence (AI) was one of the dominant topics this year.

For our USA TODAY awards section, we aimed to identify remarkable products across various categories. Many of our selections were influenced by hands-on demonstrations, even if they were in prototype stages. In other cases, we weren’t able to experience them (such as a flying car or a multifunctional yard robot), but conceptually, they displayed exceptional innovation, distinctiveness, and something we could envision utilizing in the future.

The following is a glance at USA TODAY’s 50 top selections from the CES 2025.

Home theatre

LG SIGNATURE OLED T

While we had a preview of this television last year, LG Electronics officially presented its 77-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED T − claimed to be the world’s first transparent and genuinely wireless 4K OLED TV – and announced a shipping date set for December 2024. When inactive, the TV merges with your room’s decor, but when active, you can select between it being opaque (like your current TV) or showcasing animated visuals, such as fish swimming in a virtual aquarium. Due to its wireless setup, components (like a cable box or gaming console) can be linked to the “Zero Connect Box” situated elsewhere in the room.

Additional from CES: The LG StanbyMe 2 is the essential smart TV from CES 2025

Samsung Neo QLED 8K TV

While Samsung’s “stretchable” TV concept astounded audiences at CES, it’s unlikely to come to fruition. Instead, both the Samsung QN990F and QN900F are “ultra-premium” 8K televisions (7680 × 4320 pixels) featuring the complete “Vision AI” family of capabilities from Samsung, including intelligent upscaling – which enhances content displayed in HD or 4K to deliver near 8K quality visuals. Perfect for nighttime or dim environments, these Neo QLED TVs also support Samsung’s Wireless One Connect Box, enabling the transmission of up to 8K resolution (up to 120Hz refresh rate) and audio, wirelessly up to 33 feet away — even when faced with obstructions. Other functionalities feature Wi-Fi 7 for lightning-fast Tizen OS-powered Smart TV access, and compatibility with the Samsung Art Store, transforming your TV into a gallery-like ambiance in your home when not screening shows, movies, or sporting events (now including artworks from The MoMA, Musée d’Orsay, The Met, and beyond).

The Valerion VisionMaster Max

After raising nearly $11 million on Kickstarter – making it the top-funded project of 2024 – startup Valerion launched its flagship projector, VisionMaster Max, at CES 2025. Providing a cinematic experience through advanced RGB laser technology and precision-engineered lens systems, this much-talked-about 4K projector offers a vivid 3,000 ISO lumens image, a high 15,000:1 contrast ratio (for deep blacks), and supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and IMAX-enhanced certification. Dubbed a “Home theatre in a box,” VisionMaster Max can produce images up to 300 inches!

Aurzen ZIP

If you’re in search of a portable projector, ZIP from Aurzen stands as the world’s first tri-fold portable projector. When collapsed, it resembles a clamshell “flip phone” that’s about an inch tall, but once the Z-shaped device is opened and set on a surface, it projects a 720p high-definition and autofocused image onto a wall or ceiling, with 100 lumens brightness, facilitated by its dual-hinge gimbal providing 180-degree flexibility. Be it presentations in a conference room or movies in your bedroom, you can present content from your phone (without requiring Wi-Fi) or utilize the wireless HDMI dongle that connects to a content source. Touch controls on the top allow you to activate and adjust the picture.

Integrated stereo loudspeakers can replicate surround audio. Battery duration exceeds 1.5 hours between recharges.

Laptop & computing

ASUS Zenbook A14

The ASUS Zenbook A14 has numerous features to appreciate, beginning with its astonishingly lengthy battery lifespan of up to 32 hours between recharges. Yes, you read that correctly. It is also claimed to be the most lightweight 14-inch Copilot+ PC laptop globally, weighing in at below 900 grams, owing partly to its “Ceraluminum” construction—which merges ceramics with aerospace-grade aluminum—that is 30% lighter and thrice as resilient as standard anodized aluminum. A “phone link” capability permits users to handle calls, notifications, and file transfers directly from the laptop. Priced from $899, the Zenbook A14 is set to launch in February.

HP OmniStudio X

Tailored for stationary content creators, HP’s inaugural next-gen AI all-in-one PC encompasses a range of tools to support creative specialists—thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 200V series processor, which boasts up to 47 TOPS NPU (neuroprocessing unit) that is projected to enhance response times by as much as 244% during photo and video editing. Additionally, HP AI Companion employs generative AI to assist users, while the 5-megapixel infrared camera, paired with adaptive audio, enhances virtual meetings.

Acer Aspire Vero 16

Do you care about the environment and require a laptop this spring? Launching in April, the Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-71P) exemplifies Acer’s pledge to carbon neutrality. It boasts a casing constructed with over 70% post-consumer recycled plastics and bio-based oyster shells—yes, components made from oysters!—and its durability adheres to MIL-STD-810H certification. A CES 2025 Innovation Award Honoree, this “green but mean” 16-inch laptop is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2), up to 32GB of RAM, and as much as 2 terabytes of storage.

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable

Alright, while it’s merely a concept demonstrating potential, Lenovo unveiled its ambitious ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable PC, a dual-display laptop that extends the screen upward instead of folding it (or merging two screens, as other manufacturers have done). Numerous uses spring to mind for being able to extend a display a few inches with just the touch of a button, whether for productivity, creativity, or entertainment.

Phones & tablets

OnePlus 13

Although CES doesn’t rival Mobile World Congress (MWC) in March as a phone exhibition, OnePlus introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 13, driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the Android-based OxygenOS 15 platform (enhanced by AI), and a revamped camera arrangement. (In fact, the cameras are quite impressive.) One of the colors, Midnight Ocean, is the first smartphone to showcase micro-fiber vegan leather, providing a more opulent feel, while the Arctic Dawn variant presents the first-ever surface-based glass coating. Moreover, OnePlus 13 is the pioneer phone featuring both the IP68 and IP69 ratings for additional water and dust protection.

Garmin inReach Messenger Plus

While the newest iPhone and Samsung smartphones allow satellite connectivity for when you are off the grid, it’s solely for emergency use, and there are constraints on messaging contacts or emergency services. Awarded a “2025 Best of Innovation in Mobile Devices, Accessories & Apps,” Garmin’s inReach Messenger Plus satellite communicator is a compact gadget that wirelessly connects to your smartphone, enabling group chats, sharing images or voice notes with friends and family (such as capturing the scenery from a secluded cabin in the woods). It operates alongside the Garmin Messenger companion app for smartphones. The battery lasts for weeks and can charge a phone as well.

TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus

iPads excel indoors. However, if you plan to peruse an ebook by the pool or view a midday film on a backyard patio, observing the display becomes nearly impossible. In contrast, TCL unveiled its next-gen NXTPAPER 11 Plus tablet, an ultra-slim 11.5-inch Android device boasting TCL’s NXTPAPER 4.0 display, featuring an anti-glare matte screen that delivers outstanding colors, brightness, and detail in any setting. By simply pressing a button along the tablet’s edge, the NXTPAPER 11 Plus transitions into a greyscale e-ink mode perfect for reading ebooks. Fantastic. Anticipated for release in the “first half of 2025,” this gadget will also support Google’s “Circle to Search” tool for rapid info retrieval, while the “Smart Voice Memo function” can transcribe and summarize recordings.

Smart home & home tech

Govee Gaming Pixel Light

This is akin to Lite-Brite for the 21^st century. The Govee Gaming Pixel Light serves as a panel that exhibits pixel art, including integrated video game-themed content – and it’s the inaugural model that supports “text-to-light” AI-generated lighting effects, permitting you to type your desired input in the Govee app, which will manifest on the panel. You can upload animated gifs or images, or, for a more nostalgic vibe, it also functions as a speaker that plays 8-bit tunes accompanying your pixel art. Perfect for wall mounting or tabletop display, you can also opt to show useful information like time, real-time weather updates, sports schedules, or stock quotes.

TP-Link Tapo DL110

In spite of its sleek appearance, there’s a wealth of functionality within the TP-Link Tapo DL100 Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock, offering six unlocking methods: fingerprint, keypad, Tapo app on a smartphone, Bluetooth, Smart Assistant, or via the included backup keys. The associated app also allows you to monitor the weatherproof lock remotely, oversee entry logs, and generate temporary access codes for visitors needing entry to your residence, such as a babysitter, cleaner, dog walker, or technician.

eufy Robot Vacuum 3-in-1

The “eufy” brand may be most recognized for its security cameras, but its adaptable vacuum received notable acclaim at CES. Winner of a 2025 “Best of Innovation” award, the aptly named eufy Robot Vacuum 3-in-1 (model no. E20) stands out as the world’s first detachable combination robot vacuum, allowing it to independently clean your residence or transform into a cordless stick vacuum or handheld model for when you wish to take charge. Additional features comprise a five-stage filtration system, a spacious dust compartment, and an auto-empty station capable of holding dirt, dust, and pet hair for up to 75 days before requiring disposal.

Roborock Saros Z70

While there were several remarkable robotic vacuums showcased at CES 2025 – including Narwal’s Freo Z Ultra that adeptly navigates around obstacles (even charging wires or shoelaces as slender as 5 millimeters) – it’s hard not to be astounded by the primary robotic vacuum and mop hybrid featuring a retractable arm that extends from the top as needed. Should the Saros Z70’s AI-powered camera recognize an obstruction in its route, like a stray sock or tissue left on the floor, it can literally extend a small robotic arm, pick it up, and transport it to its designated location (such as a hamper for the sock or a waste basket for the tissue). Incredible.

Kirin Electric Salt Spoon

Odd, indeed. A tad large? Certainly. But does it function? Absolutely. Rather than eating bland food due to low sodium content, reporters at CES experimented with Kirin’s “smart spoon,” which transmits an electric current through the utensil to the tongue, thereby deceiving your taste receptors into sensing your food as saltier than it truly is. The spoon’s handle contains the device’s power source and controls, offering four distinct saltiness settings. The concept revolves around consuming salt for a healthier lifestyle, but don’t anticipate this Japanese creation to launch in the U.S. anytime soon.

Cameras (indoor/outdoor) & doorbells

Reolink Duo 3 

Numerous camera systems were showcased at CES, with the Reolink Duo 3 standing out as the first 16-megapixel dual-lens PoE (Power over Ethernet) security camera. In addition, there’s the Duo 3 Wi-Fi, offering a dual-band (Wi-Fi 6) wireless connection. Recipient of an IDA Design Award “Honorable Mention,” these cameras feature an extensive 180-degree field of view, motion detection (with time stamp), night vision, two-way audio, and up to 512GB of storage. Reolink also introduced the Argus 4 Pro, a 4K 180-degree color night vision battery camera, along with the Altas PT Ultra, a 4K continuous recording battery camera. 

Ring + Kidde 

Prominent home fire safety brand Kidde has partnered with one of the largest home security camera companies, Ring, to unveil a 2025 collection of Smart Smoke and Combination Alarms (Smoke + CO). Essentially, the Kidde detectors/alarms will incorporate Ring technology, allowing users to receive instant smoke and CO alerts via the Ring app and subscribe to professional monitoring and emergency dispatch services through a new Ring 24/7 Smoke & CO Monitoring subscription (approximately $5 per month). These innovative, joint solutions were highlighted at CES 2025. 

Robots

XoMotion 

Promoted as the globe’s most sophisticated wearable robotic exoskeleton, XoMotion from Vancouver, Canada’s Human In Motion Robotics Inc. is designed to support patients with mobility limitations stemming from spinal cord injuries, strokes, and other neurological ailments. This lower-limb medical apparatus assists with standing and ambulation through self-balancing and hands-free capabilities, and can be employed in rehabilitation centers and hospitals to reduce the cognitive burden and physical stress on therapists. XoMotion recently attained Health Canada approval for sales in Canada and is presently undergoing clinical trials for FDA approval in the United States. 

Yarbo 

As showcased at ShowStopers at CES 2025, Yarbo was conceived as the first multi-functional yard robot, capable of autonomously managing over 20 diverse duties, encompassing lawn mowing, snow removal, leaf blowing, tree and bush trimming, liquid spraying, and more. Alongside the main ‘bot, you’ll select add-ons tailored to the specific task requiring assistance. The all-year modular device boasts patented precise positioning and navigation, intelligent obstacle avoidance, a wireless charging platform, route planning technology, and compatibility with app and remote control. Yarbo can also be programmed in several modes such as Patrol, Tow, Follow Me, and more. 

Fashion tech

Chamelo by Aura 

Unveiling at CES 2025, the world’s first color-adaptable eyeglasses made their appearance with Aura’s cleverly-named Chamelo (as in “chameleon”) Prismatic Collection. Equipped with patented color-shifting lenses, users merely tap the temple arm to transition between “vibrant hues” – such as blue, purple, red or gray – reflecting their outfit or mood. Camelo is recognized as a 2025 Honoree in Fashion Tech. 

Audio

JBL Tour ONE M3 

In addition to compatibility with Hi-Res Bluetooth, Lossless Audio, and True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 technology (utilizing eight microphones), JBL’s latest over-ear headphonesare the pioneers to feature JBL SMART Tx, a compact wireless audio transmitter enabling individuals to listen to audio from nearly any USB-C or analog audio source, such as inflight entertainment systems, PCs, tablets, or televisions. This encompasses comprehensive control over the wireless audio, including call management, EQ configurations, and integration of “Auracast,” a Bluetooth function that facilitates audio broadcasting from a single device to multiple others without the requirement of pairing. The JBL Tour ONE M3 is set to be released in April.

Watches & Wearables

Apollon by Sky Labs

Recognized as an “Honoree” in the Artificial Intelligence section at the CES 2025 Innovation Awards, Sky Labs’ Apollon (project name) is a wearable smart ring and wrist-attached silicone module created by the decade-old South Korean healthcare startup. Together, these gadgets are intended to thoroughly track crucial health metrics, such as SpO₂ (arterial blood oxygen saturation), abnormal pulse, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and skin temperature. Sky Labs claims this solution was conceptualized with hospitalized patients in consideration since Apollon offers extensive health data monitoring and analytics. Additionally, Sky Labs’ CART BP pro is a ring-type device for monitoring ambulatory blood pressure.

Smart “Pins”

Luci, I’m back home! In fact, Luci will recognize if you’re home, referring to the wearable “temporal computer platform” developed by Toronto’s OpenInterX Inc. This 2025 Honoree in Artificial Intelligence is a two-component and “privacy-first” setup, powered by Life OS, aimed at capturing and sharing your experiences from your unique viewpoint. This is executed through the Luci Pin, a wearable eye boasting up to 4 hours of continuous video (thanks to its ultrawide lens and dual microphones — featuring a privacy switch – alongside the Luci Hub, a mobile processing center that contains the AI’s “brain.” Perhaps it will meet expectations unlike last year’s Rabbit R1 wearable AI?

Even AI Smart Glasses

No matter how functional “smart glasses” might be, they won’t be worn unless they possess an appealing look. This is what Even Realities aimed to achieve with its Even G1, a pair of smart glasses that blend a chic design with practical augmented reality capabilities. Each lens is a mix of an optical lens and a display lens, fused together with an eco-friendly adhesive, allowing you to perform tasks such as: translate conversations into your native language instantaneously; receive navigation instructions to a chosen location; display words as a teleprompter; view hands-free notifications from your smartphone; and engage with an AI virtual assistant. Also noteworthy are Gygeslabs’ Halliday Smart Glasses, which garnered attention at CES.

Smart Home Devices

Hisense FreshVault French Door Refrigerator

With the industry’s inaugural vacuum-sealed drawer, the Hisense FreshVault French Door Refrigerator features a low-oxygen environment that preserves meat freshness for up to five days, cutting costs and minimizing waste, while the antibacterial liners are claimed to maintain a bacteria-free refrigerator at 99.999%, providing further reassurance. The VersaTemp+ middle drawer offers adjustable temperature control via its triple-layer vacuum glass door equipped with anti-UV and Low-E (“low emissivity”) coating. Visually, a black stainless-steel finish and flush door design create a contemporary look, along with conveniences such as a tall ice and water dispenser to accommodate trendy tumblers like Stanley-branded “Quencher” cups.

Kara Pod

Although air-to-water machines (also known as atmospheric water generators) have existed for a while – converting water vapor from the air into potable water – Kara Pod stands out as the most affordable home unit at $299 and is also the world’s first countertop device capable of brewing coffee! In other words, it’s a self-refilling coffee maker. As indicated by its name, Kara Pod operates with pod-based coffee, utilizing fully compostable coffee pods made from plant fibers. Kara Water claims it can yield up to 3.2 liters of drinking water each day, sufficient for 18 cups of coffee or seven bottles of water. Acknowledged as a CES Innovation Awards 2025 Honoree, Kara Pod is “coming soon” in colors including black, white, and beige.

CRAFT GEN 3 Pro+

With an aim to liberate beer enthusiasts from “dull brew,” Exobrew’s CRAFT Gen 3, a CES 2025 Honoree in Home Appliances, is an app- or website-controlled device that allows you to craft

1.6 gallons in 3 to 30 days – even if you’re a novice brewer. Delivering professional-grade drinks, Exobrew’s single vessel, featuring reverse heater/cooler innovation, can produce a diverse array of beer styles using fresh all-grain ingredients, whether you desire Lagers, IPAs, Weizens (wheat beer), or Stouts, in addition to ciders and kombucha. Follow along with pre-designed recipes or unleash your imagination by “drafting” your own. 

LG Indoor Garden 

Don’t let its traditional floor-standing lamp appearance deceive you: LG’s newest indoor gardening device (no specific name available yet) is loaded with contemporary functionalities. Enabling individuals to cultivate fresh home-grown greens and other flora, herbs, blossoms, and fruits, it features a height-variable and downward-facing LED light to encourage growth, along with a 1.5-gallon capacity tank that automatically dispenses water (and/or seeds) according to the number and type of plants being cultivated. It also supports the ThinQ app, allowing you to manage cultivation schedules, modify lighting settings, and oversee plant growth from virtually any location. Despite its capability of accommodating 20 plants and four seed kits, this apartment-friendly device can be positioned almost anywhere. 

Power/Energy Solutions

Samsung Air-to-Water Heat Pump 

Although Samsung has been marketing heat pumps in the European sector since 2009, the company is expanding into North America for the first time with the launch of its initial air-to-water heat pump range − the EHS Mono R32 HT Quiet and the new Slim Fit EHS ClimateHub units – both equipped with AI Home, featuring a 7-inch LCD display on the product to monitor and enhance performance. A compact design of the units allows for installation in various areas of the home, and despite a reduced size, it houses components like magnetic filters, three-way valves, and an expansion vessel for space heating. Optional, but once these units are integrated into Samsung’s SmartThings Energy platform, an AI Energy Mode can lead to reduced energy consumption by as much as 17 percent, according to Samsung. 

Backup by BioLite 

Slated for May 2025, Backup By BioLite has been designed to provide a cost-effective and straightforward home back-up solution during power outages. You can keep your appliances and devices operational during a blackout, which activates automatically when required, supplying up to 60 hours of power. The company, BioLite, claims its Backup solution can be set up in as little as 30 minutes in nearly any room: Simply plug Backup into a standard wall outlet, and connect your essential devices to Backup. No need for rewiring or electricians. At just 2.8 inches deep, it can be concealed behind a fridge, beneath a bed, or stored in a cabinet. The Backup app sends notifications about outages and can schedule usage to help reduce expenses on your monthly utility bill. 

BLUETTI SwapSolar Ecosystem MultiCooler 

Whether utilized during camping excursions or while RVing, or in natural catastrophes at home when power outages occur, this 2025 Honoree in Sustainability & Energy/Power is the world’s first LFP (lithium iron phosphate battery)-driven multi-cooler on wheels, featuring four charging options, a supporting app, and an integrated ice maker. In addition to three days of power, removable battery packs and solar charging enable even longer operation, if necessary. It offers up to 1,800 watts of consistent output and 2,700 watts of lifting power (thanks to its twin batteries), allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously with its numerous USB-A, USB-C, and AC ports. 

Photo & Video

GoPro HERO13 Black 

Now available for purchase and receiving favorable reviews, the new GoPro HERO13 represents a major enhancement to its action camera range. Even though it shares the same processor and sensor as the HERO12, advanced features include a new interchangeable lens system (accommodating ultrawide, macro, and anamorphic) that gets automatically recognized when attached; four neutral density filters (4, 8, 16, and 32); enhanced battery life; superior high-dynamic range (HDR) performance; a magnetic mounting apparatus; and optional USB-C passthrough.  

HOVERAir X1 by Zero Zero Robotics 

Established by two Stanford PhDs, Zero Zero Robotics introduced its HOVERAir series of autonomous flying cameras at CES, which includes the pocket-sized HOVERAir X1, the action-oriented HOVERAir X1 PRO, and the professional-grade HOVERAir X1 PROMAX. Revealed at CES, the X1 weighs a mere 125 grams and enables owners to capture aerial images without the need for a controller or app, thanks to five pre-set flight paths, including Hover, Follow, Zoom Out, Orbit, and Bird’s Eye. Video resolution reaches up to 2.7K, while the PRO and PROMAX models, unveiled last summer, provide 4K/60fps (frames per second) video and 8K/30fps video (with 4K/120fps slow-motion capabilities), respectively. 

Gaming

ROG Flow Z13 Gaming Tablet 

Combining portability with performance, the 2025 ROG Flow Z13 is a multifunctional 13-inch gaming tablet on a stand you can elevate, connect to a Bluetooth controller, and play on your airplane tray, in a dorm room, or nearly anywhere. The 2.5K ROG Nebula 180Hz touchscreen features Pantone validation for 100% DCI P3 color reproduction, a robust CNC aluminum unibody framework, and a 70-watt-hour battery that lasts up to 10 hours. It’s regarded as a “2-in-1” tablet since it allows the addition of a laptop-style keyboard for when tasks need to be accomplished.

MSi Claw 8 AI+

Handheld PCs have emerged as a growing and favored category for mobile gamers, and CES showcased a couple worth mentioning. Alongside Lenovo’s Legion Go S that operates on Valve’s SteamOS platform, we were particularly impressed by the MSi Claw 8 AI+, which features Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 258V and 2nd Gen ARC graphics. This powerful and efficient processor grants the latest Claw device a more expansive 8-inch display, a durable 82-watt-hour battery (offering over four hours of playtime on the most demanding games), along with console-like controls on either side of the screen.

EmoTense Real-Time Haptic Response XR Suit

iPOP Co. from South Korea – a firm with more than 30 patents in motion capture and haptic (vibration) feedback technologies – selected CES to unveil its wearable EmoTense XR Suit, enhancing the realism of mixed reality experiences. Equipped with a two-layer haptic module that merges vibrations and electrical muscle stimulation, it provides a physical layer to a digital experience, allowing the user to feel what transpires within their headset. In a game scenario, for instance, if a character is shot in a sci-fi military game, they will perceive the impact on a designated area of their body.

Age-tech/accessibility

ELEHEAR Beyond Pro

Having already found success with its over-the-counter and reasonably priced ELEHEAR Beyond hearing aids, the company is inviting CES attendees to experience its next-generation AI-enhanced hearing aids, termed ELEHEAR Beyond Pro, coming later in 2025. In addition to its “several enhancements” for improved sound clarity and added convenience features, Beyond Pro will introduce a new Champagne color option, proprietary VOCCLEAR technology, and 20 customizable masking sounds. The hearing aids will also provide real-time AI-powered translation supporting live translations in various languages. ELEHEAR claims the app will be user-friendly and customizable, allowing iPhone or Android users to enjoy music and calls, alongside personalized compensation adjustments and volume controls.

GrandPad

Although it launched in 2024, GrandPad was at CES to present the latest updates of its specially crafted tablet for senior Americans aged 75 and older. User-friendly, this 8-inch tablet features large app “buttons,” vibrant colors, and a GrandPad app for the caregiver (like a family member) who can add photos, expand the game selection, and more. GrandPad is ready to use out of the box and lies against a charging dock for recharging while simultaneously supporting hands-free video calls. A new “Grandie” AI function acts as a personal companion.

Field Labs Compass Wearable

Now available at $99 (down from $169) as a special introductory price, Compass Wearable is a compact and lightweight device worn around the neck that, when coupled with a companion app, automatically converts audible discussions into text for later reading – eliminating the need to remember to hit record. AI then condenses conversations, generates reminders and lists, and may suggest follow-up inquiries regarding the recorded notes. While busy professionals may find this clever tool useful, it could be particularly beneficial for individuals with memory difficulties, such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as discussions are recorded and transcribed. The battery lasts a day between charges. The price includes 10 hours monthly of the Compass X subscription service, while an unlimited subscription is offered at $14 per month (billed annually).

Health & fitness

Abbott Labs Lingo

From Abbott − a global frontrunner in diabetes care and the innovators behind the wearable Freestyle Libre biosensor that tracks glucose levels – presents the Abbott Lingo. Placed on the back of the arm for a duration of up to 14 days, it continuously monitors glucose levels in interstitial fluid; the biosensor subsequently relays information to a smartphone app in real time (initially for iPhone users), offering personalized insights and guidance – aiding you in understanding your metabolism and adopting new dietary habits, potentially leading to improved health. Lingo is priced at $49 for a single 14-day sensor, $89 for two sensors with a four-week plan, or $249 for six sensors with a 12-week plan, and is tailored for individuals aged 18 and older who are not using insulin.

Point Biotech

Point Biotech states that the occurrence of malignant lymphoma in dogs can be up to five times greaterof accidents. Unlike traditional dash cams, it features infinite recording capabilities, allowing it to preserve footage as needed. Its advanced AI can recognize critical events and highlight them for easier access later. Moreover, it includes a built-in GPS and can connect to a smartphone app for viewing and sharing footage seamlessly.

Garmin Dash Cam Live

The Garmin Dash Cam Live is a cutting-edge device that brings live-streaming capabilities to the world of dash cams. This product records in crisp 1440p resolution while also providing users with the ability to stream footage directly to their smartphones. In addition to its recording capabilities, it can automatically upload clips to the cloud, ensuring that crucial moments are never lost. The voice control feature lets drivers operate the camera hands-free, enhancing safety on the road.

Wearable Technology

Fitbit Inspire 3

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is the latest iteration in the popular fitness tracker line, boasting a more elegant design, improved battery longevity, and upgraded tracking features. With its ability to monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, and daily activity levels, this device aims to support users in achieving their wellness objectives. It also incorporates a stress management feature that provides insights into users’ mental well-being, making it a holistic health device.

Smart Home Devices

Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen

Amazon’s Echo Dot 5th Gen redefines the smart home experience with enhanced audio quality and advanced voice recognition. This compact speaker integrates seamlessly with existing smart home technologies, allowing users to control various devices using just their voice. Additionally, it features a built-in clock and temperature display, making it a versatile addition to any room in the house. With access to thousands of Alexa skills, users can customize their interactions and manage daily tasks efficiently.

Smart Thermostat Pro

The Smart Thermostat Pro provides an energy-efficient heating and cooling solution, tailored to modern lifestyles. With its intuitive touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity, users can adjust their home’s temperature remotely through a smartphone app. It also learns user preferences over time, optimizing settings for comfort and energy savings. As a result, homeowners can significantly reduce their utility bills while enjoying a cozy living environment.

of an accident or occurrence. Alongside its proprietary Image Signal Processing (ISP) innovation owned by Vueroid’s parent entity, NC& (the largest dashcam manufacturer in South Korea), the VUEROID Hub application employs AI-enhanced deep learning techniques to improve fuzzy video with just a few simple taps. Additional attributes comprise custom-designed hybrid lenses, advanced SONY STARVIS sensors, enhanced night vision capabilities, GPS for accurate location tracking, Wi-Fi for swift file transfers, and a parking monitoring function. 

Parental technology

UniWhale AI Baby Companion 

Awarded the CES 2025 Innovation Awards in the Digital Health sector, the UniWhale AI Baby Companion from SiriuXense is a wearable device for infants (and a companion gadget that remains in the nursery) that merges physiological detection with state-of-the-art bio-acoustic technology to deliver real-time tracking of vital signs and predictive safety notifications for caregivers. For instance, with its sound- and bio-sensors, it can identify spit-up problems, foreign objects obstructing the airway, heart rate and breathing, and body orientation (whether on back, stomach, or moving), among other functionalities. It also offers personalized AI-composed lullabies and calming sounds for infants. 

Technology specialist Marc Saltzman contributes to over 20 publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, Reader’s Digest, Yahoo/AOL, Costco Connection, and AARP. He is also the author of several books including “Apple Vision Pro For Dummies,” and the host of TV, radio, and the “Tech It Out” podcast, in addition to being a public speaker. Marc’s expertise lies in consumer electronics, interactive entertainment, smart home technologies, automotive advancements, and future developments. Follow him on Instagram: @marcsaltzman