An explosion of devices sported tiny video cameras connected to smartphones while other gadgets were recording in a continuous loop — just in case something happened. And it seems everyone wants to make friends with Amazon’s Alexa or a similar interactive device.
We can’t claim to have viewed all — or even half of the products — but here are a few that tickled our imagination and might eventually get us to open our wallets.
- Who’s at the door? The Blink Video Doorbell is a battery-powered doorbell and video security camera that lets you see, record or speak with anyone at your door. The system is $129 and will be available for purchase soon.
Polaroid OneStep 22. Click, whir. Have digital photos left you longing for something more … tangible? The retro-cool Polaroid OneStep 2 lets you shoot — and hold — a photo. This camera fits right in with the growing popularity of Polaroids as an art form: It can use a variety of films for different effects. The OneStep 2 is $99.
- Cheaper than a face-lift. The HiMirror Mini analyzes your wrinkles, dark circles and pores and gives you a score. It makes health and beauty recommendations and stores the data so you can make changes and see improvements. And, of course, it’s Amazon Alexa-enabled. It will sell for about $249 this summer; other HiMirrors are already available.
» MORE: What to buy (and skip) in January
- Smart glasses (again). They’re back, and now they’re better and a whole lot better-looking, too. Vuzix Blade Smart Sunglasses promise to augment reality by providing hands-free mobile computing and connectivity. The wearer can “reach out and manipulate virtual 3-D objects overlaid in the real world,” according to the manufacturer. At about $1,000, these specs will be available midyear.
Samsung Family Hub refrigerator5. What’s for dinner? Samsung Electronics’ Family Hub Refrigerator offers “connected living” and is both a storage and communication device. With a built-in screen on its door, family members can leave messages, see what’s in the fridge while at the store, adjust the thermostat or even check on a sleeping baby in the next room. It will be for sale in the spring; pricing wasn’t available.
Pedal and work. Stationary exercise bikes have been around for a while, but the futuristically stylish Deskcise Pro actually looks like something you wouldn’t mind keeping in your office. Plus, the $499 price makes it comparable with a standing desk at home; it’s available at Amazon.com.
A watch for every sport. Can’t get enough data? Try a new Casio Pro Trek Smart Outdoor Watch customizable to your passion. It’s suitable for kayaking, cycling, hiking and even fishing — it records your favorite fishing spots, monitors the tides and confirms your catches. Other watches connect to a camera worn, for example, on your helmet as you ski. Available now for $500.