STANDOUTS FROM THE FIRST ALLDIGITAL CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, FROM PRACTICAL NECESSITIES TO FUTURISTIC CONCEPTS INCLUDING A ROBOT BUTLER THAT CAN POUR A GLASS OF WINE

BY AMANDA MCCOY

Ampere Shower Power
Waterproof Bluetooth speakers aren’t anything new, but this variant by Ampere generates its energy from the shower itself. Made from 100% recycled ocean plastics, the hydro-powered speaker has an internal 2600 mAh battery that can store up to 20 hours of playtime, so you can keep singing even once you turn off the water. There’s also a color-changing LED version, effectively transforming your bathroom into a Coldplay concert. $99.95, kickstarter.com

Razer Project Haze
Touted as the most intelligent face mask on the planet, this prototype from Razer promises next-level protection and supreme comfort by focusing on five key areas of design: safe, social, comfortable, sustainable, and personalized. Advanced tech like a surgical N95 respirator, active ventilation, and a charging case lined with bacteria zapping UV light is on board to protect the wearer while a suite of lighting effects with over 16 million color choices adds swagger. Price TBA, razer.com

Samsung Bot Handy
The tech giant unveiled its interpretation of a Jetsons-style personal robot this year, one that folds clean clothes and loads the dishwasher before pouring you a glass of chardonnay. Using a camera and AI, the concept Bot Handy – outfitted with a pair of digital eyes that change expressions as it moves – is able to identify and pick up objects with its arm, adjusting for the amount of pressure and force needed depending on the size, weight, and shape. TBA, news.samsung.com

Northwell B22 SPREAD

LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator
An Innovation Awards Best of Innovation winner, the next generation of LG’s super advanced InstaView series adds a slew of high-tech upgrades, including voice-controlled doors that open with a simple verbal command, a larger InstaView glass panel to inspect the contents of the refrigerator without opening the door, and UVnano technology in the built-in water dispenser for enhanced hygiene. The new version will also be equipped with the brand’s Craft Ice maker for two-inch ice balls, perfect for homemade craft cocktails. Price TBA, lg.com

Alarm.com Touchless Video Doorbell
A necessity for the times, this intelligent video doorbell from smart home security innovator Alarm.com announces a visitor’s presence without the need to press a button. The system uses a doormat to detect a person, then sends both an audible chime and mobile alert and automatically begins video recording. Homeowners can see and speak with their visitors through live HD video and twoway audio. $200, alarm.com

myQ Pet Portal
Smart home leader myQ is famed for its intelligent garage products, and this year it debuted an automated door for the four-legged members of the family. Dog owners can customize their portal to allow automatic or by-request outdoor access, and a custom Bluetooth collar sensor keeps track of the pet’s movement, sending status alerts and updates throughout the day. The system also includes live-stream video and two-way audio, so you can check in on your fur baby as needed. $2,999, myq.com


Kohler Stillness Bath
Bath time has officially entered the smart home sphere with Kohler’s latest innovation: a Japanese forest bathing-inspired tub that fills, heats, and drains to the bather’s exact specifications via a built-in voice assistant. That alone is damn impressive enough, but the top model adds a Hinoki wooden moat that softly illuminates as the tub fills from the bottom, and an experience tower diffuses fog and aromatherapy on demand. $15,998, kohler.com