Each year tech giants and startups alike gather at the Las Vegas Convention Center in what is known as one of the largest showcases of technology in the world, from major companies like Samsung and LG to startups and lesser known companies such as Indiegogo and TMTPost. This massive gathering of tech is a computer nerds dream, one weekend filled with leading technologies and prototypes alike. From new toilets to computers and even a massive RGB mechanical keyboard; here are, in no particular order, the top 10 gadgets on display this year.
1. Samsung's The Wall
While this list is in no particular order, I have to admit Samsung's flagship device this year at CES is definitely my favorite. At 146 inches, calling this MicroLED tv 'The Wall' is no exaggeration. Most consumers don't need nor do they want a whopping 146 inches of television, which is why I'm excited to say this tv is modular, meaning as long as the ratio is kept you can have virtually any size TV.
The tech nerd in me is more interested in the MicroLED display. For those who typically don't affiliate themselves with the complex language and terms used in the tech world, MicroLED is the love child of LED and OLED. To keep things from getting too technical, MicroLED is basically a bunch of mini LED's, ditching the issues of burn-in that OLED causes and avoiding typical LED televisions that are lit by one large LED panel.
In short, MicroLED is the future, and Samsung just beat everyone to the punch.
2. DJI Osmo Mobile 2
The average consumer probably isn't looking twice at DJI's new phone gimbal, but for a techie like myself, this truly is exciting. Rocking pretty much the same features as the first generation Osmo Mobile, the driving feature here is the price. At the low price of $129, DJI's newest flagship device has become extremely affordable, as opposed to the previous $399 price tag, enticing a more mundane audience.
With one hand, simple, easy to use controls, the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 is putting professional video style recording a possibility for anyone with a smartphone and a dream.
3. Lenovo Smart Display
AI has been at the forefront of CES for the past couple of years and this year was no exception. Amazon's Alexa and Google's Google Assistant battled it out this year at CES and I can honestly say the only real winner was us, the consumers. A few months back, Amazon released a new device to their Alexa lineup, the Echo-Show, a smart display with Amazon's Alexa functionality enabling things like video calls, checking security and nursery cameras, and even YouTube videos.
Google clapped back this CES, but instead of creating their own devices, they looked outward, and Lenovo answered their prayers. With the same functionality as the Echo-Show, the Lenovo Smart Display takes it a couple steps further with the minimalist design and HD screen the hardware is only the start. Powered with the Google Assistant, the Lenovo Smart Display flawlessly integrates with all your Google Assistant-enabled devices, taking the smart home to the next level.
4. SONY Aibo
CES wasn't only filled with devices for the tech lover. Meet SONY Aibo, making a comeback after its sad discontinuation; I am ecstatic to see that SONY brought back it's beloved dog. Not only channeling nostalgia from my childhood, SONY's Aibo is equipped with some kick ass new features.
With a camera hidden in his nose and sensors all over his body, SONY Aibo can now find his way to his charging station automatically. The more you use and play with him, the more he learns about you, enabling him to act and react depending on your personality.
As of now, he costs a hefty price of around $1740 and is only available in the US, but no worries – SONY's Aibo will be coming to a home near you very, very soon.
5. DJI Copilot
While CES has gadgets that make tech nerds extremely vivacious, there are things that don't exactly make us shriek in our sheets. The DJI Copilot barely made this list, but the functionality and convenience it packs in its small portable body cannot be ignored. Partnering with LaCie, DJI unveiled a new kind of hard drive.
Redefining the portable hard drive, the DJI Copilot is laptop-free. Simply copy files via the SD card reader or through the USB A and USB C slots. The E-ink enabled display will notify you when your files are transferred, then reorganize and edit the photos and videos you shot right off your phone or tablet.
The best part? The built in battery to charge your phone when you’re on the go. I know, I know, insane. DJI partnering with LaCie was the collaboration we didn't want but rather we needed.
6. Razer Project Linda
Gamers rejoice! Razer has announced project Linda, a super portable gaming laptop concept powered entirely by the Razer phone. Packing 8 GB of RAM and a big 4,000mAh battery, the Razer phone isn't playing around. Besides the two incredible forward facing stereo speakers, what really makes me fall in love with this phone is the 120Hz refresh rate.
For you non-techies, a higher refresh rate makes the display feel buttery smooth. The lag is almost non-existent in this phone. The phone, released earlier this year, is connected to the computer and takes place as the laptops trackpad. Project Linda features a built in battery so you don't lose battery on your phone while utilizing your computer.
Razer could be onto something here and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued, but will the trend of your phone being your computer stick? Only time could tell with this one.
7. Samsung Family Hub Smart Refrigerator
It's the remodeling of my kitchen that has me extremely excited about this fridge. Appliances are probably the last thing to look out for at CES, but Samsung, as well as other companies, never miss a beat. The newest model of their smart refrigerator lineup features a beautiful display with WebOS for weather and recipe searching.
While searching for a recipe, your fridge can preheat your oven and even tell you if you have all the ingredients. Milk and eggs always expiring? No worries, simply input the expiration date and your fridge will let you know when it's time for a new one.
The cameras and sensors in the fridge will always let you know what's inside so you don't have to open the fridge to know. Samsung's newest fridge has me begging my parents to reconsider the new fridge we bought and hopefully finds its way into your smart home lineup soon.