Accessories

Home locks are now almost universally featuring smart features with some kind of wireless transmission capability built in. We saw at least three of the latest versions available from Goji, Kwikset, and SimpliciKey at CES this year. All three use a form of wireless capability to remotely open and close a deadbolt locking mechanism, in addition to the more traditional (and now somewhat quaint) metallic key method. All three have mobile control apps that also integrate with lock features or functions. I'll try to boil down what I could learn about each at the show...

I like things that are simple. No wires, no fussy setup and updates. Just plug it in and press play. Korus is producing speaker technology to go head to head with other boutique wireless speaker products, and doing so without annoying lag or cumbersome setup. The V600 ($449.99), and V400 ($349) speakers were both on display at the show, and we got an up-close look and listen of these attractive new speakers. The sound of course was as superb as touted (as much as listening to them on the show floor is possible), but the cool thing is that they use neither Bluetooth nor WiFi to stream, but a frequency-hopping algorithm patented by their engineering team.

The Force ($129.95) is the latest sleek wristband from Fitbit sporting an attractive OLED status screen, and on display here at CES 2014 in force (pun intended). Not only does the latest wearable activity tracker keep tabs on your health stats including sleep quality, and waking motion, but also tracks calories burned, motivates you to stay active, compete with friends, monitors incoming calls, and leverages Bluetooth 4.0 to keep everything in sync (wow, what a mouthful)! 

For me the Pepcom Digital Experience is like the unofficial launch of CES, an informal party where exhibitors give us a preview of what we can expect in the coming days of CES. With the sprawl of wireless charging solutions, audio gear, gaming gear, robotics, cameras, and wearable smart accessories it was a challenge to absorb everything that is on display. Nonetheless, I did my best to check out each and every booth at this condensed version of CES, and the following are some of the highlights of what I came across last night.

I love my iPhone, but Apple has consistently positioned the speakers in a way that directs sound down and not toward the user. If I place my iPhone in my cup holder, it muffles the sound for music or voice calls. A Bluetooth speaker solves this problem, but it's hard to find one that fits well in a car, on your person, and at the gym. That was, until the Pulse from Felt ($79.99). This remarkably compact Bluetooth speaker fits nicely in your hand, or in a cup holder, or, thanks to the included clip, on your visor or seatbelt.

These days there is a seemingly endless array of excellent quality Bluetooth speakers. However, out of the multitudes of Bluetooth speakers on the market, only a limited and select few can lay claim to being rugged and heavy duty. What follows are the cream of the crop of ultra-durable, shock-proof, and waterproof speakers. Read on to find the best rugged Bluetooth speakers for those who are adventurous or accident prone, or those who are looking for the perfect speaker for someone who can be really hard on their gear.

Singing in the shower just got a whole lot more fun!

I received the Homewerks Ventilating Bath Fan with Bluetooth Speaker ($139 at Home Depot) for review a few weeks ago, and while I couldn’t wait to test it out, I was feeling a little lazy about the installation process. We finally got sick of stepping over the box, so I bit the bullet and designated a Saturday morning to the task. I regret to inform you that my procrastination was unwarranted and I could have been enjoying music in the shower a lot sooner! Curses!