1. Tennis Racquet
Photo credit: Babolat
French tennis racquet maker Babolat showed off a "smart" version of its best-selling Pure Drive at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this year.
The $399 racket has embedded sensors, gyroscopes and accelerometers on the handle, which count and measure strokes, ball speed and where the ball hits the strings. The device is connected to an iOS or Android smart device via Bluetooth or USB connections, allowing the player to view the analysed data through an app.
2. Smart Car
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Photo credit: A.Penkov, Shutterstock
Google formed an Open Automotive Alliance, announced at CES, with Audi, General Motors, Honda and Hyundai that would integrate the search engine company’s Android operating system into future cars.
The alliance is using a common platform and development model to create a connected driving experience that would allow information and entertainment apps from phones to be carried over to car computers.
Although details on more car-specific features are expected to be announced later this year, Audi already has a partnership with Google for satellite and Street View imagery.
The first Android vehicles are planned for launch by the end of 2014.
3. Family monitoring system
Photo credit: Sen.se
Mother speaks to sensors called Cookies that you can stick to any items in your house via a Wi-Fi network.
The Cookies collect data on the motion of objects such as fridge doors, school bags and medicine, which is uploaded to the mother device in real time.
As a result, users can check how much pills they’ve taken or when their child returns home from the school on their tablet, computer or smartphone device.
Rafi Haladjian, founder and CEO of creator Sen.se, said: "We have made sensors that unobtrusively blend into your life. She offers the knowledge and comfort you want, when and how you want it, all while remaining discreet."
They can also report on the temperature of a room, whether you’re doing enough exercise and suspicious activity, depending on how you deploy the sensors.
The home sensor network, which costs $222 and memorises up to 10 days of data, is currently available for pre-order with shipments starting this month.
4. Dog collar
Photo credit: Whistles
Whistle is a wireless based sensor device attached to a dog’s collar that collects data depending on a dog’s age, breed and weight during the day. The data is sent to an accompanying iOS device, which can be translated into a graph by special algorithms, to reveal how much and how quickly the dog has moved around.
The device also tracks the dog’s exact location using GPS, an accelerometer and cellular wireless technology. Battery life is said to be 10 days with an LED light showing when it needs topping up.
Whistle, the makers behind the $100 tracker, said it will give owners "a new perspective on day-to-day behaviour and long-term health trends".
5. Toothbrush
Photo credit: Kolibree
Kolibree’s electric toothbrush keeps track of brushing habits and techniques by analysing the movements and the length of brushing with monitoring and scoring scales. The waterproof device sends data to your smartphone with notes on whether you brushed long enough and reached the important parts of your teeth and gums.
The app, which includes tips on how to brush better, can also be configured to track the brushing data of family and friends unless they choose to keep it private.
6. Baby Onesie
Photo credit: Mimo baby
The wearable gadget, developed by Rest Devices, is a sleep suit and baby monitor that tracks a baby wearer’s temperature, breathing rate, body position and activity level.
The waterproof plastic turtle above has a temperature sensor, accelerometer and Bluetooth low-energy chip that sends audio and data in real time to connected apps for iOS and Android devices.
Users can also view past logs to understand their baby’s sleeping patterns.
7. Oven
Photo credit: Dacor
Dacor, a kitchen appliances maker, unveiled the world’s first smart oven at CES. Powered by a Samsung 1GHz Processor, the Dacor Discovery iQ cooker has self-cleaning tools, its own colour touch control screen and a four-part convection system that reduces cooking time.
The oven is controlled from an Android or iOS smartphone, which include apps that provide cooking instructions and recipe videos. Users are alerted when heating is completed and guests can be told when dinner is ready.
8. LG HomeChat system
Photo credit: LG news room
LG unveiled a HomeChat system earlier this year that allows users to send text messages to appliances and then get responses.
David VanderWaal, the firm’s head of appliance brand marketing in the US, said that by texting "what are you up to?" to a washing machine for example, users can get a reply such as: "I’m just finishing the spin cycle, I won’t be long."
Users could tell a washer machine to start a load of laundry or a hover to clean up before they get home, while fridges could tell owners how much food or drink it has left.
The system is expected to be released in America later this year.
9. Samsung Home System
The smartphone giant has also released a smart home system that would allow users to control appliances by voice.
Voice commands could be used to turn off lights and other devices before going to bed, while devices could send alerts to owners when their devices need servicing.
The system also connects to cameras in fridges and dishwashers among other gadgets, allowing users to keep an eye on their homes when they’re away.
Samsung said users will be able to access the company’s system using its Galaxy Gear smartwatch, TV remote control, smart phones and tablets.
The South Korean firm said the system, which will include other manufacturers’ appliances in the future, is expected to be introduced in the first half of this year.
10. Beddit
Photo credit: Beddit
Beddit is a film sensor that lies under your sheets. It tracks your sleep, heart rate, breathing rhythm, movements and snoring, and no wearable sensors are required. When you’re asleep, sensors send the data via Bluetooth to your smartphone and in the morning, the smartphone app shows you your sleeping performance as well as tips on how to improve it. Other features include an integrated alarm clock, sleeping statistics and other coaching tips. All this can be controlled from your iOS or Android device.
