Podcast 1034: 2022 CES Innovation Awards

2022 CES Innovation Awards

On today’s show we rundown some of the 2022 Innovation Award winners. We are discussing products related to home theater and audio as well as the Smart Home for this discussion. The full list can be found here…

Headphones & Personal Audio, Portable Media Players & Accessories

Introducing the Anker Soundcore Frames—inspired by home audio systems and stylish eyewear. Soundcore Frames have a unique interchangeable frame design and the world's first OpenSurround System for open-ear surround sound which offers users a completely new lifestyle and technology experience. Starting at $199

Experience golden sound from true-wireless earbuds. Using ACAA 2.0, the second generation of the world's first coaxial hybrid driver unit, the Anker Liberty 3 Pro produce stunning sound which has achieved Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and features Soundcore's innovative HearID ANC for noise cancelling that's tailored to your ears. $169

ROG Cetra TWS Pro in-ear headphones offer wireless and wired connections for total versatility and high-quality sound in a variety of scenarios. It features a hi-res ESS 9281 DAC for true-to-life audio, and an ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Microphone provides crystal clear communications. Also, low-latency wireless connections keep video and audio in-sync for advanced gaming experiences anywhere.

The SOUNDFORM Immerse Noise Cancelling Earbuds are high-fidelity earbuds featuring superior sound quality with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), advanced six (6) microphone technology, Bluetooth LE audio in Gaming Mode, and locating features using Apple Find My and the SOUNDFORM app. The SOUNDFORM Immerse earbuds are the next-generation edition of its original earbuds offering introduced in April 2021, one of the first-ever accessories to work with Apple's vast and global Find My network, made up of hundreds of millions of Apple devices. The Soundform Immerse noise-canceling earbuds will launch in the second quarter of 2022 for $180

High Performance Home Audio & Video

Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K shines with laser-powered brightness giving consumers the power to stream all day. Powered with ALPD 3.0 technology, the projector is the smallest 4K Android TV home projector, projecting content at 2,400 ANSI Lumens. The Smart Image Adaption Engine reduces setup time to seconds with the following features: Gridless Horizontal and Vertical Auto Keystone Correction, Autofocus, Auto-Obstacle Avoidance, and Screen Alignment. If consumers want to move Cosmos Laser 4K around the home, they can with its easy-to-use handle. Content options are abundant with 7,000+ applications available on the Android TV 10.0 operating system.  The Cosmos Laser 4K will be available for pre-purchase on Kickstarter from Jan. 11 through mid-March for $2,100.

The PSB Speakers' Synchrony T600 towers represent the finest application of the brand's "True to Nature" design philosophy. Like all PSB Speakers products, the T600s were designed and engineered at Canada's National Research Council (NRC) by a team of highly regarded acoustic specialists guided by renowned PSB Speakers Founder and Chief Acoustic Designer, Paul Barton. This flagship tower features a new 5-way transitional driver array employing three 6½′′ woofers, a 5¼′′ midrange driver, and a 1′′ titanium dome tweeter, in a heavily braced, four-chamber MDF enclosure and custom IsoAcoustic isolators to deliver an immersive, tonally accurate, true to nature soundscape. $8,000/Pair

Immersive, jaw-dropping sound marries up with simple, seamless control, and versatile connectivity in the groundbreaking SVS Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speaker Pair. For the first time, all the benefits of wireless smart speakers with the stunning dynamics and pristine clarity of a complete HiFi system, at a fraction of the cost. The Prime Wireless Pro speakers will be available in March 2022 in black or white finish options and are expected to sell for $799/pair

Home Audio & Video Components & Accessories

Harman Kardon Citation Amp brings HD streaming to any loudspeaker and supports a multi-channel wireless surround sound system with other HK Citation products. User can play their favorite music via Chromecast built-in™ and AirPlay or connect to a TV via HDMI ARC. The simple and intuitive remote control allows the user to control Amp easily and efficiently. A local website provides detailed configuration options for the user to customize and enjoy the premium sound. No US pricing available but can be found for $1000 AUS ($715 USD)

Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 is the first soundbar combining MultiBeam™ beam-forming surround sound and up-firing speakers that enable 3D-surround formats like Dolby Atmos enhances the TV sound with best-in-class acoustic performance. With the well-integrated LCD touch screen on the top panel, users can easily set up a Wi-Fi connection and stream music over AirPlay, Chromecast, Alexa MRM, Spotify connect. No US Pricing but can be found for £799.00 ($900 USD)

Smart Home

Homeowners can take control and give themselves 360° of protection with eufy Security Floodlight Cam 2 Pro. With pan and tilt, consumers can get peace of mind by rotating Floodlight Cam 2 Pro in a full circle and blasting 3,000 ANSI Lumens of brightness without a single blind spot. When something triggers Floodlight Cam 2 Pro, the smart subject lock and tracking follows any suspicious activity. Homeowners can then review tiny details with 2K resolution. The light color temperature is also adjustable to provide the most optimal and aesthetically pleasing viewing. $300

The Niro®2 is a wifi garage controller with an added functionality of the a 2K wifi camera.  Open and close your garage door directly through the app from your smart phone and stream live in 2K HD resolution.  Advanced features such as human shape detection, LED light, and auto motion tracking makes it the perfect home security product for a home.

Video Displays

The LG 83G2 83-inch 4K OLED TV takes home entertainment to the next level with its enormous screen, true-to-life picture quality, and crystal clear audio and advanced AI-based processing performance.

Designed with gamers in mind, the LG 86QNED99 Mini LED TV checks off all the boxes with its stunning picture quality, huge screen, and compelling gaming features. The 86-inch 8K ultra-large screen takes advantage of LG’s Mini LED and Quantum Dot NanoCell Color Technology to ensure more precise light control for enhanced picture quality and more accurate color reproduction for dynamic, realistic, and vivid gaming experiences. $4500

The LG 97” G2 is the world's largest 4K OLED TV. At 97” it provides the best realistic sensory experience through its ultra-large OLED screen and 4.2 channels (virtual 7.1.2ch) of 100W of immersive audio. The G2 transforms into a stunning digital canvas when turned off. When not in use, its large screen can display various images, from iconic paintings and works of art to picturesque landscapes and famous landmarks.

PORTL is a human-sized, booth-shaped device with a 4K touch screen and high fidelity speakers designed to display live streamed and pre-recorded content. The volumetric presentation gives the viewer the impression that the person or object on screen is 3D. A built in forward camera with motion capability, as well as AI features, can create a fully interactive experience.