The 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) brought a lot of interesting technology to the surface.
As we head into CES 2015 (The Consumer Electronics Show), lets take a look back at some consumer tech that caught our eye and a reality check. Some surprise contenders have won us over and some still haven’t left the manufacturer.
BLUMOO
The now $99 hub that turns your smart device into a universal remote and bluetooth streamer. But with remote giant Logitech having nearly the same capabilities in a better looking app, plus either a physical keyboard/mouse/remote, dedicated remote or both, it’s hard to still want to choose BLUMOO. The Harmony Hub product line may not include steaming audio, but BLUMOO can’t control home automation products and that’s a significant advantage for Logitech in the Internet of Things.
AIRTAME
I was intrigued by this video streaming competitor to Apple, Google and others, but a year after debut, they are still tweaking. It’s not going to turn out well for them I’m afraid, as they are manually modifying each and every one of the prototypes. To effectively compete, they really needed to be in full production 6 months ago. Too many lower priced options out there to keep their $150, unavailable product in the game I fear.
POWERMAT
With P&G’s money and the Duracell brand recognition backing them, Powermat Technologies’ $10 charge rings that can also be borrowed at Starbucks, started rolling out in November at San Francisco locations. However battery, processor and component improvements are changing the need and this stop gap solution may never see a wide spread rollout. It’s popularity remains to be seen, but with inexpensive and sometimes free portable batteries popping up everywhere, expect the lifespan of this device to be short.
AUGUST
After a lengthy delay, August began shipping their smart lock partly designed by Yves Béhar. I cancelled my own pre-order after the company failed to ship by August after announcing further delays. Turned out they were preparing to stock Apple stores and Amazon. Aside from saving $50, pre-order meant nothing as many did not receive their pre-orders, but could walk into an Apple Store and buy one. Early reviews have been mixed and the installation reportedly finicky.
OKIDOKEYS
Silly name aside, OKIDOKEYS which also appeared at CES 2014 flew largely under the radar of most tech journalists. Their parent company OpenWays is an experienced manufacturer that supplies secure room locks and hospitality software to hotels worldwide. For $200 on Amazon, they offer two different packages with 3 covers of your choice to match your existing door hardware, or a paint your own option. This truly easy to install smart lock does everything they claim, and can be opened by any cell phone or a NFC (Near Field Communication) fob, not just Bluetooth 4.0 enable smart phones with their $250 package. There’s also a Smart-Gateway option for remote operation and connected home integration, Smart-Gate openers, Smart-Garage openers, more optional covers, upcoming integration with Apple HomeKit, Logitech Harmony Hub, and geo-location unlocking additions. OKIDOKEYS is the only manufacturer to date that specifically states their product uses strong 256bit AES encryption, instead of just stating "same as bank encryption" or "a company secret" as competitors have.
Interested in what's to come in 2015? Follow me on Twitter @dougkrug as the doors open on CES 2015, January 6. We'll be following the Internet of Things in the connected home closely, bringing you updates on these and other yet unannounced new technology for your Smart Home and Office.
[Update 2017]
I don't usually go back and update pieces like this, but I felt it would be of interest to some.
[Update 2017]
I don't usually go back and update pieces like this, but I felt it would be of interest to some.
- Blumoo seems to have closed shop, likely unable to compete with the popular Logitech Harmony Hub, which also now controls your smart home too and has great Amazon Echo integration.
- Airtame is still around for now, but at double the original offered price and with the streaming options and low cost devices available, I can't see them surviving much longer.
- Powermat has continued on with their partnerships, but it seems pretty clear that companies like Apple and Samsung are targeting completely new ways of charging that will make this type of inductive charging obsolete in the next few years.
- August has continued their development and partnerships. Their second generation smart lock is excellent and I now own one myself. They have a remote connect module available, along with a wireless keypad, doorbell camera and many integration partners, including Amazon Echo.
- Okidokeys was purchased by Somfy and their operations and sales are now in France, although they have yet to offer the product for sale again. For now, North American models still work, but there is no guarantee that they will in the future. Somfy has already stopped the registration of the NFC module from North America and will likely stop supporting at least that part in the near future. Auto unlock support has already halted.
