Imagine an umbrella letting you know not to forget it. Or an infant car seat that wants to make sure your baby is going to have the safest ride ever. These are just two of the highlights from 2016's Consumer Electronics Show — the exhibition that defines technology trends and showcases gadgets for the year ahead.
Kids toys are getting more creative with technology.
Sure, kids can pick up a tablet or smartphone, but the true innovative toys are those that combine high tech and simplicity. The Moff band collaboration with Pac-Man is a perfect example of this. Kids wear the Moff band and swing their arms to play Pac-Man through an app — making them physically active while using a smartphone or tablet.
Everyday items are getting smarter.
Another trend picking up at CES? Turning common products into smart gadgets. Take theoombrella, for example. The smart umbrella lets you know when it's going to rain and reminds you not to leave it behind. It might not be the most necessary thing in the world, but it's pretty impressive.
Women's health is going high tech.
It's about time women's health took the floor at CES. Sure, we've had fitness trackers that appeal to women, but seeing products like the Pregnancy Pro stick by First Response that focus on reproductive health marks a step forward. It's the only test that connects via Bluetooth and offers several features in an app to take you through the steps of using it.
Virtual reality is becoming more accessible.
Whether you're really into virtual reality or not, you can't deny it's going to become part of our lives. While Oculus Rift certainly has most of the world talking, other virtual reality products are making their way to the everyday person. For example, popular smartphone case company Speck announced its own line of Pocket VR ($70), complete with a phone case. The gadget lets you easily turn your smartphone into a way to use virtual reality without hurting your wallet.
Urban commuters are getting better options to move around.
Last year, the "hoverboard" was a hit at CES. This year, we're seeing the rise of portable electric scooters for urban riders — like URB-E (pictured here) and Xcooter — that are sleek and compact and can be folded up to fit in a small apartment.
Practical beauty gadgets are hitting the market.
Beauty finally has a place in tech, although it still had a smaller presence at CES than other trends. Companies like FOREO are leading the way in connecting the two industries with itsIRIS Illuminating Eye Massager. The gadget is tiny enough to carry anywhere and works to massage your eye area.
Parenting gadgets are getting more impressive.
Welcome to parenting in the 21st century. One of the most buzzed-about products at CES was a modern infant car seat from 4Moms: the device works with an app to help you correctly install the seat by automatically monitoring levels and tensions. It certainly wasn't the only impressive parenting gadget this year. For instance, the Owlet Baby Monitor is a new infant smart sock that tracks a baby’s vitals.
Wearables are becoming super stylish.
Clothes are doubling as fitness trackers.