| USA TODAY
Welcome back, Talking Tech readers! This is co-presenter of Brett Molina here to give you the latest news on technology.
It’s January, which means CES season. The technological bonanza, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, gave a glimpse into the future of technology, directly as well as the road ahead (sorry, no flying cars this year).
Now that the robots have been shut down and CES is completing another year, here’s three things we’ve learned:
1. Make yourself more comfortable at home
As you may recall, CES was virtually virtual this year, thanks to the pandemic. Since technology manufacturers are well aware of the amount of time you spend at home, there were many products you wanted to make comfortable. Can’t go to the movies? Think of the wide variety of televisions that seem to be growing by the day for your own home theater. Need help keeping your home in order? Here’s a handy robot that can load the dishwasher and kick your feet while pouring a glass of wine (or beer or other beverage of your choice).
2. Technology to keep you safe too
We live in an era of smart toothbrushes, so it’s no surprise that CES can offer a way to revamp the masks we wear in the midst of the pandemic. For example, the AirLoop includes a sensor that measures the air around you and your breathing rate. Another mask, the Mask Phones, combines a mask with wireless buttons. But it goes beyond what you wear on your face. There are backpacks to ward off germs and robots that roam inside spaces, picking up pollutants with ultraviolet light in the air.
3. Leave this technology behind
In this time of worrying about germs, what better technology than the touchless variety? Companies like Kohler and Moen have unveiled various touchless products, including a faucet with a pre-programmed handwashing feature to ensure you keep your hands clean.
If you need more CES news, you can discuss it with our colleagues at reviewed.com. If you are ready to go on:
Other tech news this week:
• Here’s a new challenger, iPhone 12! Samsung has announced the Galaxy S21, along with the S21 + (larger screen) and S21 Ultra (five cameras). They begin January 29th.
• After the riot in Capitol, social media sites linked their accounts linked to QAnon. As a result, Republican lawmakers have lost thousands of followers on Twitter, according to a U.S. TODAY analysis.
• Attention, doorbell owners: an error with the Neighbors app exposed users’ home addresses and locations.
This Week’s Talking Tech Podcasts
Lots of CES and lots of Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Co-host Mike Snider and I discussed robots, COVID technology, and TVs. Also tune in this weekend to hear about the CES devices we would actually be buying, and the weirdest things at this year’s show.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @ brettmolina23.