CES 2019: The Best & Biggest Smart Home Tech Announcements

Written by RIZKNOWS
|
Published on January 13, 2019
Samsung 8K TV (Photo by Jeff Rizzo)
Samsung 8K TV (Photo by Jeff Rizzo)
RIZKNOWS
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“Hey Google” was on seemingly every wall and surface at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, which meant that we saw hundreds of products that featured the voice assistant. But it wasn’t all just about Google — there were dozens of interesting smart home products, ranging from security cameras to wireless routers, that we had a chance to check out.

Here are some of our favorites:

The Arlo Ultra is a new home security camera from a trusted brand

Arlo Ultra (Image via Arlo)
Arlo Ultra (Image via Arlo)

The Ultra security system shoots in 4K and includes a built-in spotlight for scaring off would-be prowlers and lighting up the space to be sure the camera gets a good look at what’s going on in your yard. This is an indoor/outdoor security system that allows you to keep an eye on things from wherever you have your phone and a data or Wi-Fi connection.

The camera connects to your home Wi-Fi, is wire-free for more mounting options, and supports two-way audio so you and your family can communicate through the system.

Ring announces their Video Door View Cam

Ring Door View Cam (Photo by Jeff Rizzo)
Ring Door View Cam (Photo by Jeff Rizzo)

Ring is perhaps the most recognizable name in the video doorbell space and we’re excited to see a security doorbell from them that caters more to renters and those living in apartments rather than houses. The Video Door View Cam is installed right on the front of the door, in place of the peephole, with no drilling or wiring required. The Cam records and streams to the Ring app and allows you to set blackout zones to respect your neighbors’ privacy in a close-set setting like an apartment building. The Door View Cam also detects knocking, so it’ll do its thing even if the doorbell isn’t used.

D-Link promises faster internet and no more cables with their 5G Router

D-Link 5G NR Enhanced Gateway (Image via D-Link)
D-Link 5G NR Enhanced Gateway (Image via D-Link)

The new D-Link 5G NR Enhanced Gateway router needs only electricity and a SIM card to get all your wireless devices connected. It will pull high-speed internet and then disseminate it to all of you connected devices via a local Wi-Fi network. While 5G coverage is still far from universal, it will likely catch up to 4G networks in the near future. 

JBL unveils an Android TV SoundBar with Google Assistant

JBL Android TV SoundBar (Photo by Jeff Rizzo)
JBL Android TV SoundBar (Photo by Jeff Rizzo)

JBL’s Android TV SoundBar with Google Assistant is a hybrid device that functions as a soundbar (of course), a smart speaker, and an AndroidTV set-top box. That means it’s the one product can accepts the same voice commands you’d give your Google Home, throw content up on your TV screen, and produce some pretty good sound, too. 

The KitchenAid Smart Display takes the smart home setup to the next level

KitchenAid Smart Display (Photo by Jeff Rizzo)
KitchenAid Smart Display (Photo by Jeff Rizzo)

The KitchenAid Smart Display has taken the smart home setup a step further. This smart device features apps for recipes, creating grocery lists, and controlling other smart home devices through on-board Google Assistant. Users can use voice commands to access step-by-step cooking instructions, listen to music, or check out videos on the 10-inch display. 

Samsung’s Space Monitor aims to promote productivity and a clean aesthetic

Samsung Space Monitor (Image via Samsung)
Samsung Space Monitor (Image via Samsung)

The two models (32″ and 27″) use a clamp-style stand to leave your desk surface as clear and usable as possible. The stand has an adjustable range that allows the monitor to be pushed back flat against a back wall, leaving your work area clear, or pulled forward and tilted to your preferred angle. 

Samsung also introduces their 98″ Samsung 8K TV

Samsung 8K TV (Photo by Jeff Rizzo)
Samsung 8K TV (Photo by Jeff Rizzo)

It’s part of the company’s QLED-based Q900 series. This visually and physically impressive screen is for those with space to fill and budget to spend. In terms of software, the TV comes equipped with AI that helps you find the content you want, as well as Samsung’s Bixby. AirPlay 2, Google Assistant, and Alexa will also be supported.

The LG Signature OLED TV R is here

LG Signature OLED TV R (Image via LG)
LG Signature OLED TV R (Image via LG)

At last year’s CES, LG debuted their roll-up TV prototype and this year, the refined model will be available to consumers. The LG Signature OLED TV R has a 65” display and a 100-watt Dolby Atmos speaker. The base station houses the TV when it’s rolled up, keeping it out of the way and out of sight when not in use. It will be compatible with Alexa Voice, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2 when it hits the market in the spring. 

This post was written by our friends at rizknows.com and myslumberyard.com. 

RIZKNOWS was founded in 2013 by Jeff Rizzo in his parents' garage. In the years since, RIZKNOWS has become hyper-focused on two things: Finding the best deals and discounts on sports & outdoor, technology, and home & hardware products; and providing high-quality, concise, and helpful reviews that consumers actually enjoy watching.