10 Innovative Products That Stood Out at CES 2015

By Don Reisinger

A new series of tablets from Dell captivated CES attendees. Called the Venue 8 7000 Series, the line includes a wide range of slates costing between $400 and $470. Each tablet comes with an 8.4-inch OLED display and a rather interesting design that sets apart the screen and speakers, which Dell claims provides outstanding audio. The device is just 6mm thin, runs on Android and has an aluminum body. All in all, it’s a great-looking device.

Lenovo is making a habit out of showing off outstanding computers at CES. This year, Lenovo announced the LaVie Z series of ultraportable notebooks. The company’s HZ550 is a standard clamshell design that weighs just 1.7 pounds, while the HZ750 weighs just over 2 pounds and features a convertible design that enables it to be used as a notebook or tablet, depending on the user’s need. Either option comes with a 13.3-inch screen, Windows on board and a magnesium-lithium back panel.

Netatmo came on the scene in a big way at CES with Welcome, a camera that detects a person’s face (it takes HD images of faces) and informs owners who has come into the house. For additional security, it has night vision and recording capabilities. Best of all, it won’t look out of place in the home.

Immediately after being announced at CES, Amplicity attracted the attention of attendees. The device, designed by a company called The Hive, is essentially a full PC packed with Abobe’s suite of applications that is the size of a smartphone. Once Amplicity is connected to a monitor, keyboard and mouse, users are off and running wherever they are. It’s like carrying a midlevel computer in your pocket. The Hive will offer the base model for a $99 subscription and a six-month term. Those who want the higher-end device can buy it outright for $399.

Those looking for a Tesla on two wheels will find what they’re looking for in the Gogoro scooter. Not only does the scooter have a sleek design, but it also boasts serious performance, going from 0 to 50 kmph in 4.2 seconds. Best of all, the scooter is battery-powered, so it reduces the harmful emissions that are so common in densely packed cities.

The LG G Flex 2 took the prize as the top smartphone on display at CES this year. The device comes with a 5.5-inch screen and Android 5.0 (Lollipop), neither of which makes it all that different from other flagship competitors. What does set it apart from its competitors, however, is its curved design that puts the microphone closer to the user’s mouth to enhance sound quality. It’s a cool-looking product that has received high praise so far.

Withings has been delivering tech products that bridge the gap to health for years, and at CES 2015, the company delivered that and more with its Activite Pop wearable. The device is a smartwatch that also includes activity tracking, sleep tracking and water resistance. Best of all, its battery lasts an impossibly long 8 months on a single charge, so it won’t need to be plugged in.

Dell had a strong CES. In addition to its aforementioned Venue 8 7000 series tablets, the company announced the 13-inch XPS 13. This notebook will easily fit into just about any large bag or purse, thanks to its end-to-end screen that all but eliminates a bezel. The device also comes with a 15-hour battery life. Plus, it’s not bad looking.

Mercedes-Benz showed off a concept car at CES. Called the F 015, the car is completely autonomous and comes with an interior design that looks more like a living room than a vehicle. In addition to its futuristic body style, the car is hydrogen-powered, leading some to wonder if our reliance on gas could be diminishing as time goes on. The F 015 is compelling, if nothing else.

Dish Network announced at CES a new service it’s calling Sling TV. The offering will allow users to watch live programming over the Web on any number of devices without being required to subscribe to a cable or satellite service. Sling TV also includes support for on-demand programming and the ability to go as far back as three days on select channels to see what you missed.