A handful of new technologies to smarten the home and make your life a breeze for work and play situations, and even a smart mop to keep your space clean and spiffy.
KEF LS60 Wireless All-in-One Speakers
KEF LS60 Wireless has a striking slim profile. Image: KEF.
For its 60th anniversary celebrations, KEF launched the LS60 Wireless All-in-One floor-standing speakers. The device features two award-winning innovative technologies. The profile of the speakers is amazingly thin with each tower measuring just 13cm across. The standmounters are just 20cm wide. KEF engineers have delivered a slim cabinet with the slimmer-than-usual Uni-Q driver. The integrated tweeter is the 2020 Innovation of the Year award by What Hi-Fi? – the KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT).
A whole host of connectivity ports. Image: KEF.
The slim cabinet even generates maximum bass using the tiny KC62 subwoofer. The unit boast’s an impressive range of connectivity such as analogue RCA inputs, HDMI eARC, optical and coaxial, to name a few. The built-in W2 wireless platform extends connectivity options through Wi-Fi, Apple Airplay 2, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth. At a cool USD 7,500 a pair, you get to enjoy unrivalled clarity and bass precision. The slim speakers are offered in three matte options: Titanium Grey, Mineral White, and Royal Blue.
The LG CordZero A9 Kompressor Steam Power Mop
The smartest digital mop built by LG. Image: LG.
LG has introduced its latest innovation in home cleaning technology with the CordZero A9 Kompressor. This cordless vacuum cleaner offers an array of features designed to enhance cleaning efficiency. One notable addition is the steam mopping feature, which combines vacuuming and mopping capabilities into a single device. With this feature, users can conveniently switch between vacuuming and steam mopping, eliminating the need for multiple cleaning tools. The CordZero A9 Kompressor also boasts a Kompressor technology that compresses dirt and debris collected during cleaning, allowing for longer cleaning sessions before emptying the dustbin. The vacuum cleaner comes with powerful suction and advanced filtration to capture fine dust particles, allergens, and pet hair. Additionally, it offers a detachable handheld vacuum mode for versatile cleaning tasks. LG’s CordZero A9 Kompressor aims to provide a comprehensive cleaning solution for households, merging convenience, efficiency, and performance.
CoolGeek Vertical Vinyl Player
CoolGeek’s vertical vinyl player is a headturner. Image: Cool Geek
The sleek CoolGeek vertical turntable is making waves in the audio industry with its bold colours and vintage-inspired design. This innovative creation has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
Designed to combine the nostalgia of classic vinyl records with a modern aesthetic, this vertical turntable offers a unique and eye-catching way to enjoy your favourite music. Its vertical orientation allows for easy wall mounting, saving valuable space while adding a touch of artistic flair to any room. The turntable’s design is characterised by its clean lines, minimalist form, and vibrant colour palette, including bold hues like electric blue, fiery red, and sleek black. These striking colour options complement contemporary interiors and serve as a statement piece for those looking to add a touch of personality to their living spaces.
The vertical vinyl player can play 33 and 45RMP records. Image: Cool Geek.
Despite its vintage mood, this vertical turntable incorporates cutting-edge technology to ensure exceptional audio quality. It boasts a high-quality tonearm, a precision belt-drive system, and an adjustable counterweight, all of which work together to deliver a premium listening experience. The unit can play 33 and 45 RPM records and doubles up as a Bluetooth speaker with line-out mode. Powered by a 5W hybrid mid/tweeter driver and a 30W heavy bass unit. With its combination of retro charm and modern functionality, the sleek vertical turntable offers a compelling option for music lovers seeking a unique and stylish way to enjoy their vinyl collection.
Lenovo Yoga Book 9i
Lenovo unveiled its latest innovation, the Yoga Book 9i, at the CES 2023 event. This cutting-edge dual-screen notebook brings a new level of versatility and productivity to the market. The Yoga Book 9i features two touch-enabled screens, a 14-inch primary display, and a smaller 9-inch secondary display above the keyboard. The primary display boasts a 4K resolution and supports HDR content, delivering stunning visuals for multimedia and creative tasks. The secondary display functions as a digital touch keyboard or can be transformed into a multi-purpose e-ink display, offering users the flexibility to take notes, draw, or display relevant information without interrupting their workflow.
Lenovo Yoga Book 9i has two large screens for increased productivity. Image: Lenovo.
Under the hood, the Yoga Book 9i is powered by Intel’s latest 11th-generation processors, ensuring smooth performance for demanding applications and multitasking. It also features a spacious and comfortable keyboard, equipped with haptic feedback to simulate typing on a physical keyboard. The notebook offers a range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 ports, allowing for fast data transfer and the connection of external devices. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 6 for seamless wireless connectivity. With its sleek and lightweight design, the Yoga Book 9i is perfect for users on the go. It boasts a durable aluminium chassis and a long-lasting battery that promises up to 15 hours of usage on a single charge.
Overall, Lenovo’s Yoga Book 9i combines innovative dual-screen technology, powerful performance, and portability to deliver a unique and versatile computing experience for professionals and creatives alike.
Audio Technica Sound Burger
Audio-Technica has made a limited-edition comeback with its portable turntable called the “Sound Burger” (AT-SB2022). Originally introduced in 1980, the Sound Burger has gained a cult following among vinyl enthusiasts due to its compact design and impressive sound quality.
Audio Technica Sound Burger is making a comeback for modern times. Image: Audio Technica.
The limited-edition Sound Burger retains the iconic form factor of the original, resembling a hamburger-shaped case. It features a built-in speaker and headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy their vinyl records on the go or in private. The turntable also comes with a rechargeable battery, providing convenience and portability for music lovers. Audio-Technica has updated the Sound Burger with modern enhancements while preserving its retro charm. It incorporates a USB port, enabling users to digitise their vinyl collection and transfer music to their computers or other digital devices. The turntable supports both 33 and 45 RPM records, catering to a wide range of vinyl formats.
Audio Technica Sound Burger now has modern features for our digital age. Image: Audio Technica.
With its limited-edition release, the Sound Burger appeals to collectors and enthusiasts looking for a nostalgic audio experience. The portable turntable offers a unique blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality, making it a standout option in the market. Audio-Technica continues to innovate and cater to the evolving needs of vinyl enthusiasts, ensuring that the Sound Burger remains a timeless classic in the world of portable turntables.
Apple HomePod2
The Apple HomePod 2, the latest offering in Apple’s smart speaker lineup, introduces several notable improvements over its predecessor. This compact and stylish device continues to prioritise high-quality audio, delivering a rich and immersive sound experience. The HomePod 2 features advanced audio technologies, such as adaptive audio, which analyses the room’s acoustics and optimises the sound accordingly.
Apple HomePod2 promises more features. Image: Apple.
Building upon the capabilities of Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, the HomePod 2 offers enhanced voice recognition and improved smart home integration. Users can effortlessly control various compatible devices using voice commands, making it a central hub for smart home automation. With the addition of Apple’s U1 chip, the HomePod 2 can also support spatial awareness, enabling more precise and immersive audio placement. Connectivity options have been expanded, with the inclusion of a built-in Thread Radio, providing a reliable and secure connection for smart home devices. The HomePod 2 is also equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6, ensuring seamless connectivity and faster data transfer speeds.
Apple HomePod2 will deliver better acoustics to ensure you get the best sound. Image: Apple.
Furthermore, the HomePod 2 supports Apple’s ecosystem, allowing users to effortlessly sync and stream music from Apple Music, access their iCloud library, and control compatible devices via the Home app on their iOS devices. Overall, the Apple HomePod 2 combines excellent audio performance, advanced smart home integration, and seamless connectivity, making it a compelling choice for Apple enthusiasts and those seeking a high-quality smart speaker experience.
Dyson Zone
The Dyson Zone Wireless ANC Headphone Air Purifier is an innovative and versatile device that combines the functionalities of wireless headphones and an air purifier. This cutting-edge product, introduced by Dyson, aims to enhance the listening experience while providing clean and purified air.
Dyson Zone allows you to listen to your music and purify your air. Image: Dyson.
Equipped with advanced active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, the Zone Wireless ANC Headphone ensures an immersive audio experience by effectively blocking out external noise. The headphones boast high-quality sound output and offer seamless wireless connectivity for a hassle-free user experience. What sets this product apart is its built-in air purification system. The Zone Wireless ANC Headphone incorporates Dyson’s renowned air purifying technology, which filters out harmful pollutants and allergens from the surrounding environment. The device utilises a combination of HEPA and activated carbon filters to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, effectively improving air quality. With a sleek and ergonomic design, the Zone Wireless ANC Headphone Air Purifier prioritises comfort during prolonged usage. The adjustable headband and soft ear cushions ensure a snug fit while reducing pressure on the user’s ears.
Dyson Zone looks set to be one of the most unusual but innovative headphones in the market. Image: Dyson.
Though pricing details may vary, this innovative product is set to offer a unique and multifunctional solution to individuals seeking both superior audio quality and cleaner air. The Dyson Zone Wireless ANC Headphone Air Purifier promises to be a game-changer in the realm of personal audio devices, providing an all-in-one solution for music enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike.
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