Category: new technology

California-based startup Ambient Photonics has revealed a groundbreaking solar cell technology designed to recharge devices using ambient indoor light, such as remote controls. The innovation was showcased at CES 2024, where the company announced a collaboration with Google to incorporate this technology into an upcoming consumer product slated for a 2024 release.

Ambient Photonics is not only focusing on remote controls but is also developing a solar-powered computer mouse. Remarkably, none of the devices, including the mysterious Google product, will require disposable batteries or conscious recharging, according to the company. The key feature of the new cells is their bifacial nature, allowing them to harvest and generate energy from both sides, thereby powering various home electronics.

In the course of the past week, an exploration of the significant announcements at CES 2024 led to the discovery of standout innovations. Among the noteworthy devices such as the Linxura Smart Home Controller and LG’s all-in-one AI washing machine, one particular product took center stage – the remarkable Twinkly smart curtain lights.

Priced at $200, this canvas of brilliance is composed of smart LED string lights boasting the highest density in their class. Each pill-shaped light collaborates harmoniously to create animated graphics and ambient lighting, turning any wall into a canvas of creativity. While not designed to simplify daily tasks, this niche smart lighting system can elevate any living space, setting the mood with captivating color-changing patterns or looping a GIF to share with friends and family.

JBL has recently announced its latest earbud collection, the JBL Live 3, debuting at CES 2024. The standout feature across the three designs—Buds, Beam, and Flex—is the inclusion of JBL’s touchscreen Smart Charging Case. This innovative case functions like a smartwatch screen, providing swift access to audio playback and various earbud features, making it a potential game-changer for audio enthusiasts.

The Smart Charging Case made its debut in the JBL Tour Pro 2, receiving praise for its convenience and efficiency in our previous review. While the initial novelty may wear off, users who frequently adjust settings for optimal sound will likely find the case to be a valuable addition to their audio experience.

Walmart is elevating its drone delivery program by extending its reach to an additional 1.8 million households in Texas. Through strategic partnerships with drone startups Wing and Zipline, the retail giant now boasts coverage for 75 percent of the population in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.

Having initially launched its drone delivery initiative with Zipline and DroneUp in Arkansas in 2021, Walmart expanded the program to more states in 2022. The latest expansion in Texas allows customers residing within 10 miles of a participating Walmart to receive drone deliveries of smaller products such as cold medicine, birthday candles, and cartons of eggs. Walmart emphasizes the efficiency of its drone deliveries, with items arriving at customers’ doorsteps in 30 minutes or less, and some reaching as quickly as 10 minutes.

At CES 2024, Govee took center stage with a lineup of cutting-edge products, including an upgraded AI Sync Box Kit, the Neon Rope Light 2, and a notable addition—an AI Lighting Bot designed to revolutionize your smart lighting experience. Despite not being available for testing during CES Unveiled, Govee’s media preview event, the AI Lighting Bot is poised to be integrated into the company’s smartphone app, allowing users to generate lighting designs using natural language inputs, akin to interacting with ChatGPT.

In a captivating concept video by Govee, the AI Lighting Bot showcased its ability to source and transmit unique lighting designs to Govee lights, be it spots, strips, or other lighting fixtures. The demonstration featured a user requesting a “Barbie Dreamhouse-inspired lighting effect” for outdoor lights and spotlights, resulting in undulating hues of hot, powder, and various shades of pink.

A good night’s sleep can be disrupted by the relentless sound of snoring, but Motion Pillow aims to tackle this issue with its innovative self-inflating, AI-powered smart pillow, creating a buzz at CES 2024.

Contrary to the image of a hard camping pillow, this inflatable pillow is crafted from memory foam, similar to some of the top pillows available today. While various versions of the Motion Pillow have been showcased at previous CES events, its unique technology has now earned it the prestigious ‘Best of Innovation’ award at the 2024 event.