Podcast #983: CES 2021

It's CES but not like the usual CES that we are accustomed to. This year it is all virtual and as a result we can’t tell you how incredible the latest Micro LED TV looks. There are some great sounding technological improvements that have us excited for the future. This is a long show but we are sure we missed something. If there is a product or announcement you think we should take a look at please let us know. Next week we’ll discuss what others saw as “Best of Show”. We hope you enjoy the podcast.

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News:

• Roku surpasses 51M active accounts, grows 39% annually

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• Is Discovery+ Stealing Your Discovery Shows?
• Ara's Woodworking
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CES 2021

It's CES but not like the usual CES that we are accustomed to. This year it is all virtual and as a result we can’t tell you how incredible the latest Micro LED TV looks. There are some great sounding technological improvements that have us excited for the future. This is a long show but we are sure we missed something. If there is a product or announcement you think we should take a look at please let us know. Next week we’ll discuss what others saw as “Best of Show”. We hope you enjoy the podcast.

Savant's C by GE line is getting a makeover for the new year.

Savant's C by GE smart home brand is now Cync. Paul Williams, General Manager of Product Management & Growth - "It's an ideal time to evolve our C by GE™ brand into Cync™, a new brand that best reflects how all of our smart home solutions connect easily and work together seamlessly for a complete smart home experience that can be customized to the lifestyle of every consumer."

There will be three new smart home accessories, indoor camera, outdoor smart plug, and a fan switch.

• The Cync Indoor Smart Camera has a privacy shutter that physically blocks the lens and cuts audio recording on-demand. There is cloud and local recording via SD card. Subscription service is available for those who chose the cloud based solution.
  
• The Cync Outdoor Smart Plug is all weather and has two outlets The outdoor plug can be connected to wifi without a hub and can be used with Bluetooth. The two outlets can be controlled independently through app and voice controls through integration with Alexa and the Google Assistant.
  
• The Cync Fan Speed Smart Switch is an in-wall solution for ceiling fans has four different speeds. In addition to on-demand controls, schedules can be created for customized use throughout the day, and the switch also can be grouped with other Cync accessories.

These products begin to arrive in March with the mobile app, and the Outdoor Smart Plug. The Camera will follow in May, with the Fan Speed Smart Switch in June. The exact dates and pricing have not yet been released. More info can be found at gelighting.com.

LG

LG OLED TVS

New LG OLDS for 2021

A1 OLED Replaces B1 A7 processor and available in 42”

C1 OLED available in 48”, 55”, 65”, 77” and new for 2021 83” panels. 4K, Gen 4 Alpha 9 processor which enables the TV to quickly identify the important elements within each frame and adjust brightness in those areas for a better exposed image.

G1 OLED available in 55”, 65” and 77” 4k, Gen 4 A9 Processor, Evo (evo panels contain a new luminous element that promises higher brightness, clarity, detail and punch)

Z1 OLED available in 77” and 88” 8K

LG partnered with Xbox and Nvidia so that its G1, C1, and Z1 OLEDs could be fitted with G-Sync anti-tearing, stuttering and juddering technology, as well as AMD's FreeSync Premium equivalent. HDMI 2.1 features such as VRR are also correct and present. LG will also be the first brand to have the Google Stadia app available on its TVs in the US, UK and much of Europe.

LG also discussed LG QNED MiniLEDs, as previously announced, which combine both NanoCell and quantum dot technologies with Mini LED backlight control. There will also be some plain NanoCell TVs as well, which will come with many of the gaming features, including the Google Stadia app, in addition to non-NanoCell LCD TVs for the budget end of the market.

No pricing or shipping information at this time

LG's webOS 6.0 Smart TV

LG Electronics (LG) announced the introduction of webOS 6.0 for its 2021 OLED, QNED Mini LED, NanoCell and UHD smart TVs. Paired with the new Magic Remote, the latest version of the company's acclaimed TV platform offers viewers a more enjoyable and intuitive content discovery experience. The upgraded LG ThinQ AI in webOS 6.0 supports new voice commands for both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, making TV management and searching across streaming services, internet and broadcast channels easier than ever before.

LG's new Magic Remote offers simpler controls when using voice recognition with multi-AI offerings of LG ThinQ, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.* Simple to navigate, slick, easy to hold and use, the Magic Remote offers more user-friendly features including fast connections between the TV and other devices and hot keys for accessing popular content providers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.** Magic Tap, a one-touch Near Field Communication (NFC) function on the Magic Remote, provides virtually instant access to a host of exciting viewing possibilities. By simply touching a compatible NFC-enabled smartphone*** to the remote, viewers can share content from their phones to the LG TVs or vice versa. Users can also view content stored in these mobile phones on their LG TVs while continuing to use their favorite smartphone apps and features.

myQ® Opens Introduces Smart Access Solutions

• myQ Pet Portal - Allows you to control the pet door with two way audio and video through the myQ Pet Portal app. now available for pre-order on myQpetportal.com starting at $2,999
  
• In-Garage Grocery Delivery Service - a new service that allows eligible Prime members to have their grocery orders from Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh delivered securely into their garage. More info here
  
• myQ Smart Community Access - allows residents to view and verify their guests' identities before granting them entry to the building or community. See Demo here
  
• myQ Smart Vehicle Access - will provide their drivers with the ability to safely open, close and monitor their garage door from wherever they are on their journey. More info here

Moen Smart Water Products

• U by Moen Smart Faucet - offers completely touchless functionality.
  
• Flo by Moen - smart home water security system that features a suite of products to protect a home from water damage and leaks, 24/7. With the Moen App, consumers also get an unprecedented ability to control, conserve and monitor their home's water from anywhere at any time. Products include: Smart Sump Pump Monitor, and Smart Water Shutoff
  

Hisense Starts a New Era of TriChroma Laser TV

Hisense announced this cutting-edge display technology with a transformative product line of laser TV – TriChroma Laser TV on Monday. The technology is packaging and controlling separate lasers to get purer colors for display. A 128% improvement is achieved in the original RGB color. TriChroma also attains 20% brightness enhancement at the pixel-level with a 430-nit picture brightness, exceeding that of a regular TV.

TriChroma laser technology, new TV product lines include various screen sizes, from 75-inch to 100-inch giant screen with elimination of ambient lighting. Since the color gamut coverage reaches up to 151% of the DCI-P3 film color standard, it is almost 50% beyond high-end cinema. Audiences can enjoy a strong sense of presence and stunning in-cinema viewing experience at home.

More Laser TV models will be released this year, enriching consumers with more options than ever and projecting a promising market share in 2021.

TCL

TCL Television

TCL announced its 3rd generation of mini-LED backlight will be launching later this year - OD Zero mini-LED technology. OD Zero is TCL's latest mini-LED backlight technology that delivers an ultra-slim display with tens of thousands of mini-LEDs and thousands of Contrast Control Zones™ for striking brightness, precision contrast, and smooth uniformity. The zero represents the measurement of distance between TCL's mini-LED backlight layer and the LCD display layer, which has now been reduced to a remarkable 0 mm to create an ultra-thin high-performance panel. 

All 2021 6-Series TCL Roku TV models being launched will feature 8K resolution. With 8K resolution four times sharper than today's 4K TVs, this means sharp clarity whether the content is native 8K from popular streaming services or if it's 4K content that's intelligently upscaled with TCL's powerful AiPQ Engine™ technology. While the new 6-Series 8K TCL Roku TVs will roll out later this year, all existing 6-Series 4K TCL Roku TV models will continue to be available. 

TCL will debut The XL Collection – the company's first lineup of 85" displays. Three different models will make up the XL Collection this year and each 85" TV will feature performance levels for every kind of home theater. From a simply smart 85" 4-Series TCL Roku TV that delivers the easiest way to enjoy 4K HDR streaming and an 85" 4K HDR TCL Roku TV with QLED picture quality to the ultimate 85" mini-LED powered 8K TCL TV with QLED wide color technology, the XL Collection will fit any budget and exceed the highest performance standards to deliver larger-than-life home entertainment.

The 85R745 including Quantum Dot (QLED) color technology delivers better brightness and wider color volume; Dolby Vision; Dolby Atmos™ ; Contrast Control Zone technology, as well as Variable Refresh Rate and 120Hz HDMI input support for a smoother gaming experience

The massive models of the XL Collection will be available in North America during the year ahead, starting with the 4-Series TCL Roku TV 85" set (85R435) launching later this quarter at just $1599. The 85" QLED TCL Roku TV (85R745) and 85" mini-LED powered 8K TV will arrive in the months to follow.

TCL Electronics also announced that it will roll out a TCL Google TV™ series in 2021 to TCL customers, starting in the United States and later in other parts of the world.

TCL Google TVs will combine TCL's industry-leading display technologies, such as Mini-LED, 8K and QLED, with Google's new entertainment experience, to help users discover and access the content they love in stunning definition on the latest TCL screens more easily than ever before.

TCL Google TVs bring together movies, shows, live TV and more from across apps and subscriptions and organizes them for each user. It offers personalized recommendations so TCL users can discover new things to watch. Users can even ask Google to find movies and shows, answer questions, and control smart home devices with their voice on TCL's big screens.

TCL Audio

TCL has teamed up with Roku to launch the new Alto R1 soundbar, the company's first entry into "wireless" bars and the first soundbar to use Roku proprietary WiFi AUDIO streaming technology. This new feature completely eliminates the need to use a cable when connecting to the TV. Rather, simply plug the soundbar power cord into your wall outlet, turn it on and the TCL Roku TV will automatically generate an on-screen guide for set-up.

Additional non-wireless options with Roku TV Ready will also be available later in the year. For consumers who want a bar with Dolby Atmos and voice capabilities, the Alto 82i with Dolby Atmos, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay will launch in Q3 with dual built-in subwoofers. Two additional bars will round out the Alto lineup in 2021. The Alto 8e with a 3.2.1 configuration, Dolby Atmos, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Airplay and Spotify compatibility, along with a wireless subwoofer and up-firing speakers will be available in Q2. And lastly, another premium soundbar with Dolby Atmos.

Cleer Crescent Smart Audio Speaker

Newsweek - Best of CES 2020, House Beautiful - Best of CES 2020, AVS Forum - Best of CES 2020

Scheduled to ship in early January The speaker has a linear array of eight custom 40mm

full-range drivers and two 3.3-inch subwoofers. It usee Dysonics' SoundShaping software to create an immersive listening experience, Wide Stereo Model mimics the sonic ambiance of a large orchestral performance, creating a soundstage from the stereo for far field and near field listening similar to that of a high end audio setup. Powered by Google Assistant, the Crescent incorporates an optimized mic array with noise-rejection technology for superior far-field voice recognition. The Crescent also supports Hi-Res digital audio formats and streaming from Spotify Connect Apple AirPlay 2, AAC, FLAC, WMA anc Apple Lossless, and Chromecast.

Audio sources include With Wi-Fi, 3.5mm Aux, RJ25 and optical.

Crescent's design was intended to fit in with decor regardless where it's placed in the home.

A speaker grille with an acoustic construction structure and a reinforced speaker cabinet with glass fiber ribs for reduced vibrations and sonic resonance.

The Crescent Smart Home Speaker, available is in champagne color, is priced at $699.99.

WiSA Releases Sound Send Audio Transmitter

WiSA, founded by Summit Wireless Technologies, is introducing SoundSend, the Association's first branded product. Consumer Electronic brands can now offer audio enthusiasts smart surround sound 5.1 systems hard bundled with SoundSend or co-promote with premium audio

speakers or TVs.

The SoundSend HDMI audio transmitter is designed to make true wireless multichannel audio accessible in minutes, without the need of WiFi, to any smart TV with ARC/eARC connections and transmits high-resolution audio automatically to WiSA Certified(tm) audio speakers an immersive cinema experience at home.

Transmitting high-quality 24-bit/96kHz audio for up to eight channels, SoundSend is the Association's first product and offers advanced tuning features including My Zone to create the

perfect sweet spot, and decoding capabilities for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, Dolby True-

HD and Dolby Atmos.

Sound Send is available now for $179 through Amazon and other online stores.

Platin Audio Expands Monaco Product Line to Include the First Smart Surround Sound System With the New WiSA SoundSend Wireless Audio Transmitter

WiSA® LLC announced a wireless home cinema bundle complete with the WiSA SoundSend audio transmitter, the Association’s first branded product, and the Tuned by THX™ Monaco 5.1 Immersive Wireless Home Audio System™ from Platin Audio. The bundle is now available for online purchase for $899 through Amazon, Newegg, eBay and Target.

The Monaco 5.1 with WiSA SoundSend system gives users immersive, theater-quality sound experiences made possible by WiSA Certified™ speakers and the HDMI (or optical)-connected audio transmitter, enabling for effortless home cinema setup and control in less than ten minutes. The SoundSend transmitter, WiSA’s first branded product, is a universal wireless multichannel home cinema audio transmitter designed to enable simple, yet amazing, home entertainment experiences for owners of smart TVs. The transmitter easily connects via HDMI/ARC and eARC to hundreds of millions of new and installed smart TVs. Better than unidirectional soundbars, the Platin Monaco and WiSA SoundSend system allows consumers to easily create truly immersive home cinema experiences in minutes.

The compact Monaco 5.1 system from Platin is Tuned by THX and perfectly combines high-definition audio quality and a less than 5.2 millisecond latency for picture-perfect lip sync. With only a 1-microsecond synchronization between speakers, the result is amazing accuracy and clarity. The system fits easily into any size living space--no audio cables required--and users can connect the speakers to any AC outlet. WiSA SoundSend decodes Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital +, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos and offers audio quality of up to 24bit/96kHz. The SoundSend and Monaco combination can also create virtual Dolby Atmos experiences when an Atmos signal is delivered to SoundSend.

Sony 2021 Models Announced

All Sony TVS will include XR processing with AI driven texture enhancement, color recreation, signal and data processing and Netflix Calibrated Mode and IMAX Enhanced content, HDMI 2.1 compatibility, including support for eARC, 4K resolution at 120Hz and features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) compatibility, with tuners that can handle the new 4K-capable broadcast standard.

The other major change coming to Sony TVs is the transition from Android TV to its successor Google TV, first introduced last year on the new Chromecast with Google TV. One of the major features of Google TV is an emphasis on Google Assistant and Google Home voice interaction. Sony steps up this capability by introducing hands-free voice control for several of its 2021 Google TVs. All TVs support Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound along with HDMI 2.1 compatibility.

• Sony Master Series Z9J 8K LED TV. It’s the only 8K model announced at this time, and Sony will offer the set in 75- and 85-inch screen sizes. Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, which delivers a sound from screen effect for more immersive listening and sound positioning that matches sound effects and dialogue to the objects and actors on screen. Also known as Cognitive TV which Sony says is a new processing method designed to replicate the ways humans see and hear. Cognitive Processor XR divides the screen into numerous zones and detects where the “focal point” is in the picture. The new processor can cross-analyze multiple elements at once, Sony claims, helping to adjust each element to its best final outcome. Cognitive Processor XR can also analyze sound position in the signal so the sound matches with what’s on the screen, as well as upconverting any sound to 3D surround sound.
  
• Sony Master Series A90J OLED TV. Available in 55-, 65- and 83-inch sizes, Sony’s newest OLED model promises beautiful picture quality with XR OLED contrast enhancement that adjusts the brightness for higher brights and deeper blacks, as well as XR triluminos pro for a wider color gamut and more realistic color palette. The A90J also features Acoustic Multi-Audio technology.
  
• Sony X95J. Available in 85-, 75- and 65-inch sizes is 4K. The X95JJ also features Acoustic Multi-Audio technology.
  
• Sony X90J, starting with a 50-inch set and ranging up to 75 inches is 4K. The X90J does not have hands-free capability or the room-listening mics that feature entails.

Sony has not announced pricing for any of the above sets, or dates for retail availability but these details will be announced in spring of 2021, suggesting these models will go on sale sometime in the early part of this year.

JBL launches new AirPods Pro competitors

• JBL Live Pro Plus - available on JBL.com on March 14, for $180 in four color options -- black, white, pink and beige. Adaptive Noise Canceling with Smart Ambient, Wireless charging, Speed Charge (10 minutes of charging gets you an hour of playback), Echo canceling mic technology are just a few of it's features
  
• Live Free NC Plus - available on JBL.com on March 14 for $150 in four color options -- black, blue, white and rose. Active Noise Canceling with Smart Ambient, Wireless charging
  
• JBL Reflect Mini NC TWS - Due in the Spring for $150. Available in blue, white and black. Active noise canceling with Smart Ambient feature, Independent earbud use (you can use a single bud)
  
• JBL Tour Pro Plus - JBL's Tour Series headphones will be available in black at major retailers and on JBL.com on May 30 for $200. 6.8mm dynamic drivers, Six hours of battery with active noise canceling on, eight hours with Bluetooth only, Check My Best Fit feature lets you check your ear fit with the companion app.  

KOHLER Expands Smart Home Collection at CES 2021, Emphasizes Wellbeing and Touchless Experiences for Kitchen and Bath

Kohler introduced four new smart home products:

• Stillness Bath - This experiential bath draws its inspiration from Japanese forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku. Water, light, fog and aromas converge to create an immersive journey of the senses designed to relax the mind, soothe the body, and renew the spirit.
  
• Innate Intelligent Toilet - Innate includes a heated seat, auto open and close, intuitive remote, and personal bidet functionality.
  
• Touchless Residential Bathroom Faucet - The touchless bathroom faucet offers hands-free activation for washing hands, brushing teeth, and other daily tasks. There is also a remote puck that allows for a retrofit solution add-on to any KOHLER single control bathroom faucet.
  
• Kohler and Phyn Partnership - Kohler will launch two co-branded products with Phyn in 2021 – the KOHLER Whole Home Water Monitor Powered by Phyn – a DIY unit and a Pro version with an automatic shut off. The DIY version mounts under a single sink and can be easily installed by a homeowner. The Pro variation is installed at a water main, either inside or outside the home, and can mitigate costly damage through an automatic water shutoff feature.
  

D-Link's introduces new solutions for safety, entertainment, learning, and working at home

D-Link showcased their latest mydlink, Wi-Fi 6, 5G, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet solutions that digitally transform the home to meet users' needs for today’s demanding applications 

• Home Safety - As more people are staying home due to the pandemic, the safety of the home has become more important than ever. D-Link's latest mydlink cameras and sensors, such as this year's CES Innovation Award Honoree Whole Home Smart Wi-Fi Water Sensor Kit, keep the home connected and protected, without sacrificing privacy.
  
• Home Entertainment - D-Link's new Wi-Fi 6 router, switch, and adapters bring revolutionary Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GE technology to users at home, including a 2021 CES Innovation Award Honoree, D-Link's USB-C to 2.5G Ethernet Adapter. Wi-Fi 6 is capable of a maximum throughput of 9.6 Gbps across multiple channels,
  

Samsung

Neo QLED

Using the new Quantum Matrix Technology. It precisely controls Samsung's exclusive new Quantum Mini LED to express blacks, whites and every shade in between with extraordinary accuracy. The Neo Quantum Processor Deep learning algorithms optimize your viewing conditions, improving movies, shows and games in real time. And with Neo QLED 8K, an AI-powered 8K picture is completed by 16 multi-model neural networks.

Quantum HDR sets the new standard for incredible, crisp detail and rich, accurate color. The dynamic tone mapping of HDR10+ adjusts color and contrast scene by scene, allowing you to appreciate even the smallest details. 

Realistic 3D sound puts you in the middle of the action. Dynamic sound pinpoints movement from all corners of the screen with dedicated up-firing and side-firing speakers to bring each scene to life.

Micro LED

Discover stunning details on our biggest display that surpasses your greatest expectations. Energy-efficent technology delivers true-to-life color, sharp contrast and optimal brightness in every scene.

Arena Sound Placed with ultimate precision for maximum effect, a full-range speaker delivers vivid, lifelike sound to fully immerse you in every scene. Object tracking and vocal clarity create a multi-dimensional soundscape to complete — and elevate — the viewing experience.

4Vue Get an immersive experience and view up to four screens at once from a variety of sources — including the four HDMI ports.

110-inch MICRO LED: This new screen features self-lit inorganic LED with a slim and nearly bezel-less Infinity Screen design that seamlessly blends into the living space. The result is a spectacularly immersive viewing experience with astounding picture quality. The 110-inch MICRO LED also adds “4Vue” (Quad View), a four-way viewing option—so you can keep up with multiple sports at once, or stream a tutorial while playing a video game. Also, for US consumers, more than 160 free channels are available through Samsung TV Plus. MICRO LED will be rolled out globally beginning this spring. 

Lifestyle TV: Samsung’s cutting-edge lifestyle TV lineup includes The Serif, The Frame, The Sero and The Terrace—a recently launched 4K QLED outdoor TV—as well as Samsung The Premiere, a cinema-like quality 4K laser projector.

SmartThings Cooking: A new service from Samsung SmartThings is designed to make your culinary journey seamless. An automatic Meal Planner powered by Whisk’s Food AI recommends meals for the whole week, makes shopping lists with the ingredients you need, and connects to grocery retailers for one-stop shopping straight from the Family Hub™ refrigerator or your mobile screen. Recipe instructions can be sent directly to synced Samsung cooking devices to minimize hassles and mistakes

Bringing AI and Robots to Daily Life Including Housekeeping

Samsung has long been at the forefront of AI and robotics innovation, leveraging its seven global AI research centers to advance technology. By bringing AI to its products, Samsung is creating new home experiences—from washing machines that optimize water usage, detergents, and wash cycles, to TVs with a Quantum AI Processor that can upscale HD content into pristine 8K resolution.

The major technologies featured during Samsung’s press conference include the following:

JetBot 90 AI+: Coming to the US 1H 2021, this new vacuum cleaner uses object recognition technology to identify and classify objects to decide the best cleaning path. LiDAR and 3D sensors allow JetBot 90 AI+ to avoid cables and small objects, while still cleaning hard-to-reach corners in your home. Also outfitted with a camera, JetBot 90 AI+ is integrated with the SmartThings app to assist you with home monitoring.

Samsung Bot™ Care: The latest development in Samsung’s growing robotics lineup, Samsung Bot™ Care is designed use AI to recognize and respond to your behavior. It will be able to act as both a robotic assistant and companion, helping to take care of the details in your life. It will also learn your schedule and habits and send you reminders to help guide you throughout your busy day.

Samsung Bot™ Handy: Also in development, Samsung Bot™ Handy will rely on advanced AI to recognize and pick up objects of varying sizes, shapes and weights, becoming an extension of you and helping you with work around the house. Samsung Bot™ Handy will be able to tell the difference between the material composition of various objects, utilizing the appropriate amount of force to grab and move around household items and objects, working as your trusted partner to help with house chores like cleaning up messy rooms or sorting out the dishes after a meal.

TV without cords

Many electronics manufacturers strive for the better user's experience and comfort. One of such efforts is to make devices working without cords by getting the power wirelessly – literally through the air.

The R&D stage startup Reasonance has presented one of its prototypes, a fully wireless 40" TV powered with 120W. For demonstration purposes the receiving coil has been placed on the back panel, though for the product itself it can be incorporated inside.

Explanation of the technology can be found here

Technical data of the TV powered by REASONANCE

Power transferred    120 W

Frequency used 20-120 kHz

Distance (orthogonal alignment) 50 cm (19.5”)

Efficiency 90%

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