What’s new in technology and consumer electronics
If you’re looking for something new – either for a gift or for yourself – take a look at some of the hottest, coolest and most sizzling items around.
Do the robot.
iRobot launched the new Braava series of floor mopping robots this year. It’s a big announcement from the company that has been a leader in the consumer robot market for over 10 years. The Braava series robot actually mops or sweeps most hard-surface floors. The Northstar navigation system enables the robot to see where it’s going.
The company has also branched out to a new robot that you simply place in your dirty gutter, disconnect the remote handle and let it go. It actually travels across your gutter flushing out all the built-up debris. It’s small enough to get under gutter straps and you just hose it down when you’re done. It doesn’t get much easier than this.
For the gamers.
This year, gaming consoles from Microsoft and Sony are serving up massive hardware performance and 4K streaming content. The Xbox One S even plays Ultra HD Blu-rays and starts at $299. This feature is outstanding as standalone 4K Blu-ray players are a premium price. To improve aesthetics, both manufacturers slimmed down the size of the consoles 30-40 percent.
Connect your home.
While, Abt offers professional home security solutions, there are some fantastic do-it-yourself options for connected homes as well. The new Nest Cam gives you outdoor/indoor surveillance options without the need for a professional installation. The fact that Nest has a wired solution as opposed to being battery powered is a huge advantage. Establishing your hardwired power connection may make your installation tricky, however, it’ll be worth it. Battery powered surveillance will limit your usage. “Push” products like these will bleed batteries dry.
There’s a great deal of features that will trigger the Nest Cam into action. Nest Cam has all the A/V tech you want: 1080P video, night vision, weatherproof, easily connected magnetic mounts and 130 degree wide-angle view. My top two features that really set this apart from the competition is the ability to live-stream the feed and the microphone/speaker that lets you communicate to whoever you see in your camera.
Wireless headphones that rock.
Wireless headphones continue to gain momentum. This year, manufacturers are taking the concept literally. Manufacturers like Samsung are removing the cables that connect wireless headphones together. Beyond becoming truly wireless, the new Gear IconX heaphones jam pack sensors, storage and amazing features beyond the ability to play a song.
Visualize this: You’re going on a 30 minute run. You’re not bringing your phone, iPod, Fitbit or any tech with you except your new Samsung Gear IconX Wireless earbuds. When you’re on your run, you have access to your favorite running playlist you’ve loaded into the 4GB internal memory of the IconX earbuds. Your run’s speed, distance and calories burned are all tracked from your IconX earbuds. The earbuds even track your heart rate! When you get back from your run and place your IconX earbuds back in their case, the case charges them back up. The Gear IconX earbuds are an amazing fusion of wearable technology and wireless headphones.
Find these fantastic finds and more at abt.com or at their store Abt Electronics, 1200 N. Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, 847-954-4100.
