Real Estate Industry News

Smart home technology dominated CES 2020. Throughout a variety of categories including home entertainment, appliances and even mattresses—convenience, integration (especially with Google Home and Alexa) and AI (artificial intelligence) were major trends. Furthermore, while technology and aesthetics tend not to parallel each other, this year there were even a few exceptions to that rule.

Among thousands of booths, brands and ideas, here are six items for the home that truly stood out.

LG Signature OLED TV R

LG’s OLED TV R had the most “wow factor,” of any television or possibly any product at CES. The R stands for rollable. This is the only television available designed to roll into a sleek base to become entirely hidden. Made of ultra-thin, flexible glass, it can also roll up partially to display the time, weather, or even photos chosen by the user. 

The Dolby Atmos sound system plays from the base, so a separate (and likely far more noticeable looking) system isn’t necessary. It’s currently available in a 65-inch size only and will begin shipping in 2020. While many people enjoy showing off their home media, the call has finally been answered for those who prefer a more subtle approach.

LG Instaview With Craft Ice

Who thought ice could be improved? LG did! The Instaview refrigerator has a water and ice dispenser on the outside of the door as well as a tray that fills with craft ice inside the freezer. These large palm-sized balls of ice melt slowly making it ideal for home mixologists or anyone who wants a cold (but certainly not watered down) drink. 

But, that’s not the only tech in this product. Knock twice on the glass panel and it lights up so you can see what is inside the fridge without opening the door. It’s also designed to keep produce fresh twice as long with smart cooling sensors and vent control.

Toto Flotation Tub With Zero Dimension

Toto’s Flotation Tub made its debut at CES 2020. At first glance, it simply looks like a strikingly designed soaking tub. However, the ten years of research and design that has gone into developing this product has made it like nothing else. 

Sitting in this tub puts the body in the same position as astronauts sleep, taking all weight off the bones and joints in zero gravity. This posture allows for maximum relaxation. Jets simulate the feeling of being massaged by real hands on the lower back. Truly a triumph of design and technology, this is more than just a bathtub to clean the body—it’s a place to relax the mind. 

U By Moen Smart Faucet

The U By Moen Smart Faucet will please both design and smart home aficionados alike. In addition to manual and censor activation, this product also integrates with Google Voice and Alexa. It can turn on and off as well as provide precise measurements anywhere from one teaspoon to fifteen gallons of water with voice activation. The water can also be dispensed at a specific temperature (89 degrees) or less specific such as “hot” and “cold.” 

It can even be programmed to complete tasks such as filling a coffee pot, dog bowl or a baby’s bottle with voice control. 

Several styles are available including matte black, stainless steel and gold finishes. 

Drinkworks Home Bar By Keurig

Keurig revolutionized the way many people make drink coffee and Drinkworks Home Bar might just do the same for cocktails. The machine uses water, carbon dioxide (two canisters are included with the purchase of the machine) and a K-Cup filled with concentrate to make each drink. 

There are currently 24 cocktails to choose from including classics such as margaritas and Moscow Mules along with new favorites like Rosé Spritzer. There are even Becks and Bass beers as well as Stella Artois Cidre. The number of options is only likely to increase as this innovation becomes just as popular as its parent product has.

Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed

Winning a CES 2020 “Best of Innovation” award, this mattress is set to change the game when it comes to health and wellness. Beyond simply comfort, the features and research behind this product are the results of data taken from millions of sleep sessions. 

The Climate360 creates personalized microclimates, heating and cooling, by adjusting to the user’s natural sleep cycles. Like other Sleep Number products, it adjusts each side of the bed separately. Additionally, the head and foot of each side have separate zone controls.

But it also takes smart home technology to the next level with sensors that record more than 10 billion biometric data points every night. Users can access a variety of wellness reports related to sleep, cardiovascular and respiratory health. Sleep Number’s Climate360 is set to roll out in 2021 for nearly $8k.