The year always starts with a look at the latest tech at the annual Consumer Electronics Show. Now that the dust has settled on the annual show, the tech announced at the show is starting to trickle out into the real world. And several of those new announcements could be ideal for the small business owner. Here’s what we learned from CES 2020.
Wearables are getting weirder.
Sure, you’ve heard of smart watches, but what about adding a smart belt to your business attire? The Welt Smart Belt Pro will measure the usual things that a smartwatch does, like step count and how much time you spend sitting. But, the waist-bound design also introduces a few other new features. The app will help monitor your waist size and eating patterns, while the smart belt also has an option to help prevent falls. Finally, Welt offers a way to track how much you sit at your desk for those who hate wearing things around their wrist.
But wearables are also getting smarter.
Smart belt not your style? The traditional smartwatches are getting smarter. The Suunto 7 is a new smartwatch with a unique feature, the ability to bring up a map of your location right on your watch. The watch will also control your music through your wrist and track your heartbeat. Oh, and it’s stylish enough to go with any business attire.
Laptops are getting more powerful — and foldable.
Laptops are simultaneously getting more powerful while also getting more portable. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook was a CES crowd favorite with the latest Intel Core processor and a 4K touchscreen that flips either way.
But the folding capability of some smartphones could also make a big splash in the laptop category. The ThinkPad X1 Fold is sort of tablet-laptop with a folding screen, a magnetic add-on keyboard, and touchscreen pen. The unique portable device will use Windows 10.
Another interesting laptop for small business — or anyone, really — is the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus. The laptop has an e-ink display built into the top, so open, it’s a laptop, closed, it’s an e-reader that’s not as hard on your eyes.
Wireless charging is here — and built into the most convenient devices.
Wireless charging has slowly been entering the fray — but why just have a charging centre when it could be part of something more convenient? The Citation Oasis is an alarm clock that has a built-in wireless charging pad. Imagine getting ready for work in the morning with your smartphone on hand without any wires. Made by Harmon Kardon, the smart alarm clock also has Google Assistant built in.
Technology can help make the lives of small business owners simpler — and there’s no place to get a better glimpse at upcoming technology than at CES. Weird, smart wearables, folding laptops, and smart alarm clocks were among the devices we can’t wait to see.