It was great to be back in Las Vegas for CES® 2023. The most obvious trend this year was the focus on partnerships. Companies big and small, from every sector, were touting the benefits of working together. There were dozens of companies showing off amazing technology. In most cases, tech was “new and improved,” as opposed to “brand new.” But there were a few standout products and services, and I’ve chosen five of my favorites to share with you.
1. Withings U-Scan
Withings says that U-Scan is the first hands-free connected home urine lab. The sensor sits inside the toilet bowl and the system provides an immediate snapshot of the body’s balance by monitoring and detecting a large variety of biomarkers found in urine. The company says that U-Scan can tell which family member is which, so there is no need to think about the device while doing your business.
U-Scan is rechargeable and lasts approximately 90 days on a single charge. At the moment, you can choose one of three different focuses for testing: nutrition and general health, cycle tracking, or a professional cartridge that can be programmed by a medical professional. Withings says it will be partnering with various healthcare organizations to create a variety of specialized testing cartridges.
I’m told that early detection is often the key to successful medical outcomes. Other companies such as ViraWarn, Omron, and MedWand were all showing consumer tech designed for early diagnostic testing. Hopefully, this trend will continue.
2. Sony Mocopi
Motion capture is the process of digitally recording patterns of movement for the purpose of animating a digital character. This technique usually requires an actor to wear a bodysuit made out of ultimatte-green or non-repro-blue material with dozens of white reference dots at specific joints. It also requires sophisticated lighting and camera equipment.
Mocopi is a consumer version that requires wearing six sensors (wrists, ankles, head, and back) and a smartphone. The camera captures the movement and allows the user to create real-time animation. It will be amazing for social media creators, but it will also be a huge time and money saver for professional production designers and directors who want to previsualize camera angles, lighting, blocking, etc. The system will be available in the United States later this year. Pricing is estimated to be under $500.
3. Rollo
The story of CES 2023 was about companies focusing on core competencies and partnerships. There is no better example of this trend than Rollo, a company focused on making shipping cheaper and easier. Rollo has partnerships with the USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc. It has a simple value proposition: no contracts, low shipping costs, super easy to use. Rollo also had the very best copyline at CES 2023: “Not owned by Jeff Bezos.”
4. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i
I’ve always liked the Yoga Book form factor, but Lenovo’s Yoga Book 9i takes flexibility to a new level. It has two 13.3-inch OLED screens which you can put side-by-side or stack over/under. The company says it will retail for under $2,000 when released later this year.
5. L’Oréal Hapta
Hapta is an assistive lipstick applicator based on the stabilizing silverware and cutlery produced by Verily. The Hapta has a magnetic attachment with 360 degrees of rotation and 180 degrees of flexion, while the head can be locked into position during use. The device will give agency and dignity to millions of people who do not possess the fine motor skills required to apply lipstick. Pricing will be $150–$200 when Hapta launches later this year.
Looking Forward
CES always provides a forward-looking crystal ball. You can see what will be shipping for the next two holiday seasons and get a glimpse of what may ship in the future.
CES 2023 did not disappoint. Devices like Mocopi and Hapta will ship this year, and they will change the way their respective processes were done in the past. Products like the Lenovo Yoga Book and services like Rollo follow a predictable path of continuous improvement. And technologies like U-Scan are positioned to disrupt entire industries. This is the magic of CES. The future is always on display—if you know where to look.
Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it. I am not a financial advisor. Nothing contained herein should be considered financial advice. If you are considering any type of investment you should conduct your own research and, if necessary, seek the advice of a licensed financial advisor.