CES 2019: OtterBox and PopSockets partner for this handy case

Seems like a partnership that should’ve existed a long time ago, but we welcome it, nonetheless. OtterBox and PopSockets address a clunky problem with the latter’s product with the new Otter + Pop case. The OtterBox case comes with a built-in PopGrip, which can handle swappable PopTops. The case itself comes in black, blue, or mauve, and it comes with PopTop that matches the case. But, as mentioned, you can put any PopTop you want. What’s great is the PopTop lays flush against the case when you aren’t using it, letting you lay the phone flat on a surface. It’s available for the iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus (sorry iPhone XR users, no case for you). Prices start at US$59.95 (approx. CA$80).

Source: The Verge

CES 2019: Miku Baby Monitor helps keep your child safe and secure

This new baby monitor doesn’t just help you check in with your baby to see if he or she slept through the night, it also gives you a better look at your child’s health. Co-founder and CEO Eric White relied on his experience that helped him develop things like counter-remote controlled improvised explosive devices (Counter-RCIED) or others related to electronic warfare to create one of the most advanced baby monitors yet. The Miku Baby Monitor tracks breathing, motion, sounds, and sleeping patterns of your baby. It can even monitor temperature and humidity levels in your baby’s room to make sure it’s comfortable for them. The MikuMind app for iOS and Android gives you everything from sleep reports, health tips from pediatric experts, and archive of photos and videos taken from the high-definition 1080p cameras (it has nigh vision mode, in case you were wondering).

This smart baby monitor also has two-way talk system using the dual Ole Wolff speakers, which you can use to play sleep sounds and music via the MikuMind app. With the data collected by the monitor, you will be able to get check-up reminders or get alerts when the baby’s vitals—like heart rate or breathing—change. We don’t know yet what the cloud service or app subscription rates will be, but the monitor comes with a 30-day MikuMind subscription. It costs US$399 and for now the company is running a special which includes a year of MikuMind (valued at $120) and free shipping.

Source: Digital Trends

CES 2019: Philips Hue launches new motion sensor, adds more outdoor lighting options

Philips Hue adds more outdoor lighting options, in case you need them. One of them is a new Hue Outdoor sensor that’s going on sale next month in the US for US$50. It’s capable of detecting motion up to 39 feet away. You can stick it anywhere you want, and it’s just powered by a battery. You can pair that with the new outdoor lights that range from US$110 to $140. The cheapest one is a white floodlight, while the most expensive option is a colour-changing floodlight. There is also a series of colour-changing lanterns, if you’re interested in those.

On top of introducing new outdoor lights, Philips Hue lights are getting new Google Assistant features. You can set Hue lights to sync with your morning alarm, so these slowly brighten before the alarm goes off. Conversely, you can set these to fade out at night after a specific time. Expect to get these functions in March.

Source: The Verge

CES 2019: ASUS ROG Mothership reimagines the desktop replacement laptop

If we bulked up and branded the Microsoft Surface Pro as a gaming device, the ASUS Republic of Gamers Mothership is what it’s going to look like. There’s no denying the visual impact of this desktop replacement laptop. The screen and keyboard can come apart and make it seem like some sort of really bulky laptop but smaller all-in-one PC. The 17.3-inch 144Hz G-Sync screen stands on its own in a similar way as the Nintendo Switch does and it’s important because ASUS says this helps facilitate the flow of “more air into its advanced cooling system.” ASUS pairs this with powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 and an Intel Core i9-8950HK processor.

ASUS opted to try out this design because based on its observation and research gamers liked to connect external keyboards to existing laptops and play games. According to their study, “gamers prefer their keyboards off to the side and at an angle.” Cooling is the other important consideration. ASUS wanted this beast of a laptop to be somewhat portable and to do that, the company opted out of liquid-cooling. Having an upright design increases the effectiveness of its air-cooling system. There’s no word on price and availability just yet but don’t expect this to be a cheap device.

Source: IGN