CES - Polk Intros Command Bar Sound Bar with Alexa, 4K TV Support

LAS VEGAS – Polk is giving Amazon’s Alexa a face lift—er, voice lift—with its Command Bar. The sound bar packs in an array of speakers for sound that nicely filled the large presentation space where we got our fist look, plus it includes a wireless subwoofer and, of course, integrated Alexa support. It also includes Polk Voice Adjust technology that makes it easier to hear dialog. The Command Bar packs in dual 4K HDMI 2.0b HDMI inputs, optical input for TV audio, HDMI (ARC) output, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a USB port for Fire TV, and a far field microphone array for Alexa voice control. You can pre-order one for US$299.95 starting April 1, 2018, in the United States and Canada, and in other countries later in the year.

CES - DJI Osmo Mobile 2, a Handheld Video Stabilizers for Smartphones

CES – DJI, best known for drones, announced Osmo Mobile 2 this week at CES. It’s a handheld smartphone gimbal designed to stabilize your videos by keeping it level despite your movements. Or, as DJI put it, Osmo Mobile 2’s, “three-axis gimbal technology cancels out movement in three directions so your video stays steady even if your hands shake or wobble.” It has a built-in rechargeable 2600mAh battery for up to 15 hours of operation, with a charging time of 2 hours. The device is priced at US$129, and will be available exclusively for pre-order at Apple.com on January 23rd, 2018. It will be available more widely starting in early February.

CES - DynaFocals Smart Glasses Give Your Progressive Lenses Auto-focus

LAS VEGAS – The idea of moving your head to see through the different focus areas in progressive lens glasses seems pretty crappy to PH Techical Labs, so they invented Dynafocals: glasses frames that adjust the lenses for you. Dynafocals have a proximity sensor to gauge how far away whatever you’re looking at is, and can subtly move the lenses so you’re looking through the right part. They’ll be available this year for US$149 and the company includes instructions for your optometrist on making the lenses.

CES - Healbe GoBe 2, a Wearable That Tracks Caloric Intake, Calories Burned, Hydration Levels

CES – Healbe demonstrated GoBe 2, the company’s wearable it claims can track caloric intake, calories burned, and hydration levels, all non-invasively. It uses five activity and stress sensors, with all data sent securely to the GoBe 2 app for iOS or Android. The company is also developing a portal that will allow users to send data to “trusted nutritionists/wellness coaches,” though Healbe didn’t elaborate. GoBe 2 is water resistant in fresh water, but not salt water, and it works up to 48 hours on a charge. GoBe 2 is priced at US$199, with additional strap color options available at $19 each. It’s available now.

Ascape Audio Ascend-1 Truly Wireless Earbuds: $89.95

We have a deal on a pair of Ascape Audio Ascend-1 Truly Wireless Earbuds. The feature custom drivers built with 2098 graphene-enhance microfilm diaphragms. It comes with three different size tips to fit different ears, and the device runs up to 5 hours on a  charge. The charging case itself holds enough power for 6 charges.