CES 2022

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on CES 2022:

Dell’s new 4K USB-C monitors are first to use LG’s high-contrast ‘IPS Black’ tech

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Dell's new 27-inch and 32-inch UltraSharp monitors are the first to use LG's IPS Black Technology.
Dell's new 27-inch and 32-inch UltraSharp monitors are the first to use LG's IPS Black Technology.
Photo: Dell

Dell said it has started shipping two new monitors that are the first on the market using LG’s new IPS Black Technology, rolled out at CES in January. IPS Black promises 35% deeper blacks than typical 4K displays, which tend to have poor contrast in favor of other benefits (mainly brighter colors). That’s effectively doubles the usual contrast ratio to 2000:1.

If you depend on your display for the best possible image — say, like a designer does — the new monitors could offer the great color IPS displays are known for, but with solid contrast, too.

JBL has a new party in a box and lots of other big plans for your ears

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The JBL PartyBox Encore is a 100W speaker with a Lightshow and two microphones.
The JBL PartyBox Encore is a 100W speaker with a Lightshow and two microphones.
Photo: JBL

Every year Samsung subsidiary JBL rolls out a tempting raft of updated or new audio products at CES, but you can’t get them right away. CES 2022, held in Las Vegas earlier this month, was no different. The company showed its new JBL PartyBox Encore and a slew of other Bluetooth speakers, earbuds and headphones. We’ll round them up below. Some are coming in spring and others in summer.

Pozio Cradle keeps your phone from listening to you while you charge it

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The Pozio Cradle is a wireless charger that jams your smartphone's ability to hear you until you tell it to stop.
The Pozio Cradle is a wireless charger that jams your smartphone's ability to hear you until you tell it to stop.
Photo: Pozio

A device shown at CES 2022 that made some publications’ “weirdest stuff from the show” lists is the Pozio Cradle. It’s a “listening blocker” that wirelessly charges smartphones. It ensures your gadget and its voice assistant can’t hear or record what you say, according to the company.

Take the show wherever you go with Samsung’s new Freestyle projector

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The Samsung Freestyle projects video or ambient lighting and works as a smart speaker.
The Samsung Freestyle projects images, video or ambient lighting and works as a smart speaker.
Photo: Samsung

At CES 2022, Samsung Electronics showed a new portable screen and entertainment device it’s calling “The Freestyle.” The company also called the device the first of its kind. It’s a small projector and smart speaker that works with iOS and Android devices to stream video or sync audio to ambient lighting.

HomeKit shakes things up at CES 2022

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HomeKit was a stand-out star at CES 2022
CES 2022 brought daily announcements of new devices with Apple’s HomeKit home-automation system.
Photo: Cult of Mac

There is a lot to get HomeKit fans excited at this year’s CES tech showcase in Las Vegas. Quite a few companies announced products that will support Apple’s home-automation system, including lights, door cameras and more.

Glitzy projects like concept cars get more attention, but HomeKit accessories are more likely to make people’s lives better.

See all the craziest concept cars from CES 2022

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Cadillac's InnerSpace looks truly intergalactic.
Cadillac's InnerSpace looks truly intergalactic.
Photo: Cadillac

In recent years, CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics confab, has become quite the major auto show. After all, consumer tech and automotive tech keep blending more and more. For CES 2022, automakers like BMW, Cadillac, Hyundai, Mercedes and Sony — wait, who? — really put some crazy futuristic concepts into high gear.

Overall, the mix of ideas ranged from mildly interesting to jaw-dropping. You had the prosaic news, like Amazon Fire TV integrating with Ford and Lincoln vehicles and YouTube video appearing in Volvos. But you also had the wild stories, like some concept cars that look like they belong elsewhere in the galaxy and others that change colors by themselves.

Meanwhile, the projected year when Apple might release an autonomous car through Project Titan keeps getting pushed back despite keen interest in the project.

Nanoleaf lights are first non-Apple Thread border routers for HomeKit

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Nanoleaf's groovy mood lighting products will soon be Thread border routers for HomeKit devices.
Nanoleaf's groovy mood lighting products will soon be Thread border routers for HomeKit devices.
Photo: Nanoleaf

At CES 2022, Nanoleaf said an upcoming firmware update will make its lighting products the first third-party border routers for HomeKit-over-Thread devices available now and coming out in the future.

The firmware update, due to roll out in the first quarter of 2022, will broaden Nanoleaf products’ support for Thread, improving devices’ connectivity and reliability over home networks.

Aura Air purifier gets smarter with HomeKit [Updated]

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Aura Air purifier gets smarter with HomeKit
Aura Air just became a better option for Apple users looking for professional-grade air filtration.
Photo: Aura

The Aura Air cleanses and disinfects indoor air, getting rid of viruses, bacteria and mold. And the professional system will soon be upgraded to support Apple’s HomeKit automation system.

Satechi’s new AirPods Max charging stand also tops up your iPhone

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Satechi's new stand holds and charges AirPods Max and other gear -- and it looks good doing it.
Satechi's new stand holds and charges AirPods Max and other gear -- and it looks good doing it.
Photo: Satechi

Among accessories maker Satechi’s new products showing at CES 2022 is the new 2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger designed for AirPods Max, rolled out Thursday.

While a sleek, stainless steel arm suspends your headphones, the base charges your iPhone or other Qi-enabled device and provides a USB-C port to power up the headphones, too.

Belkin seriously challenges AirPods Pro with its new ANC earbuds

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Belkin's new ANC earbuds look like they match up pretty well with AirPods Pro.
Belkin's new ANC earbuds look like they match up pretty well with AirPods Pro.
Photo: Belkin

Building on other versions of ANC earbuds released in 2021, Belkin rolled out its new SoundForm Immerse Noise Cancelling Earbuds in Las Vegas this week — and they promptly became a CES Innovation Award 2022 Honoree.

The new buds challenge aging champ AirPods Pro, due for a revamp, not only with hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) with Hear-Thru mode, but they work with Apple’s vast Find My network. And they flaunt a number of premium features.

Belkin introduced other products at CES, too, of course.

Google steps up fight against iPhone by ripping off more Apple features

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Google rips off iPhone features
Spatial audio, unlock with Wear OS, and more on the way.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Google plans to make its latest Pixel and Wear OS devices more compelling alternatives to iPhone and Apple Watch by ripping off some of Cupertino’s most popular software features — including spatial audio and AirDrop.

The Android-maker revealed the long list of improvements, which will span all of Google’s software platforms as well as Windows, this week at the CES trade show in Las Vegas. Here’s what you can expect if you plan to ditch your Apple devices and swap sides.

Get ahead of the curve with Satechi’s new USB-4 MacBook hubs

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Satechi's new 4K Multiport Adapter supports 8K HDMI. Maybe soon your Mac will, too.
Satechi's new 4K Multiport Adapter supports 8K HDMI. Maybe soon your Mac will, too.
Photo: Satechi

At CES 2022, Satechi debuted two new accessories designed for the new M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBooks. Both the USB-4 Multiport Adapter and the Pro Hub Max expand the ports available on the new laptops, opening up possibilities for connectivity.

And, in the case of the adapter’s 8K HDMI support, one port goes a bit beyond Mac laptops’ current comfort zone.

Dell’s new UltraSharp videoconferencing display packs 4K webcam

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Dell's new 32-inch UltraSharp display features a built-in 4K webcam.
Dell's new 32-inch UltraSharp display features a built-in 4K webcam.
Photo: Dell

The new 32-inch UltraSharp monitor Dell introduced at CES 2022 looks like a home-office videoconferencing powerhouse. The 4K display has a 4K webcam with microphones built in for those WFH meetings. And the monitor serves as a USB-C hub with decent port selection and 90W of power for your MacBook or other laptop, too.

Belkin’s new HomeKit video doorbell includes high-res camera

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Belkin’s new HomeKit-compatible video doorbell includes high-res camera
Belkin’s Wemo Smart Video Doorbell uses HomeKit Secure Video to ensure your privacy.
Photo: Belkin

Belkin unveiled the Wemo Smart Video Doorbell that uses Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video. It’s built around a 4MP, wide-angle lens.

Also at CES 2022, Belkin announced redesigned smart plugs and lighting solutions with support for Matter over Thread, which means they’ll also support HomeKit.

Plus, the wraps came off Belkin SoundForm Immerse noise cancelling earbuds with support for Apple’s Find My system.

Connect your Mac to 3 monitors with Plugable’s new dock

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Connect your Mac to 3 monitors with Plugable’s new dock
The Plugable UD-6950PDZ Docking Station lets you connect a Mac to up to three monitors.
Photo: Plugable

Plugable used CES 2022 to unveil a dock that can handle up to three 4K external monitors using either HDMI or DisplayPort. The UD-6950PDZ also has ports for Ethernet, USB-A, audio and more.

In addition, Plugable also announced the USB4-HUB3A, a small hub with three Thunderbolt ports and more.

Targus backpack uses Apple Find My without AirTag

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Targus laptop backpack boasts Apple Find My tracking
CES 2022 Innovation Awards honoree: The Cypress Hero Backpack with Find My Technology from Targus.
Photo: Targus

You won‘t have to attach an AirTag tracker to the upcoming Targus Cypress Hero Backpack to locate it because it’ll have Apple’s Find My tracking technology built in.

The bag, which can hold a MacBook as large as 16 inches, can also be used to locate a misplaced iPhone.

This smart collar wants to be your dog’s Apple Watch

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Is this dog an Olympic athlete? Her resting heart rate is amazing!
Is this dog an Olympic athlete? Her resting heart rate is amazing!
Photo: Invoxia

Devices that track your pet’s whereabouts aren’t exactly new. Your pooch might have a chip embedded right now. But Invoxia is looking to be best in show of a different sort at CES 2022. The company’s new Smart Dog Collar can monitor your pet’s vital signs via advanced technology as well as track via GPS in case he or she gets lost. Like an Apple Watch for their furry necks.

Moft’s vegan leather Smart Desk Mat also acts as MacBook, iPad and iPhone stand

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Moft Smart Desk Mat also acts as MacBook, iPad and iPhone stand
The Moft Smart Desk Mat takes your office desktop vertical.
Photo: Moft

The vegan leather Moft Smart Desk Mat beautifies your desk, but that’s just the start. It unfolds into an angle-adjustable stand that can can hold one or more Apple computers and accessories in a range of configurations.

Moft also announced at CES 2022 a fold-flat, cooling laptop stand. And a case and stand for the iPad mini 6, as well.

TP-Link’s extensive new Tapo lineup of smart plugs, lights and sensors support Apple HomeKit

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TP-Link’s extensive new Tapo lineup of smart plugs, lights and sensors support Apple HomeKit
The Tapo S500D Smart Dimmer Switch and Tapo L535 Multicolor Smart WiFi Light Bulb are two of the HomeKit-compatible accessories TP-Link just unveiled.
Photo: TP-Link

TP-Link unveiled a collection of HomeKit-compatible smart home accessories at CES 2022. It includes smart plugs, switches smart lighting and more.

With nine new products coming out this year, it’s a big push into supporting Apple’s HomeKit home automation system.

Oral-B’s new brushes work with iPhone to give you cleaner, healthier teeth

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Oral-B iO brushes 2022
The new iO lineup is even better than the last.
Photo: Oral-B

Oral-B is adding three new brushes, previewed this week at CES 2022, to its smart iO lineup that all work alongside your iPhone to give you cleaner, healthier teeth.

With features like real-time feedback, pressure control, multiple brushing modes, and the ability to monitor your brushing habits, the iO4, iO5 and iO10 brushes promise greater plaque removal and improved gum health.

Samsung beats Apple to truly wireless charging over Wi-Fi waves

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Samsung Eco Remote with Wi-Fi wireless charging
Its new TV remote uses your router to stay charged.
Photo: Samsung

Despite Apple’s lengthy and ongoing efforts to deliver much-improved charging technologies, archrival Samsung has beaten Cupertino in the race for truly wireless charging. Except you won’t find it in a smartphone … yet.

The South Korean company’s next-generation TV remote — announced this week ahead of CES 2022 — cleverly uses radio waves emitted from your Wi-Fi router to stay topped up so you don’t have to worry about charging it.

Sengled adds TV light strips and outdoor string lights to your HomeKit options

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Single's Outdoor Light Strings stretch up to 48 feet and feature bulbs of many colors.
Single's Outdoor Light Strings stretch up to 48 feet and feature bulbs of many colors.
Photo: Sengled

As CES 2022 gets underway this week in Las Vegas, lighting company Sengled said it planned to launch several new HomeKit-compatible lighting products. They include Wi-Fi Video-Sync TV Light Strips, Wi-Fi Outdoor String Lights and a Wi-Fi Portable Lamp.