The latest in gadgets at CES: robots that think, and a HK$1,000 smart mug for your coffee
Gadgets of the future won’t just have great connectivity but will be able to analyse and think, IBM chief says. New gadgets out include a self-tightening shoe, a breathalyer for fat burning, and a battery-powered mug that keeps coffee at slurping temperature for 2 hours
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES( in Las Vegas opened on Wednesday. These are some of the latest developments from the giant global fair.
IBM CEO Virginia Rometty says the future of gadgets is not just connectivity, but the ability to analyse and “think”.
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While IBM isn't known for consumer technology, Rometty argued that her company's “Watson” artificial brain can enhance a variety of consumer products. In a talk at the CES, she announced new partnerships with three companies that will use Watson, the IBM “cognitive computing” system.
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Under Armour, the sports clothing maker, is releasing a fitness app that uses Watson to analyse a users’ activity, weight and other data to make personalised recommendations for diet and exercise. Medtronic, which makes medical equipment, has developed an app that uses Watson to help diabetics track their blood sugar level, diet and other factors to warn them of impending hypoglycemic events up to three hours in advance.
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Rometty also introduced a humanoid robot, Pepper, made by Japan’s SoftBank, that uses Watson’s intelligence to work as a mobile concierge in banks and stores. The robot uses voice recognition and synthesis to answer questions and recommend products based on the data it collects from customers.
Some people slurp their coffee while it’s piping hot, others warm their hands with it till it cools to a drinkable temperature. A smart mug called Ember aims to keep it at the perfect temperature for two hours using a rechargeable battery.
A touch-sensitive logo indicates the temperature at which your java is resting, while turning the ring at the bottom lets you adjust that up or down. Apparently, most people enjoy their coffee at 57 to 60 degrees Celsius. A pop-up lid means you can drink from any direction without searching for the opening.
Pre-orders for the Ember cost US$129 and delivery is expected in May.