The International Consumer Electronics Show, held every January in Las Vegas, showcases technology from all over the world in every category imaginable, including kitchen appliances and automotive technology. With the deluge of reviews and recommendations that appears after the event, it is difficult for consumers to choose the hardware, software, and accessories that reliably meet their needs. Here, Black Enterprise showcases five of the 17 winners for their excellence in innovation.
1. Smartest Mobile Phone:
Droid DNA by HTC
The Droid DNA by HTC features a true 1080p super HD LCD 3 display–the first smartphone to do so–and comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 2 protection. HTC VideoPic allows you to capture video and still images simultaneously by simply holding the shutter button. This takes multiple photos at up to four frames per second to catch everything.
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2. Smartest Automotive Tech Solution:
Kaliki
Kaliki, an audio newsstand, is a software platform that allows consumers to hear streaming audio from their favorite print newspapers and magazines–in addition to weather, traffic, and other local content–read to them by professional voices, on demand, in the car, online, or anytime on the go. Ford Motor Co. announced Kaliki as a major platform partner in its connected vehicles, and plans are in the works to roll out the app to automakers throughout the U.S. and Canada as part of the industry’s connected car initiative.
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3. Best Laptop for Business:
The ThinkPad Helix by Lenovo
With its “Rip and Flip†design, the ThinkPad Helix gives business professionals two devices in one. A high performance ultrabook with a detachable Windows 8 tablet and an 11.6-inch display, it runs up to 10 hours, offers enhanced security and manageability features, and comes with optional LTE2 high-speed wireless and near field communication (NFC) technology that allows devices to share data seamlessly when touching.
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4. Trendiest Consumer Lifestyle Product Line:
i.am+ foto.sosho fashion camera accessories
Musician and entrepreneur will.i.am and London-based Selfridges department store added a new twist to the rapidly expanding world of social-digital photography with i.am+ foto.sosho fashion camera accessories for the iPhone 4/4S. It is the world’s first digital camera accessory and app combination
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Best Home Office Technology:
Ooma Office
Ooma Office is an Internet phone service that provides a second phone line, the ability to conduct five-way conference calls, and a virtual receptionist. Ooma Office costs just $19.99 per line each month for unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada. The Ooma Office pack runs for $249.99.
The Rest of the Best
Most Inventive Tablet/Reader: Asus Taichi
Best Mobile Office Accessory: xPrintServer by Lantronix
Most Accessible Storage Device: HyperDrive by Sanho
Best Security Software or Hardware: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2013
Most Integrated Peripheral Technology: The HP ENVY 120 e-All-in-One Printer
Most Innovative Digital Imaging Concept: Sony Cyber-shot WX80 Camera
Most Promising New /Digital Media Technology: Qubeey
Best PC for Consumers: Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon Table PC
Most Creative Tech Solution: Magisto
Most User-Friendly Digital Health Program or Technology: Basis
Most Dynamic Mobile App: Mindmeld by Expect Labs
Best New Device for Entertainment: Nick Cannon’s NCredible NTune On-ear Headphones by Monster Cable