The top trends at CES 2019 feature evolution in gaming, phone protection, personal sound and smart locks. My gaming highlight is the Legion Y740. It lives up to Lenovo’s mantra – as being savage on the inside and stylish on the outside. The 15 inch model is thinner and lighter – weighing in at 5 pounds and just ¾ of an inch thin. It features the latest Generation Intel processors, 20-series NVIDIA GeForce Max-Q Graphics and optional Corsair over clocked memory. The impressive sounding Dolby Atmos Sound System and Sound Radar will immerse players into their games! The Legion Y740’s improved thermal performance and multi-colored backlit keyboard is primed for those who demand gaming wherever life takes them.
PRICE: Available late Jan/early Feb and pricing will start at $1749.99 on Lenovo.com (+ select retailers)
2 – OtterBox Symmetry Series Otter + Pop
Otterbox – the leader in phone protection just announced a trend setting combination! OtterBox and PopSockets will now have a swappable, unstoppable and colorful case for every style – The Otterbox Symmetry Series now has an integrated PopSocket PopGrip in one slim piece that’ll easily fit in your pocket and stay out of the way – when you’re not using it. Easily switch the PopTops for customizable style and fun. Each case comes with a matching color PopTop and can be mixed and matched to personalize your style! OtterPop is available for a variety of iPhones, including iPhone 10-s/10, 8 – 7 and the 7 and 8 Plus.
PRICE: Otter + Pop starts at $49.95 and PopTops start at $8. https://www.otterbox.com/en-us/popsockets
3 – AfterShokz Xtrainerz Waterproof MP3 Bone Conduction Headphones
AfterShokz Xtrainerz are waterproof MP3 headphones that use bone conduction, so your ears are not covered. This’ll allow sports enthusiasts like triathletes and swimmers to maintain awareness while listening to music in and out of the water. They comfortably sit on your cheekbones – just in front of your ear and use bone conduction technology to send sound to the inner ear! Their IP68 certification meets the highest waterproof and dustproof standards! 4 gigs of internal storage holds up to 1,000 songs, so you can enjoy your tunes without carrying your smartphone. Durable titanium construction provides long-lasting performance and stay securely in place, so you can run, jump, swim, and train harder!
PRICE: $149.95. Available in Q2 2019 http://xtrainerz.aftershokz.com
4 – Baldwin Evolved Hollywood Hills Smartlock
Baldwin – the leader in luxury door hardware unveiled their newest Evolved series of smart security door hardware. The Baldwin Evolved Hollywood Hills smartlock collection blends architectural style with Bluetooth technology to provide you with an easy touch-to-open smart security solution. Baldwin Evolved locks conceal the smart technology in a luxuriously sleek design that’s 60 percent smaller than other smart locksets. It’s available in 19 handle set styles and 17 finishes – to provide many customization options. It’s powered by Kevo technology – you control with a downloadable app so you can conveniently issue “ekeys” to give family and guests safe access to your home. The app also provides real-time history of the lock’s use.
PRICE: Evolved Hollywood Hills Full Escutcheon Handleset – $1155 for all finished excluding the finishes below listed at a higher price point. $1238 for Distressed Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Distressed Antique Nickel, Satin Nickel with Lifetime Finish, Polished Nickel with Lifetime Finish, https://www.baldwinhardware.com/evolved