Samsung FlexWash + FlexDry
Designed to provide laundry flexibility for busy families, the FlexWash and FlexDry let consumers do multiple loads at the same time. The FlexWash has a 5-cubic-foot lower washer for bulky loads and a 1-foot top-load compartment for small loads, but still only requires one standard water-line hookup. It’s also Wi-Fi enabled, so consumers can receive smartphone alerts and schedule cycles via their mobile device. The FlexDry, meanwhile, has a 7.5-cubic-foot bottom compartment for large loads and a drying zone on top for delicate items. Suggested retails range from $1,599 to $1,899 for the FlexWash and $1,599 to $1,999 for the FlexDry.
Element Amazon Fire TV
The 4K Ultra HD LED TVs are targeted toward cord cutters and operate using the Fire TV OS. They’re offered in four screen sizes with 3,840 by 2,160 resolution: 43 ($449), 50 ($549), 55 ($649) and 65 inches ($899). Specs include a 60Hz refresh rate, built-in 1.1GHz quad-core processors, 3GB of internal memory (expandable up to 16GB via USB/SD card), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, four HDMI inputs, USB 2.0 and 3.0 inputs, component/composite input, and optical SPDIF output. A voice-controlled remote with Amazon Alexa is included.
Alpine iLX-107
The iLX-107 AM/FM receiver, which has a 7-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen and LED backlighting, enables Car-Play to be accessed through the touchscreen or through Siri voice control, providing the ability to make and receive calls, access text messages, play music, and receive directions without the need for a Lightning cable. It’s currently available for a $900 suggested retail.
Sphero Spider-Man
Unlike Sphero’s other robotic playthings, the 8.5-inch tall Spider-Man is completely stationary. It does, however, contain an accelerometer and can detect when it’s picked up or tossed around. A motion detector registers someone walking by, triggering the toy’s interactive LCD eyes, while speech recognition and a built-in mic enables voice commands. Its built-in Wi-Fi lets Sphero update the connected toy with additional content going forward. It’s currently available for a $149 suggested retail.
Sharp Orville Redenbacher Microwaves
The microwaves have a specially tuned “popcorn” button that allows users to select from two menu options: Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn Classic Size and Single Serve Mini Bag. The 1,000-watt microwave series includes the 1.1-cubic foot SMC1132CS ($120) and the 1.4-cubicfoot SMC1442CS and SMC1443CM ($140).
Yamaha YAS-207
Yamaha’s YAS-207 soundbar is the first device to feature DTS’s Virtual:X technology, designed to provide an immersive sound experience without the need for rear surround and height speakers. It supports any input source from stereo to a 7.1.4 layout (11.1 channels), and is optimized to work with all DTS codecs, including the flagship DTS:X. The YAS-207 soundbar will be available in July at a $299 suggested retail, and will receive a DTS Virtual:X firmware update in August.
Harman Invoke
This smart speaker features 360-degree sound emitted from three woofers and three tweeters. It has far-field voice technology that picks up commands through seven embedded microphones, as well as smart-home control through Cortana. The device is wrapped in a sleek metallic speaker cabinet that will be available in black or white when it ships this fall.
Coretech Polaroid 3D Design Pen
The pen features an ergonomic design, an internal cooling fan to reduce jamming during prolonged use, six speed presets, an OLED LCD screen, and the ability to adjust the temperature. It can be used with a range of materials, including standard PLA filament in neon, wood and metal. It comes in black, Erbium Gray, Slate Gray and Tuscan Sun Gold for a $179 suggested retail.
Pioneer SE-Monitor5 Headphones
The over-ear headphones boast a custom-built cellulose nanofiber-based 50mm driver. Pioneer eschewed plastic for these headphones, instead using a super-rigid magnesium-alloy housing material said to optimize the transducer’s performance and reduce distortion. The dual-chamber system limits external sound from entering and improves bass response. They’re available for $999.
Microsoft Surface Laptop
Featuring a seventh-gen Intel Core processor and weighing 2.7 pounds, the Surface Laptop is also the first Microsoft device to feature Windows 10 S, a security-minded version of Windows 10 that only runs apps from the Windows Store and uses Microsoft Edge as the default browser. Consumers will also have the option to use a free version of Windows 10 Pro through the end of the year. The laptop measures 12.13 by 8.79 by 0.57 inches, features a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with 2,256 by 1,503 (201 ppi) resolution, and has Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Pricing starts at $999.
