This annual TWICE tradition, in which we reveal our Very Important Product (VIP) Awards, is one of my favorites every year.
It’s a tough task to burrow through all those product announcements and figure out which of those always-touted game-changing technology products really are game-changing. So we polled retailers and distributors and asked them to weigh in on which products actually made a difference in their bottom lines this year.
The results reveal a selling floor that is strong and diverse.
We had robust participation in categories like home automation, smart appliances and wearables. The market is clearly pivoting toward these growth categories and retailers are increasingly embracing any new wrinkle that may draw consumers into their stores. Major Appliances continues it strong showing.
Robotics, drones, virtual reality, action cams — even smart electrical plugs and home automation hubs — these are markets that didn’t exist 10 years ago. Suddenly they do and they have lots of players. It spells opportunity.
— John Laposky, editor in chief
• Home-Theater Projectors: Sony VPL-VW5000ES 4K SXRD Home Cinema Projector
• Home-Theater Mini Projectors: BenQ i500
• OTT TV Devices: RCA SLIVR Amplified Indoor Flat HDTV Antenna
• Blu-ray Disc Players: Philips 4K Ultra HD BD Player With HDR BDP7501
• Virtual Reality: Samsung Gear VR, Powered by Oculus
• Wearable Technology (Fitness Bands): Samsung Gear Fit2
• Wearable Technology (Smart Watches): Samsung Gear S2
• Robotics/Unmanned Systems (Home Care): iRobot Roomba 980
• Robotics/Unmanned Systems (Toys): CHiP (Canine Home Intelligent Pet)
• TVs – 40 To 57 Inches: Philips 6000 Series Google Cast TV 55PFL6921
• TVs – 58 Inches And Larger: Hisense H10 Series
• TVs – 58 Inches And Larger: Samsung KS9800 9-Series Curved 4K SUHD TV
• Smartphones: Galaxy S7/S7 Edge
• Dishwashers: Maytag Top Control Dishwasher
• Dryers: Maytag Large Capacity Dryer With Steam And PowerDry
• High-Efficiency Washers: LG Styler
• High-Efficiency Washers: Equator Combo Washer-Dryer EZ 4000 CV
• Refrigerators: Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator
• Microwave Ovens: Maytag Microwave With Fingerprint Resistance
• Turntables: Audio-Technica AT-LP60-BT Wireless Stereo Turntable
• In-Vehicle Multimedia DVD Receivers: Pioneer AVH-4200NEX Multimedia DVD Receiver
• Radar Detectors: Escort Max 360 With IVT Filter
• OE Integration: AudioControl DM-810 Digital Matrix Processor
• Camera Accessories: Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Contemporary Lens
• Gaming Peripherals: ViewSonic XG2701 27-inch 144Hz 1080p Gaming Display
• Mounting Accessories: Sanus VLC1 Swivel Mount for Curved TVs
• Apps & Software: Voxx CarLink
• Smartphone Accessories: WHOOSH! Screen Shine
• Headphones More Than $300: Klipsch X20i In-Ear
• Headphones $100 To $299: Cleer Limited DU Dual-Driver Bluetooth
• Headphones $99 And Less: iHome iB91 Bluetooth Color-Changing Rechargeable
• Power & Charging: Scosche goBAT Rugged Portable Batteries
• Projection Screens: Elite Screens Aeon CLR
• Tablet Accessories: Kensington BlackBelt 2nd Degree
• Computer Accessories: Mobile Edge Professional Rolling Laptop Case And Backpack
• Action Video Cams: Cobra WASPcam 9905
• Computers: Samsung Notebook 9
• Home Theater Furniture: Bell’O Open Architecture AV Console With Bluetooth Speakers
• Interchangeable Lens Cameras: Panasonic Lumix GX85
• Portable Digital Cameras: Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera
• A/V Receivers At $699 Or Less: Sony STR-DN1070 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver
• A/V Receivers At More Than $699: Onkyo TX-RZ810
• In-Room Speakers: iHome iBN350 Bluetooth Stereo Alarm Clock With Qi
• High-Res Audio Components: Sony CAS-1 High-Resolution System
• High-Res Audio Portables: Onkyo DP-X1
• Portable Streaming Speakers: 808 Audio CANZ XL
• Soundbars At More Than $499: Sony HT-NT5 With High-Resolution Audio
• Wireless Multiroom Audio Systems: Klipsch Reference Premiere HD Wireless
• Home Automation Hubs: Savant Pro 8.0 Remote
• Networked Window Shades/Coverings: Lutron Sivoia QS Triathlon WIDR
• Smart Electrical Plugs: iHome iSP6 SmartPlug
• Thermostats/Climate Control: Frigidaire Gallery Cool Connect Smart Room AC
• Video Doorbells: Smanos Smart Video Doorbell
• Video Security Cameras: Project Nursery HD Baby Monitor
• Wireless Door Locks: Kwikset Signature Series Motorized Deadbolts
• In-Vehicle Amplifiers: AudioControl LC-4.800
• HD Dashcams: Cobra CDR 895 D Drive HD
• In-Dash Navigation: JBL Legend CP100
• Smart Appliances: Thermador Freedom Collection Culinary Preservation Centers