This week, on Thursday, Holiday Spectacular was back again in virtual fashion. It’s not the same without being actually in front of the card tables with a plate of nibbles in hand, but it is a welcome bit of familiar gadget fun. Each of thirty vendors had a dedicated Web page, featuring a YouTube or Vimeo commercial, a link to press materials, and contact info, and a button to enter a live Zoom session with the vendor. In general, it felt well thought out and made it easy to survey the offerings. Vendors ranged from the very large names that have been mainstays at Holiday Spectacular, such as Philips and Lenovo, to startups such as Mode, Level, and Tranquility. Here’s a rundown of some of the novel items on display: Neato Robotics’s D10, D9 and D8 robotic vacuum cleaners: step aside Rumba, the Neato machines boast things such as HEPA filtersand “the latest LaserSmartTM LIDAR-based technology. The company has recently added the capability for the device to respond to voice commands from Google Assistant and Alex, and in future promises to be the first “the first robotic vacuum to add support for Siri Shortcuts.” Starting at $399, available from the Neato Website. Origin Wireless’s Hex Home smart security system: Easy-to-install home security monitoring uses WiFi signals to detect motion in the home and alert home-owners. Advertises easy set-up by plugging devices into AC power, connecting to WiFi, and downloading the app. Pricing starts at $199.99, available on the Hex micro-site. American Textile Company’s Tranquility Knit Weighted Blanket: A 12-pound blanket, measuring 48” by 72", “applies deep calming pressure across the body,” and uses what the company calls an “open knit” structure of polyester strands that “promote airflow” to keep a person cool better than other weighted blankets. The blankest can be therapeutic, says the company, “to calm and comfort people who have trouble sleeping, including those with conditions such as stress, anxiety, autism, ADHD, and PTSD.” Priced at $9.99 for the basic model, the blanket is available at Walmart and Target, or the company’s Web site. Other models range in price with a variety of different features. Hubble Connected’s Nursery Pal Premium, Hubble Dream+, and Nursery Pal Dual Vision: The latest in baby tech. The Pal Premium plays lullabies and tells stories from the camera unit while giving parents a touch-screen monitor. The Dream+ consists of a sleep mat, sensor and camera that transmit data on heart rate, breathing rate and sleep quality and connect to a HubbleClub cloud app. The Dual Vision baby monitor uses a dual-lens system to see the baby’s room from multiple angles at the same time. Coming to retail at Buy Buy Baby and Walmart, or on the Hubble Connected site, starting at $79.99. Level Home Level Lock: Electronic door lock that is billed as “the world’s first invisible smart lock,” using a “patent-pending, six stage, stainless steel gear box that’s both powerful enough for the toughest conditions. Converts existing deadbolt locks into a smart lock “in just minutes.” Makes possible keyless entry via phone app or via key cards sold in four packs. Phones can be granted access as unlock-capable, so guests can be allowed to let themselves in by downloading the app. Plugs into Apple’s HomeKit for Siri voice-activated control as well as automatons of lock behavior, and real-time entry and exit notifications. Available on the company’s Website starting at $199. Mode smart cannabis dosing device: What gadget fest would be complete without something for cannabis? The pocket-sized device from startup Mode has a slick interactive display called “Touch Slider,” reminiscent of the original iPod. The gadget “allows users to adjust their dose with precision down to the milligram.” The device is “compatible with the universal 510 threaded cartridge, giving users the freedom to enjoy their favorite strains from the best brands on the market.” Pre-order information is available on the Mode Website.
