CES 2017 Day 1: A Roundup of Some Great New Accessories
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not the holiday season, but CES 2017. To kick off 2017, some of the biggest accessory makers are headed to Las Vegas to show off the latest and greatest accessories for Apple devices. Here are some of our favorites announced during CES 2017 day 1.
Twelve South ActionSleeve
While the Apple Watch is a great workout companion, it can get in the way during a number of activities like boxing that require protective equipment. Twelve South’s new ActionSleeve is an armband that will place the device on your bicep. While in the sleeve, the screen, Digital Crown, and side button are still completely accessible and usable. Twelve South also says that with the tight and cosistent skin contact, the sleeve could even improve heart rate tracking.
And unlike many new accessories announced during the show, you can purchase the ActionSleeve now from Twelve South for $29.99. You can select from a version made for the 38mm watch and two different options for the larger 42mm version. The regular 38 and 42mm band is available in black or red while the 42mm slim version is just in black.
Kanex GoPlay Sidekick
A pocket-sized controller designed for use with an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, the GoPlay Sidekick uses Bluetooth 4.0 technology to connect to those Apple devices. The built-in battery can provide up to 20 hours of gameplay before needing to be recharged. An included clamshell case protects the controller while on the go and can also prop up your device during gameplay.
The MFi-compatible controller will be available next month and retail for $59.95.
Incipio OX Case for the iPhone 7/7 Plus
There’s another option for iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus users who want to bring a 3.5mm headphone jack to the handsets. Incipio’s new OX case provides both an integrated Lightning port and headphone jack so you can charge your handset while listening to music with wired headphones at the same time. The case itself can be quickly snapped on for easy installation. A shock-absorbing exterior should protect your iPhone during drops and more.
The version of the case for either the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus will retail for $59.95 and be available in the first quarter of 2017. Buyers can select from a black, forest, or purple color option.
Ring Floodlight Cam
Well-known for its video-enabled doorbell, Ring has introduced another great surveillance camera to help protect your home. As you could probably guess by the name, the Floodlight Cam features both a 1,080p HD camera and two 3K lumen LED floodlights. Requiring a hardwired power source, the floodlights will automatically turn on if motion is sensed within a 270-degree field of view. The camera can record a 140-degree field of view. The entire system is weatherproof.
Available in either black or white, you can preorder the Floodlight Cam now for $249. It will arrive in April. You can add cloud video storage to the camera for an additional $3 per month.
Chamberlain MyQ Home Bridge/Smart Garage Hub
Chamberlain is making it easy to add HomeKit-enabled control to your garage door with two different solutions.
If you currently use a Chamberlain MyQ, the MyQ Home Bridge will add compatibility with Apple’s smart home protocol. It will arrive in April and retail for $49.99.
For new users, the Smart Garage Hub will land in July. No pricing has been announced.
The system allows users to check the status of their garage door and open or close it with a simple Siri command.
Braven FlyeSport Glo
Braven has long offered some great Bluetooth speakers, and the company is starting the year by branching out into the world of wireless, sport-focused headphones. One of the company’s more interesting new options in the FlyeSport Glo. The completely wireless earbuds, just like Apple’s AirPods, can be controlled through the app or on-ear controls. Featuring an IPX7 waterproof raising, high-glow laser light ear hooks help keep you safe while running in dark conditions. The built-in battery can provide up to four hours of music playback while a charging case can add up to 20 more hours of jams.
Retailing for $249.99, the earbuds are scheduled to arrive sometime in the second quarter of this year. Buyers will be able to select from two different color options.
Netatmo Smart Smoke Alarm
Another HomeKit-enabled smoke detector, Netamo’s new option is battery powered and has an expected life of 10 years. Even if you’re away from home, you’ll be notified when the alarm is triggered. The detector will automatically perform battery life and overall performance tests. Users will also receive reports on the health of the device.
Pricing and availability information wasn’t announced. You can read sign-up to be notified when the device hits the market on Netatmo’s site.
Withings Home Plus
Another HomeKit-enabled device, the Withings Home Plus is an updated version of the company’s camera that provides HD video to an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Apple TV. Along with providing notifications when movements is sensed, it can also be used to monitor indoor air conditions. It also offers advanced baby monitoring features.
The camera should arrive sometime in the first quarter of this year and will retail for $199.