CES 2017 Day 3: New Accessories for Apple's HomeKit and More

Focalcrest is looking to bring existing smart home products into the HomeKit fold with its Mixtile Hub.

It’s designed to allow ZigBee and Z-Wave products to be controlled via Siri and through the Home app in iOS 10. The MFi-certified device is also a regular smart home hub and links together different devices from manufacturers. Thanks to a built-in battery, it will continue to work during a power failure and also sports an auto-alarm and high decibel warning.

No pricing or availability information was announced.

The first aftermarket wireless CarPlay system, Alpine’s iLX-107, can connect to any compatible iPhone without needing to be plugged into a Lightning cable. Featuring a 7-inch WVGA capacitive touch screen, the system allows iPhone users to receive calls, access text messages, play music, and get directions optimized for traffic conditions while focusing on the road. Users can also interact with the unit through Siri.

Retailing for $900, the iLX-107 will be available to purchase starting sometime next month.

After the success of the first MagSafe product, a USB-C cable designed for the 12-inch MacBook, Griffin is expanding line with three new products.

First up, the BreakSafe Hi-Power Magnetic USB-C Breakaway Cable is made for the newest MacBook Pro and is rated for a capacity of up to 100 watts. Stepping in for Apple’s well-known MagSafe technology, the cable will keep your laptop safe if the cord is ever under any strain. The quick-release magnetic connector will quickly break free. It will retail for $39.99 and be available in the second quarter of this year.

The BreakSafe Car Charger and BreakSafe Wall Charger bring the special feature to any USB device like an iPad or iPhone. Both devices will land in the second quarter and cost $39.99 each.

Finally, the BreakSafe Magnetic USB Breakaway Adapter provides the protection to any standard USB-A device. It will land in the first quarter and cost $19.99.

Incipio is expanding its line of HomeKit-enabled products with the new CommandKit Smart Wall Switch and Wireless Smart Power Strip.

The unique CommandKit Wireless Smart Power Strip is a quick and portable way to add smart home functionality to four outlets that can each be controlled separately. Featuring a built-in motion detector, the Smart Wall Switch can control and dim lights to an entire room.

Each will be available sometime in the second quarter of 2017. The Power Strip will retail or $99.99 while the wall switch will cost $59.99.

A Wi-Fi-enabled system for your shower, U by Moen brings a number of interesting features to your morning routine. Using an iPhone and companion app, you’ll be able to start a shower from anywhere along with the ability to change water temperature and also select on/off for specific outlets. The app also allows users to create a personalized presets including name, greeting, outlets, temperature, shower timer and notifications. There is a also a specific control panel located near the shower.

No pricing was available, but Moen says the system will arrive in 2017.

Even the humble hair brush is getting a dose of smart technology with the Withings Hair Coach. Teaming up with L’Oréal and Kérastase, the device is designed to help prevent hair damage like breakage and split ends. A built-in microphone listens to the sound of her brushing to identify specific patterns while an accelerometer and gyroscope will help produce haptic feedback if too vigorous brushing is detected.

All of the sensors send the information via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to a companion app. Users can then view a hair quality score, information about their brushing habits, and personalized tips.

It’s scheduled to land this fall and retail for $200.