If you were ever in doubt where the future of tech is headed, CES 2022 made it abundantly clear that “tech x web” is where everything is at. From larger-than-life Samsung TV screens that will burn a hole through your life savings, not just your pockets, to futuristic Liteboxer VR that brings pro boxing experience to your living space, the future is crazy, and it’s here already!
As far as Apple ecosystem lovers are concerned, there was plenty of action for you lot to enjoy as well. From security cam makers supporting the HomeKit system, to accessories targeted directly towards iOS and iPadOS users, here are some of the coolest gadgets for your iPad and iPhone that were unveiled at CES 2022.
Satechi 165W USB-C 4-Port PD Charger
Revered for their minimalist mantra in terms of design, and delivering nothing short of the best in terms of quality, Satechi is back with a “power packed” entry into CES 2022. A robust aluminum-clad desktop charging station, the 165W USB-C 4-Port PD Charger is a mammoth that every serious user would drool over.
The Satechi PD Charger comes with 4 USB-C ports to charge your iPad Pro, MacBook and a couple of other devices at full speed simultaneously. Featuring the state-of-the-art GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, you get near full-speed charging capability for four USB-C powered devices in a compact power brick that works well and looks good while doing so.
If the unrealistically large screen size of the Samsung Frame is too big for your humble living abode, Samsung still has something visually brilliant tech for you this year. Enter, the Samsung Freestyle Portable Projector, which is not large than an older generation Amazon Echo speaker, the cylindrical compact projector is packed with auto-focus, auto-keystone, and auto-level features.
Weighing in at 830 grams that triples up as a smart speaker as well as an ambient nightlamp, the Samsung Freestyle projector blends into the environment. In terms of connectivity, you can hook it up to a laptop via USB-C or HDMI port, or cast directly from your iPhone or iPad using the mobile app. With a screen size that ranges from 30 – 100 inches with Alexa built-in, this tiny beast has mighty visual power.
Although the smart home brand has been supplying a slew of smart accessories for Apple HomeKit Smart Home ecosystem for a while now, the new additions complete the set. Filling in the need for a robust CCTV outside the confines of the home, the Eve Outdoor Cam features a sleek design that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb on the front porch.With integrated support for HomeKit Secure Video at 1080p Full-HD, the 24FPS video can record a 157-degree FOV.
With the ability to store footage of up to 10 days on iCloud and easily accessible from your iPad and iPhone, features like two-way audio, IR vision for nighttime and IP55 weather-resistance makes it a worthy addition to your smart home setup. With the smart outdoor camera, Eve also added MotorBlinds with support the next-gen Thread network, and will also support the smart home standard called Matter.
Targus Cypress Hero Backpack with Find My Tech
Apple reinvented the wheel with GPS tracking when it unveiled the AirTag back in 2021, and now the proprietary tech is making its way over to accessories. At first glance, the Cypress Hero Backpack looks nothing out of the ordinary, but it is the inner sleeve where it hides a nifty AirTag stitched into the seam.
Built for the environment-conscious, the Cypress Hero is made from recycled water bottles, with a USB rechargeable battery for the tracker. Apart from being able to track your backpack with your iPhone or iPad, you can do it vice versa with the press of a single button, which pings the iDevice.
For those looking to experience ANC with true wireless earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 will cost you a fair amount of dough. For less than half that price, audio brand Jabra brings you the Elite 4 Active wireless earbuds with a sporty vibe to it. Designed for a secure fit and IP-57 rated for protection against water and sweat, it is now among the cheapest ANC earbuds you can find.
Built with Hear Through technology that allows more awareness of your surroundings while using the noise cancellation feature, the quad-mic array makes it excellent for video calls from your iPad or iPhone. In terms of playtime, you get 7 hours of playback from a single earbud, while the charging cases maxes it up to 28 hours.
Related: The Best Wireless Earbuds and Headphones for iPad
The Apple Find My technology was seen everywhere this CES, and while there are plenty of accessories that allow you to attach an AirTag to clothing, bags, and keychains, what about your wallet? For the forgetful ones, the Chipolo CARD Spot is a slim, credit card sized GPS tracker that supports Apple’s Find My tech.
Priced around just as much as the regular Apple AirTag, the 2.4mm thin tracker fits right into your credit card slot, and is easy to hear at 105dB sound reproduction. Apart from being IPX5 water-resistant, the Chipolo CARD Spot comes with a built-in battery that can last up to 2 years, so you never have to worry about juicing it up.
Final words
The scope of CES has gone from being an event to showcase mobile phones and gadgets, to smart home technology and entire fleets of electric cars that are up for grabs right now. Apple may not have a single product to offer at the Consumer Electronics Show of 2022, but it still ended up being one of the most talked about brand there.
From Intel comparing its latest line of processors with Apple’s M1 chipset, to Google releasing Fast Pair to finally make Android device pairing as seamless as iOS – Apple was the talk of the town.
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