Tech takes the stage in 2014

As regularly as the strains of “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight, the turn of the year rings in the latest and greatest in tech with the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which begins this week.

Here are a few of the products that seem destined to have major “wow” appeal.

What is it: Thalmic Labs’s Myo control armband

How much does it cost: Pre-orders going for $149

Why do I care: The armband lets wearers control their technology, including phones, tablets and video games, without lifting a finger. The armband measures the electrical activity in the muscles of the wearer to wirelessly control technology using low-energy Bluetooth technology. You can turn off the lights with a wave of your arm, or surf the Web while doing something messy, without dirtying your screen.

Samsung’s curved 105-inch television

What is it: Samsung’s new curved 105-inch television

How much does it cost: Not yet priced. Known as ultra-high-definition, which is the next big thing in TV viewing pleasure. A non-curved 110-inch UHD TV unveiled in South Korea last week costs roughly $150,000 — and it’s not even curved.

Why do I care: Samsung says the curved TV will give viewers an IMAX-like experience in their own living rooms. The new 105-incher promises to be the “most curved” UHD TV, which will provide a more vivid image when viewed from the side than a flat-screen TV. Plus, Samsung says its TV comes with an 11 million pixel resolution screen, more than even the average 8 million pixels for most UHD TVs. Regular HDTVs come with an average of 2 million pixel resolution screens.

iCreation’s SpeeCup

What is it: iCreation’s SpeeCup, a Bluetooth speaker system that looks like a travel mug

How much does it cost: $130

Why do I care: The SpeeCup is a portable speaker system that’s designed specifically for drivers who want to listen to tunes without fiddling with the radio. The device connects to a phone or other wireless device using Bluetooth technology. Its gesture control allows users to fast-forward through songs or answer the phone without fiddling with buttons. And it has Siri technology so users can make calls or send texts with their voice. The travel-mug design is ideal for the car’s cupholder.

Five Elements’ Budgee packmule robot

What is it: Five Elements’ Budgee pack-mule robot

How much does it cost: Pre-orders are going for $1,400

Why do I care: The Budgee won’t help you win at chess, but it’s sure to be a hit with people who need help carrying things around all day long. The cute little bot can carry up to 50 pounds and will devotedly follow whoever is holding the small ultrasonic pinger that comes with it. Plus, it promises to be compact and light (20 pounds), with a handle for lifting when it’s not in use.

Panasonic’s Lumix GX7 camera

What is it: Panasonic’s Lumix GX7 camera

How much does it cost: Starts at $999 for the body, no lens

Why do I care: Panasonic’s new Lumix GX7 was an honoree in the Digital Imaging product category of the 2014 International CES Innovations, Design and Engineering Awards. The compact camera promises not just great pics, but also high-def video recording and stereo sound. The GX7 also integrates Wi-Fi technology for seamless instant image sharing and a tiltable view finder.

Basis’ Carbon Steel fitness and sleep watch

What is it: Basis’ new Carbon Steel fitness and sleep watch

How much does it cost: $199 on the Basis website; at Best Buy starting next month

Why do I care: The new edition of this popular fitness watch comes with a carbon steel armband, and starting on Jan. 21 users can download the new “advanced sleep analytics” technology, which promises to measure REM sleep and to track how often wearers toss and turn, as well as other sleep disruptions. Plus, it continues to track your exercise, from walking to marathon running.

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What gadgets do you have your eye on in 2014?

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George Panther
George Panther

These gadgets are just so awesome. What could possibly be the next technology that could turn our lives upside down?
@ GeorgePanther

Thanks for the Email!

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