Jaromir Miko Even the most visually clean mobile phone is not clean in reality. Smartphone screens are home to thousands to millions of bacteria, according to research we can even find up to ten times more bacteria on the screens than in the toilet. This is also why breakfast with a smartphone in hand may not be the most reasonable solution. However, the companies ZAGG and Otterbox claim to have a solution in the form of antibacterial protective glasses for iPhone and other phones.
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David Hanak Both companies presented their solutions at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. As the manufacturer of InvisibleShield glasses, ZAGG has joined forces with Kastus, which develops Intelligent Surface technology, to design these accessories. It is a special surface treatment that ensures continuous 24/7 protection against dangerous microbes and eliminates up to 99,99% of them, including E.coli.
A similar solution called Amplify Glass Anti-Microbial was also presented by Otterbox, which collaborated on it with Corning, the manufacturer of Gorilla Glass. The companies state that Amplify's protective glass uses anti-bacterial technology using ionized silver. This technology has also been approved by the American environmental agency EPA, which makes it the only protective glass in the world registered by this agency. The glass also has five times higher protection against scratches compared to ordinary glasses.
Belkin introduces new smart electronics and chargers
Belkin, the manufacturer of various accessories, did not delay in announcing new products compatible with iPhone and other devices from Apple this year, be it cables, adapters or even smart home electronics compatible with the HomeKit platform.
This year is no exception - the company introduced the new Wemo WiFi Smart Plug at the fair. The socket supports voice control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and also supports HomeKit. Thanks to the socket, users can remotely control connected electronics without the need for a subscription or a base. The Smart Plug has a compact shape that allows users to easily fit multiple pieces into one hole. The add-on will be available in the spring for $25.
Belkin also introduced a new Wemo Stage smart lighting model with support for preset scenes and modes. Stage can be programmed to have up to 6 scenes and environments active at one moment. With support for the Home app on iOS devices, users can also configure individual scenes to buttons. The new Wemo Stage system will be available this summer for $50.
Belkin has also launched new chargers using the increasingly popular gallium nitride (GaN). USB-C GaN Chargers are available in three designs: 30 W for MacBook Air, 60 W for MacBook Pro and 68 W with a pair of USB-C ports and an intelligent power sharing system for the most efficient charging of multiple devices. They range in price from $35 to $60 depending on the model and will be available in April.
Belkin also announced Boost Charge USB-C power banks. The 10 mAh version delivers 000W of power via the USB-C port and 18W via the USB-A port. The version with 12 mAh has a power of up to 20W through both mentioned ports. The release of these power banks is scheduled for March/March to April/April of this year.
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Another interesting feature is the new 3-in-1 Boost Charge Wireless charger that allows you to charge iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch at the same time. The charger will be available in April for $110. If you only need to charge two smartphones, the Boost Charge Dual Wireless Charging Pads is a product that allows exactly that. It offers the ability to charge up to two smartphones wirelessly at a power of 10 W. The charger will be launched in March/March for $50.
Belkin also introduced new curved protective glasses for Apple Watch 4th and 5th generation, made of hard plastic with 3H hardness. The glasses are waterproof, do not affect the sensitivity of the display and provide increased protection against scratches. The Screenforce TrueClear Curve Screen Protection glass will be available from February for $30.
Linksys announces 5G and WiFi 6 network accessories
News from the world of routers was prepared by Belkin's Linksys division. It presented new network products with support for the 5G and WiFi 6 standards. For the latest telecommunications standard, four products designed for Internet access at home or on the go will be available during the year, starting in the spring. Among the products we can find a 5G modem, a portable mobile hotspot or an outdoor router with mmWave standard support and 10Gbps transmission speed.
An interesting feature is the Linksys 5G Velop Mesh Gateway system. It is a combination of a router and a modem with the support of the Velop product ecosystem, which brings and improves the 5G signal in the home and, with the use of accessories, allows it to be used in every room.
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Linksys also introduced the MR6 dual-band Mesh WiFi 9600 router with support for Linksys Intelligent Mesh™ technology for seamless wireless coverage using Velop devices. The product will be available in spring 2020 at a price of $400.
Another novelty is the Velop WiFi 6 AX4200 system, a mesh system with built-in Intelligent Mesh technology, Bluetooth support and advanced security settings. One node provides coverage of up to 278 square meters and with a transmission speed of up to 4200 Mbps. The device will be available in the summer at a price of $300 per unit or in a discounted two-pack for $500.
Wireless charging smart lock
A specialty of the CES fair is the new smart lock Alfred ML2, developed in cooperation between Alfred Locks and Wi-Charge. The product maintains a professional design typical for corporate spaces, but it can also be used in homes. The lock supports unlocking with a mobile phone or NFC card, but also with a key or PIN code.
However, the interesting thing is the support for wireless charging by Wi-Charge, which means that there is no need to change the batteries in the product. The manufacturer of Wi-Charge stated that its technology allows safe and efficient transmission of several watts of energy, up to "from one end of the room to the other". The lock itself starts at $699, and the charging system will increase the entire investment by another $150 to $180.
