By Stephanie Kinch, Wi-Fi NOW Staff Writer
Wi-Fi played a central role last week’s CES conference in Las Vegas. New router designs, Wi-Fi security enablers, and Wi-Fi-enabled devices topped this year’s connectivity trends.
Here’s a look at what rocked in Wi-Fi at CES ’18.
Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
Several of the regular players – and a few surprising newbies – introduced new mesh Wi-Fi systems at CES this year:
- Linksys launched their Velop dual-band system, which is smaller and has half the speed of the tri-band system, but includes “Intelligent Mesh” technology that is said to give you a better Wi-Fi experience by self-organizing, self-optimizing, and self-healing your network.
- Huwai also entered the mesh market, with a new hybrid home Wi-Fi system designed for large homes and estates. The product boasts connection speeds of up to 1867 Mbps and can support up to 192 connected devices and 16 hotspots. A hybrid three-pack costs USD$349.99.
- D-link’s new Covr line also supports a scalable mesh Wi-Fi network. The tri-band model (USD$320) has two routers that can cover up to 6,000 square feet. Dual-band models (USD$250) cover 5,000 square feet with three pods.
- First Alert, a company known for their residential smoke detectors, also stepped into the mesh market with Onelink Connect, a tri-band 802.11ac model that features one router-based and two additional mesh access points. The router also hijacks all of your connected devices to warn when smoke is detected within range.
More secure, better-looking routers
Routers were given a facelift both inside and out this year with new designs and security features.
- Security protection features were on display for both new and existing devices. Netgear introduced new security protection through firmware updates. Security company Bitdefender will provide the service at USD$70 per year.
- Parental Controls were a big theme at many CES booths, with apps designed to block inappropriate content and set limits on kid’s devices. Eero Plus and Netgear Orbi’s parental controls were especially popular.
- 11ax was, of course, a big topic in Wi-Fi, with the launch of several compliant routers.
- New external router designs showed that tech can be beautiful. ASUS introduced RT-AX88U, an elegant black and gold router that resembles a tiny mothership for your living room. If the futuristic look isn’t for you, Lyra Trio offers a sleek white and blue design that will blend in amongst your household appliances. The new Lyra Voice is also unassuming. Its elegant gray exterior makes it look like a small speaker.
New Wi-Fi connected devices
We are suckers for crazy Wi-Fi devices, and CES ’18 didn’t disappoint. There is the app-based electric vehicle charger that lets users control, monitor and schedule the charge of their vehicle and the ceiling fan switch that lets you control your fan via Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant.
There was also a Wi-Fi enabled light switch that adds voice assistants like Siri to the walls of all the rooms of your house (“Hey Siri, turn the lights off! I’m trying to sleep!”) and automates your home lighting. These devices will all be available this year from iDevices.
For the tiniest techies, CES also showcased Wi-Fi enabled baby bottles that can track and analyze your baby’s intake and consumption patterns. And finally, the winner of the “Things You Never Knew You Didn’t Need” category goes to the Wi-Fi enabled Litter-Robot, a USD$449 robotic litter box that connects to the internet and sends you real-time updates.
The next CES will be held January 9-11, 2019 in Las Vegas.
/Stephanie