Why You May Need Dramamine at CES
This week, on Mindshare's Culture Vulture Live, we're at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Mark Potts takes you through the latest key stories in tech and culture.
1) The kids are smarter than us. Lego is releasing the second version of its WeDo robotics kit for elementary school-aged kids. The kit comes with Lego bricks, and more importantly, includes a Bluetooth-based hub that connects to a motor, as well as motion and tilt sensors that are all part of the basic package. WeDo also offers schools a curriculum of 40+ hours of lessons built on key science standards typically taught in grades 2-4.
2) If you've ever wondered what's really in your food, Consumer Physics is launching their new Scio sensor at CES this week. The sensor helps you figure out the chemical makeup of your food or drink, and comes with an app that visualizes the analysis. Though expected to appeal to all, the real audience is people with chronic health conditions like heart disease or diabetes. The device is expected to retail at $249.
3)There have been a lot of devices and apps launched over the last few years that aim to "nudge" consumers into more positive behaviors. A worthy example at this year's CES is the Smart Wheel, which snaps onto a steering wheel and warns the driver when their hands aren't placed on the wheel correctly. Aimed primarily at distracted teenage drivers, the device originally featured on the TV show "Shark Tank" and will be available this year for $200.
4) Finally, we'd be remiss by not covering something about virtual reality. We covered French firm Immersit last year, and they're back this year updating their furniture add-on for the burgeoning virtual reality space. The add-on -- which is designed to work with any standard couch/chair -- vibrates and moves to onscreen action adding to the immersive experience. Good luck, and remember your Dramamime.
Want more Culture Vulture? We shot a bonus special edition at CES yesterday as well. Check it out.
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