Top 10 Smart Home Products from CES 2019
2019 was another exciting year at CES. Some products we’ve seen in the past like the LG roll-up TV are finally ready from production and other brand-new products were on display. There were self-driving taxi’s taking people around Vegas (click here to see a video of one) and more TVs and video door bells than you could count.
In this article I’m only going to focus on my favorite smart home devices that you will be able to purchase this year. As these products become available I will add more in-depth reviews of them so look for links to those reviews. I’ll also include links where you can purchase these products, full disclosure some of them are affiliate links that I earn a small commission on to help support creating content like this. Using the affiliate links won’t cost you any more, if you use them and make a purchase I thank you.
Now let’s get started! I’ll work my way from number 10 to my number 1 pick. I cover a variety of products, so make sure you check out the whole list. I’ll give a quick summary of each of my picks and the specs (if they are available).
Would you rather watch instead of reading?
Check out the video below for my top 10 smart home products from CES 2019. After watching you can get more detail on each of the products in this article.
10. Ring
Ring has been leading the way doorbell cameras for some time now, but that isn’t all they have to offer. At this year’s show they displayed a new camera product the Door View Cam as well as expanding some of their other offerings including some new security and lighting products.
Door View Cam
Instead of replacing your doorbell like many of ring’s products this camera replaces the peep hole. One advantage of this camera is that it can be used in scenarios where a doorbell camera can’t be used. This might be the perfect solution for you if you live in an apartment or if your HOA doesn’t allow doorbell cameras.
The Door View Cam has a doorbell button, camera and still allows you to look through the peephole just like before. It installs easily with no drilling or wires.
Additional Features and Specs:
- Exclusive knock alert
- Smart Alerts can mute alerts for false alarms like kids playing near the door
- 1080 HD Video with 2-way Audio
Lighting Products
In 2018 Ring (Amazon) aquired Mr. Beams, a lighting company. Some of the Mr. Beams products and technology have been incorporated into the Ring product line. This all lead to Ring showing off some new products.
Ring Lighting Products
- Path Light / Step Light
- Motion Sensor
- Transformer
- Bridge
The Path and Step lights are battery powered and can be triggered by the motion sensor or other ring devices. The transformer can be connected to your existing lights to allowing them to be controlled as well.
Each system will also require a bridge, the bridge allows communication between the sensors and lights.
These lighting products aren’t available yet, but you can click here to get more information on the Ring site.
Security Products
Ring also displayed a few new security products. They included the dome lighted siren that works with the Ring Security System and allows you to hear and see if you alarm goes off. This would be useful for large homes, or if your security base station is located on the opposite side of your home.
A flood and freeze sensor was also on display the can alert you to the presence of water or freezing sensors.
Both of these products are on Amazon now, here are links to check them out.
9. Arlo Ultra 4K Camera
If you want a super high-resolution security camera with an image that will stay clear even when you zoom in Alro has you covered with their new Ultra 4K security camera.
In addition to 4K resolution this camera has a few other standout features:
- Color Night Vision
- 180 Degree Field of View
- Integrated spotlight triggered by the built-in motion detection
The Arlo Ultra camera is available on Amazon now, Click here to check it out.
8. C by GE Color Changing Bulb
The C be GE bulb has been around for over a year and now it has an update. The original bulb can change its hue to match the natural light from the sun throughout the day. This new version is a full color RGB bulb. This means that you can set it to any color you want.
The ability to emit any color is nice, but that’s not why it made my list. The C by GE Color Changing Bulb is the first smart bulb to be certified as “Made for Google”. This new certification means that the product was designed to easily integrate with the Google smart home ecosystem.
If you’re already using Google Home, the Pixel or Pixel Book you should be able to get these bulbs setup quickly and easily. It’s also worth noting that the bulb connects via Wi-Fi so no additional hub is needed.
C by GE Color Changing Bulb
The bulb is scheduled to be released in 3 versions:
- 60-watt equivalent A19 style
- Recessed Can Light
- Light Strip
The color changing bulb is scheduled to be released later this year, for more information click here to check out the GE website.
7. Hive Link
If you’re not familiar with Hive, they have a full line of smart home and security products including Smart hubs, alarm systems and sensors, lighting, smart plugs and thermostats.
Hive Link is a new service designed to help you look after elderly or disabled family members who want to remain independent. It’s a software solution that monitors the smart home products in a home to give you real time access to the status of devices and motion sensors and a log of recent activity.
You can setup alerts and Hive will let you know when something unusual happens, including alerting you if no activity is detected. This can give you and your loved one peace of mind that they can remain independent and safe.
As of the time I am writing this the website only shows Hive Link for the UK market. Click here to learn more on the Hive website.
6. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Schlage has several smart locks, but they all require a hub. The Encode deadbolt uses WiFi to communicate so no smart home hub is needed. You can use you smart phone to unlock your door from anywhere with a data connection, or unlock it locally with the keypad.
The keypad can be programmed with 100 different codes and you can schedule when those codes are usable.
The lock can be paired with key by Amazon and the Amazon Cloud Cam App to allow in home deliveries for prim members where that service is available. For even more convenience the Encode deadbolt can be paired with Alexa for voice unlocking with a 4-digit pin number. Ring app integration is also coming later this year so you will be able to check who is at your door and unlock it from the same application.
The Encode Deadbolt has a list price of $250, Click here to see current pricing on Amazon.
5. Gryphon Mesh WiFi Router
This router was introduced to solve 2 problems, keeping your family safe from harmful content on the web and providing a fast connection for the growing number of devices in your home.
If you are like me the number of WiFi devices in your home keeps getting larger. I cut the cord, so now in addition to smart home devices, phones, tablets and computers I now have a streaming device on every TV. I also have 2 pre-teen children so having the ability to limit their time and access to inappropriate content is important to me.
Enter the Gryphon Mesh WiFi Router
Gryphon has done several things to ensure a fast, reliable connection. The router uses tri-band AC3000 and 4x4 MU-MIMO to achieve wireless speeds of 3 Gbps. The use of 3 bands provides dedicated bands for old 2.4 GHz devices and two 5 GHz bands for new devices and the mesh network. A single router covers up to 3,000 square feet, adding a second router covers 6,000.
Here are some of the security features:
- Content Filtering by age
- Malware Filtering
- Bedtimes and homework times
- Safe search with YouTube
- Browsing history Logs
- Malware protection with updated ESET database
All these features may sound confusing, but configuring the router is simplified by using the guided setup in the app (iOS and Android).
The Gryphon Mesh Router is available on Amazon now, Click Here to check it out.
4. Lenovo Smart Clock
The Lenovo Smart Clock is the best implementation of a combo alarm clock and virtual assistant. This device has 2 key advantages over the Echo Spot
- No Camera
- Large Easy to Read Clock Display
Lenovo Smart Clock
Many people don’t like the Idea of putting a smart device with a camera in their bedroom, Lenovo and Google solved this problem by not including one on this clock.
Another drawback of using the Echo Spot as an alarm clock is the fact that the display scrolls through several screens and the clock isn’t easy to read from a distance. Again, this was solved with several clock faces to choose from, and they are displayed unless you ask to see something else.
Here are the key features and Specs:
- 4” Touch Screen
- Google Home Voice Commands
- Can Display Security Cameras
- Can trigger Google Home Good Morning Routine after alarm is dismissed
There are a few drawbacks of the Lenovo Smart Clock. It doesn’t have all the functionality of a Google Smart Display. If you want to watch YouTube or use it for viewing recipes your are out of luck (but check out my next pick for that).
The Smart Clock is expected to be out later in 2019, butclick here to learn more about it now.
3. Kitchen Aid Smart Display
Kitchen Aid (a division of Whirlpool) has been expanding its line of smart kitchen appliances and now they are offering a smart display designed specifically for the kitchen.
This device does everything a smart display should do, like view security cameras and videos online. It includes a camera for video calling and taking pictures.
This display also has a few features designed specifically for the kitchen. The first is it’s IPX-5 rating. That means that if you get it dirty while cooking just rinse the whole thing off in the sink.
The second kitchen focused feature is it’s integration with Yumlly (also owned by Whirlpool) You can get recipe recommendations and Pro subscription members can get step by step directions from celebrity chefs.
2. Wyze Cam MaxDrive
Wyze Cam has been shaking up the smart home industry with it’s $20 indoor camera now they are giving you an option to store as much recording data as you want on a local network attached hard drive.
The MaxDrive needs to be setup on the same network as your Wyze cameras. After this initial setup you can move it anywhere you want as long as it has a wired internet connection. At release you will have to install a Micro SD Card in your camera for recording. The recordings are then automatically backed up to the MaxDrive. This can be used for extended event recording, continuous recording or time lapse video. The downside to this setup is if your camera is damaged or disconnected before the backup you might loose the data. Wyze is working on a real time backup to fix this problem.
Wyze Cam MaxDrive CES 2019 Booth
To view the footage you need the MaxDrive app, Wyze is planning to allow viewing directly from the Wyze cam app after a software update. The MaxDrive can also be used for personal cloud storage of pictures, videos and other data.
The best part of the Wyze MaxDrive is there is no subscription fee, once you purchase the MaxDrive and get it setup you are only limited by the size of the hard drive. The MaxDrive does not come with a hard drive. You can install a 2.5” or 3.5” drive up to 12TB. There is no limit to the number of cameras that can be linked so the limiting factor will be your networks bandwidth.
No Official information has been released on the Wyze Website. I will update this article with links when they become available, so check back.
1. Kasa
TP-Link makes some of my favorite smart home devices, especially for people who are just getting started with smart home tech. This is because many of their products operate via WiFi eliminating the need for a Hub. The app is easy to use and has a great feature set.
At this year’s show they had several new products including expanded camera/security offerings. Below you will find my favorites and some of the specs for each of them.
Wire-Free Camera
- Rechargeable Battery
- 2-way Audio
- 1080p Resolution w/ Night Vision
- Siren and can mimic the sounds of you being in the house.
Click Here for more details on the Wire-Free Camera on the Kasa website.
Smart Spot Indoor Camera
- 2-way Audio
- 130 Degree Field-of-View
- 1080p resolution w/Night Vision
Click Here for more details on the Spot Camera on the Kasa website.
Kasa Smart Video Doorbell
This is Kasa’s first doorbell product and they went big with a high-resolution camera.
Kasa Video Doorbell
- 2K Video
- HDR
- Night Vision
- Face detection with stranger alert
- 2 days of free camera storage
Click Here for more details on the Wire-Free Camera on the Kasa website.
Power Products
I used a Kasa Smart Plug for my Christmas lights last year, now they have an outdoor plug that would be perfect for that application.
Here are the new power products from Kasa:
Wi-Fi LED Light Strip
This was my favorite. The stand out feature of this LED Light Strip is the 8 individually controllable sections. This allows you to configure multi-color looks and a variety of chase patterns.
Watch the video at the top to see it in action.
The strip is 2m long and can be expanded. You control the strip via the Kasa app.
You should be able to get the strip in the first half of 2019. Until then Click Here for more information on the Kasa website.
Wrap-Up
There were plenty of other smart home products at CES 2019. Kohler has some smart mirrors with voice assistant built in. There were toilets, microwaves and over a dozen doorbell cameras. While some of these products are pretty cool, they don’t seem quite ready for everyday people like us. They are either way too expensive or the additional cost to make them “Smart” just doesn’t seem worth it.
So, What do you think the best smart home product from CES 2019 was? Leave you answer in the comments below. Also let me know if you have any questions about my favorite products for CES 2019.
Thanks for reading and if you enjoyed this article click here to join the Living High Tech mailing list for email updates when I post new Content.
Jason