My last column talked about how to teach your nieces and nephews how to understand and play with technology. Now, I’ve got some real-world reporting on that issue from the largest technology trade show in the world.


Photo: Courtesy of Jeff Cutler

Gadgets, toys and technology were the buzz words this January in Las Vegas at the International Consumer Electronics Show. Though Las Vegas isn’t a place for kid - especially my nieces and nephews - when this technology event comes to town there are items on display that can enrich anyone’s life.

As the best uncle around, I spent four days walking the Las Vegas Convention Center at CES 2014 to find some of the latest technologies that any uncle and his favorite family members would love.

Usually, CES is a mass of audio and visual equipment, gaming systems and a variety of random products. This year, I saw a bit more in the way of real-world technologies that can help kids have fun; help parents feel safer; and help the whole family be more fit and healthy.

Here are just a few of the items I tested and the companies I interviewed...

yurbuds - http://yurbuds.com
These interesting, powerful and stylish earbuds are crafted to stay in your ears during exercise. They’re perfect for listening to podcasts or music on your phone or MP3 player. They’re also good for use in the car when there might be more than one person in the back seat. Everyone can listen to music or play games on their own mobile device.

SkyBell Technologies - http://www.skybell.com/
This company has brought to market a cool new doorbell that allows you to answer the door from your mobile phone. No matter where you are, you can see who’s there, actually speak to them via the phone, and even use the camera to watch who approaches your house. For parents of children, this is a nice piece of safety tech for the home.

OtterBox - http://otterbox.com
OtterBox has been around for years creating mobile device cases that are protective and stylish. They even have a line of waterproof cases for iPhones and other gadgets. This year, OtterBox went more stylish with their cases for a variety of phones and tablets. For active nieces and nephews, a case that protects expensive mobile technology is a sure bet.

MPowerd - http://mpowerd.com
With their release of the Luci light, MPowered has done two things. They have created a neat solar-powered inflatable light that can entertain kids for hours. They have also addressed a societal problem that kids in many countries have. Where there’s no power, this simple design turns sunlight and air into a light that can be used for safety and illumination.


Photo: Courtesy of Jeff Cutler

For videos of some of these products, just visit my playlist of videos from the Consumer Electronics Show at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPPi5jn0TUfa9DxY75P04x6i0ThHwpHLU. There was no end of interesting and helpful tech for all your loved ones.

You can be the favorite uncle or aunt by checking this stuff out and then introducing your nieces and nephews to a neat world of technology.

Photo: stockimages
Published: January 14, 2014