CES is famous for massive booths, giant video walls, and big companies trying to outdo each other with splashy announcements. But some of the most interesting technology at CES comes from much smaller companies solving very real problems.
That’s why Pepcom is one of my favorite events during CES. Instead of getting lost among the biggest brands in tech, startups and small teams get a chance to show off products they’ve built to be useful, not just flashy.
One of the first gadgets that stopped me in my tracks was a handheld blower called the Hedgehog. It’s definitely not for drying your hair unless you enjoy extreme sports. With air speeds hitting 162 miles per hour, it’s designed for things like drying cars, blowing leaves, or cleaning dust from hard to reach spots around the house. One quick demo and everything on the table was gone. In case you have no reference, 162 MPH feels like falling out of an airplane.
Another standout focused on something much more serious. Rescue Retriever is a smoke detector designed to help firefighters save pets during house fires. It was invented by a firefighter who saw firsthand how often animals don’t make it out. When smoke is detected, the device silently strobes to draw attention to the place where pets usually hide when they’re scared. With more than 40,000 pets dying each year in house fires, it’s a simple idea that could save lives.
There were also clever tools designed to save time and capture information. The Vocci ring records audio and instantly turns it into notes. If you hear something important during a conversation or meeting, one tap on the ring highlights that moment so it’s easy to find later. It’s one of those products that makes you wonder why it didn’t exist sooner. By the way, I definitely want this.
Even everyday items like dog doors are getting smarter. One secure model I saw was Pawport. It launched last year so the company could get feedback. It was back this year to officially announce it will be for sale. Pawport uses a reinforced enclosure and a small tag worn by your dog, keeping unwanted visitors out while still letting pets come and go safely.
While big names like Sony, Lenovo, Samsung, and John Deere will make major announcements at CES, I’ll be spending my time focusing on technology that actually makes a difference in everyday life. These are the kinds of products you can see yourself using, not just admiring from across a crowded convention hall.
