CES: Day 4 Recap

The final day of CES, which is a shortened day, was spent between the Sands and the LVCC, saying our “goodbyes” to everyone. We also learned that Android had a pin event. Various booths were giving out limited Android pins, and it reminded me of when I used to trade at Disneyland (now, I'm just a collector. . . and no, I'm not ashamed to admit that). Had we known about the trading, we would have paid more attention. There was an app associated that allowed the user to mark which pins were obtained and where others could be found. There were 45 pins in total, and we only got about 4 or 5. . . it, literally, would have taken an entire day just to collect them all. I feel like I need to complete the collection...hopefully they have it again next year. Were you able to get any? If you were, which ones?

We also saw a kiosk called SAMPLEit, which allows consumers to purchase sample-sized bath, beauty, fragrance, snack, detergent, and hair products for around $1.00-$2.00. It was in with Redbox, CoinStar, and a couple of others.  The samples from SAMPLEit is essentially free when you factor in the coupons that come with each. Sample items are changed out every week or so, and full-sized products are displayed on the sides of the kiosk for easy access. It's like a sample program without the monthly subscription! There is an app available that has a spinner, which gives the user an opportunity to win samples. The SAMPLEit app also has a rewards program. Since there are no kiosks in California, I can't say anything about the effectiveness of the rewards program. I can't wait for this to come to California. I have had a subscription to Eco-Emi in the past (it was okay.; maybe a 6/10 points for value and product selection), and am currently subscribed to Birchbox (5-8/10 points that fluctuates depending on the month and sample sizes. They also have a nice rewards program and free gift options). This kiosk will definitely give subscription boxes a run for their money, especially since they are quite a bit cheaper depending on the sample and number of samples purchased, and there is no waiting. Keep an eye out—one may be coming to your neck of the woods! If you have used them in the past, how was your experience?

Side of the kiosk. Image courtesy of H. Nelson

SAMPLEit demo. Image courtesy of H. Nelson

3D printing, like the fitness trackers and drones, was everywhere. Some pictures will be posted here, but there are so many that I will have a separate post with a gallery just for them.  3D Systems, the makers of the ProJet, CubePro, and ChefJet introduced the ChocoJet.  They have partnered with the Hershey Company.  Once the ChocoJet is available, consumers will be able to make his/her own, custom 3D chocolate pieces.  The chocolate was not available for sampling, but the candy from the ChefJet was.  It was AMAZING!  The flavor was sour blackberry, and it tasted just like that.  I was expecting it to be a bit more firm, but the piece dissolved almost instantly.  We could have easily eaten a dozen!  Other companies were showcasing their printers such as MakerBot, and of course a few Asian vendors.  

3D printed dress. Image courtesy of H. Nelson

3D printed necklace. Image courtesy of H. Nelson

The two images below are of the 3D candies.  I think they came in 2 or 4 shapes, but I don't remember.  What I do remember is how amazing they were!

Image courtesy of H. Nelson

Image courtesy of H. Nelson

 
These were taken at two of the 3D printing booths.  The image on the right is a close-up of one just like the middle image.

Image courtesy of H. Nelson

Image courtesy of H. Nelson

 

Image courtesy of H. Nelson

 All of these were born out of a 3D printer!  The hammer is usable, but only on a project like a dollhouse.  Holding it, you'd never think it could be more than a decorative piece.

Image courtesy of H. Nelson

Image courtesy of H. Nelson

Image courtesy of H. Nelson

Image courtesy of H. Nelson

One of our last stops before saying, “Goodbye,” to everyone was the AfterShokz booth. They have one of two, I think, bone conduction headphones. They offer amazing products that are specially made to increase the safety of those who workout at night, or those who need to be aware of his/her surroundings. When I first sampled it at their booth, I was blown away. The quality is the same as if I had earbuds in, except that I could also hear everything around me. Safety is extremely important, and using these allows the user to hear it all.  The images below show the two colors of the Bluez 2.   I will have a review of them in the next couple of weeks.

Image courtesy of AfterShokz.com

Image courtesy of AfterShokz.com

Image courtesy of AfterShokz.com

There was so much to see, that there is no way to cover it all in a page to two. An announcement was also made for CES Asia, that will be be held in Shanghai May 25-27^th of this year. What are your thoughts?  Do you plan on attending?  I can't help but hope this will alleviate some of the traffic at CES Las Vegas next year.