Consumer technology’s future arrives once a year at CES in Las Vegas and BehindTheBuy.com’s senior editor – David Gregg partnered with world-leading companies to bring us the stand out innovations from CES 2020. We’re always excited to see what’s getting the most attention – So, David, what’s your first newsworthy innovation?
Anker PowerConf
It’s Anker’s PowerConf! Their first conference speaker for the small office/home office to deliver affordable and advanced performance. Its compact size also makes it a great road warrior tool for hotel room conference calls. PowerConf’s six microphones and noise-reducing technology clearly picks-up voices around the entire speaker – up to twenty-six feet away! Smart Voice Enhancement Technology optimizes the active caller’s voice, as an indicator illuminates to identify the primary speaker. 24-hour playtime combined with Anker’s USB based PowerIQ technology powers your calls as it charges your tech devices. It arrives in early 2020!
PRICE: $129.99; Available January 20th on Amazon.com
WEB: Anker.com
Targus CES 2020 Backpack Collection
Targus unveiled the world’s first stylish line of backpacks to feature a built-in wireless charging cradle! The Cypress+ EcoSmart Backpack with Qi Charging – arriving in the first half of the year – combines modern style with eco-friendly manufacturing, by using recycled materials, to support Targus’s dedication to environmental sustainability. Its NFC compatibility and rechargeable battery conveniently charges phones with enough power for two full charges a day.
Targus also updated their sleek Newport Backpack Collection. Inspired by California’s Newport Beach, they’re available now and feature a sophisticated, modern design – with tons of storage space!
PRICE: Cypress+ EcoSmart Backpack with Qi Charging – $179.99 – Available 1st half of 2020; Newport Backpack – $99 – Available now. 
WEB: Targus.com
Baldwin TouchScreen
Baldwin’s TouchScreen introduces luxury technology to secure your home with the touch of a finger. Activate the screen with your palm or back of your hand to enter a code for easy unlocking. Its one-touch locking requires no key or code. The SecureScreen technology has you touch random digits before entering a personal code to prevent fingerprint detection. Baldwin Touchscreen with the Z-Wave option works with virtual assistants – like Amazon Alexa – when connected to a smart home hub. Monitor lock status and control it using your phone. It’s available in Boulder and Minneapolis styles – 17 finishes and pairs with three coordinating handle sets.
PRICE Starts at: Touchscreen Deadbolt- Stand-Alone: $308; Z-Wave: $371
Touchscreen Handleset- Stand Alone: $535; Z-Wave: $598
WEB: www.baldwinhardware.com/touchscreen-smart-lock
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Mesh System
Netgear’s compact Nighthawk Mesh WiFi 6 System – available early this year – responds to everyone’s need to increase the capacity, coverage, and speed of their home’s WiFi. It delivers the future of WiFi now – with dual-band wireless technology providing 4 times more speed and connections for lag-free gaming and smooth streaming – to accommodate all of your family’s connected devices. It’s WiFi blankets homes up to three thousand square feet and is expandable too with these sleek satellites that blend into any home decor – so you can say goodbye to dead zones. Set up is easy – and takes just minutes!
PRICE: $229.99
WEB: Netgear.com
Drinkworks Home Bar by Keurig
Here’s another world’s first! Drinkworks Home Bar by Keurig is a connected machine designed to create freshly-made, bar-quality cocktails, ciders, and brews at the push of a button. Drinkworks proprietary pods are made with premium spirits, real flavors, and natural ingredients to create perfectly chilled cocktails in under a minute. Current offerings include over two dozen beverages – including classics like Moscow Mule, Mojito and Mai Tai, as well as seasonal cocktails. The Drinkworks Home Bar app pairs with Apple and Android devices to monitor performance, download updates, and order new pods – for a seamless experience. Visit drinkworks.com for current availability.
PRICE: $299
Cocktail pods – $15.99 (tube of 4)
WEB: www.drinkworks.com