Each January, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas unveils a vision of tomorrow's technology, from advanced humanoid robots to AI-infused household devices. While many concepts remain prototypes for years, a select few products are ready for purchase immediately. We tested five such innovations on the show floor that are available to order right now, offering a tangible slice of the future.
Augmented Reality Gets More Accessible
The Xreal 1S AR glasses represent a significant step forward in making augmented reality more practical and affordable. Priced at $449, this new model improves upon its predecessor with a wider 52-degree field of view, increased brightness of 700 nits, and a sharper vertical resolution of 1,200 pixels. During a hands-on demo connected to an Android phone, the enhancements were immediately apparent. The glasses felt lightweight and come with interchangeable nose pieces for a custom fit. They are positioned as an ideal companion for travellers, transforming any seat into a private cinema or workspace. For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, a $99 docking accessory enables seamless integration.
Innovative Reading and Portable Gaming
Moving beyond traditional e-readers, the DuRoBo Krono is a versatile, smartphone-sized device. For $280, it offers a 6.1-inch Carta 1200 HD display for reading, supports music playback, and includes note-taking capabilities. Its standout feature is a physical dial, a refreshing alternative to touchscreens, used for scrolling pages or adjusting settings like brightness. A long press on the dial activates voice note recording, with an AI assistant transcribing and summarising the audio. Running Android 15, it allows access to the Google Play Store for apps and e-books.
For gamers seeking a portable console experience without the console, the Ohsnap Mcon Gaming Controller provides a clever solution. This $144.99 accessory attaches magnetically to an iPhone or Android device, unfolding to reveal full joysticks and control keys. It features an integrated kickstand, extendable grips for ergonomics, and satisfyingly tactile buttons. After seeing a prototype last year, the finished product is now scheduled to ship in January.
Smart Glasses for Discreet Daily Use
For those seeking a less intrusive smart glasses experience, the Even Realities G2 model focuses purely on adding a private display to your field of vision, omitting cameras and speakers. Priced at $599, the G2 is lighter and stronger than the previous G1 model. A simple lift of the head activates the 'Dashboard' – a virtual information overlay visible only to the wearer. It can function as a teleprompter, translator, or navigator. A new 'Conversate' feature displays contextual information about people or places during discussions. The glasses charge via a convenient case, and an optional R1 smart ring can be used for control and health tracking.
The Travel Essential: A Smarter Charger
Frequent travellers will appreciate the ingenuity of the Anker Nano 45W Charger with Smart Display. This compact, $39.99 charger features a built-in screen that shows real-time charging speed, phone battery level, and temperature. Its hinged, foldable prongs aid portability and allow the screen to face different directions. Anker states it can identify Samsung or Apple phones to deliver up to 45W of fast charging, capable of taking an iPhone 17 from zero to 50% in 20 minutes. A smart 'care' mode protects battery health by reducing charge speed as capacity fills. While shipping begins on 20 January, signing up for notifications secures a 25% early-bird discount, bringing the price down to $30.
These five products, available for immediate purchase, demonstrate that the future of consumer technology isn't always years away. They offer practical enhancements for work, entertainment, and travel, bringing the promise of CES directly into the present day.
