CES Asia 2016: The Coolest Gadgets From The Massive Tech Show

A smart guitar, stormtrooper speaker and connected teapot were among the gadgets on show at the second annual CES Asia tech exhibition this week in China. The show is a new version of the famous Las Vegas CES technology showcase run by the US-based CTA (Consumer Technology Association) where the hottest gadgets on the planet are unveiled, including everything from drones and smart jewellery to robots and virtual reality headsets.Yahoo News UK went along to Shanghai to take a look at some of the wackiest gadgets around…

#Choose connected shoes

The ‘#Choose’ connected trainers, created by a French tech start-up, can change colour to match different outfits. LED lighting on the shoes is controlled by a smartphone app while a built-in battery integrated into the sole needs to be charged once a day and can last for around 10 hours of wear.

Jacob Jensen smart bangle

It may look like a Party Ring biscuit, but this circular trinket is actually a smart bangle that doubles up as a panic alarm. When the wearer shakes their wrist, the attached smartphone app will immediately start recording a five second audio clip which can be sent to a pre-chosen contact along with exact location details. Other gestures can be assigned to different functions such as dialling a certain phone number.

Sound of Power speakers

If you’ve been looking for a speaker in the shape of a scalped politician then you’re in luck. These quirky gadgets from Sound of Power come in a range of designs including Margaret Thatcher, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-Un. There’s even a Donald Trump model on the way.

Lianluo ‘Avegant’ headset

This gadget looks suspiciously like a pair of headphones that has slipped down over the user’s eyes but it’s actually a virtual reality headset. Incorporating comfy ear cups for immersive sound, the Avegant device plays 360-degree VR videos when hooked up to a laptop.

Truly smart bracelet

A smart bracelet that looks like a piece of luxury jewellery, Truly packs in a sleep tracker, step counter, call and text notifications and the ability to track menstrual cycles.

Hexa robot

This cute robo-spider is controlled by a smartphone app and uses it’s built camera to keep a watchful eye on the owner’s home while they’re away. The friendly robot also features voice and face recognition and can move around freely using its six robotic legs and laser vision.

Poputar

A portmanteau formed from the phrase ‘The Most Popular Guitar’, this smart instrument helps rookie axe-meisters learn their craft thanks to a dedicated smartphone app that walks them through ‘Guitar Hero’-style lessons from basic to more advanced. LED lights on the fret board illuminate to help the player to play along.

Vinci Smart Hearable

One product that might not make it to UK shores is this bonkers set of headphones with a built-in music player on one ear cup. The wearer can choose tracks from the player before donning the unusual device and use a touch control pad on the other ear pad to skips tracks and adjust the volume while wearing them.

Garmin Vivo Move

Best known for its sports watches, Garmin showcased its brand new tracker in the form of a connected watch with a classic design. The wearable can be teamed with a smartphone app to track steps, with a subtle visual alert popping up on the watch face when goals are reached.

Catalyst waterproof iPhone SE case

This 100% waterproof case for Apple’s latest handset is designed to military specifications and is the only case that can withstand a dunking up to 5m. The company, founded be extreme sports enthusiasts, also makes sturdy waterproof cases for all of Apple’s other current iPhone models, and is gradually introducing iPad versions to match.

Dear Deer audio sunglasses

These bizarre sunglasses come in a range of styles and include built-in earbuds on the arms so that the wearer can listen to music from their smartphone over Bluetooth. When the wearer is not listening to music, the earphone modules can be popped out and replaced with normal glasses arms to that they can be worn as conventional shades.

Qi Aerista smart teapot

This connected tea maker automatically makes a brew in one pot, without the need for a kettle, at the touch of a button. Users can choose from a range of presets for different types of tea - with each brewing the tea for the optimum amount of time and at the right temperature. It’ll even keep the tea warm without stewing it.

Smart beads

All but one of the beads on this bracelet is made of solid wood. The last bead contains a range of tech including a step counter, sleep tracker and an LED strip light to show incoming call notifications. There’s also a tiny watch battery, though future models will include a rechargeable battery alongside a mini USB connection.

Star Wars speaker

These Bluetooth-connected speakers are ideal for fans of the world’s most famous sci-fi saga and come in three designs - old-school baddie Darth Vadar, classic stormtrooper and ‘bloodied’ stormtrooper as worn by hero Fin in The Force Awakens.