CES Unveiled 2014 highlights

CES 2014 – CES Unveiled highlights video

While CES Unveiled is often the stomping ground of smaller, newer companies, LG was there showing off a few new products. Firstly we got a sneak peek at its new flagship 4K TV, the UB9800.

The one we saw was a huge 84in, but isn’t the biggest, with a 98in set coming too, alongside 65 and 79in versions. Also on show was the world’s first curved smartphone, the LG G Flex.

Due for release in the UK in Febraury, it features a 6in, 720p curved screen, a 13MP camera and a “self healing” back panel, which will gradually repair minor scratches. LG says the curved screen makes for a more immersive experience – we’ll let you know what we think in our review.

There was no shortage of wireless speakers to be found at the show, and the most eye-catching – despite being ‘invisible’ – was the ClearView Audio Clio wireless Bluetooth speaker. It uses a 1mm thin acrylic glass panel, which resonates to create the sound, with all the electronics, the 2in woofer and the stereo dipole speakers housed in the base.

Also on show was Dream Audio’s Dream One. Looking a little like a Dalek’s kettle it offers a whole load of connections including aptX Bluetooth, wi-fi, DLNA, AirPlay, USB and 3.5mm analogue – and its 360-degree design aims to eliminate the sweet spot. While you can get stereo playback from one unit, you can also connect a second unit and configure them as left and right. They’ll cost $600 each.

Soundfreaq was showing off three new speakers, the smallest of which was the Pocket Kick – a $99 portable, pocketable speaker that offers a 10-hour battery life and doubles up as a speakerphone. It was also showing off the Double Spot speaker – a larger portable option, designed for use largely in the home, and the Soundrise alarm clock BT speaker hybrid.

We first took a look at YurBuds Inspire Wireless Bluetooth earphones, which feature a Twist Lock system that ensures they won’t fall out, and flexible tips that, it's claimed, won’t hurt your ears. They offer 15mm drivers, 6 hours of battery life and are sweat-resistant too, so perfect for sports.

Elsewhere, Urban Ears revealed a new pair of headphones called Humlan. The covers from the band and earcups comes off and can be washed, and they’ll be available in 10 to 12 colours at launch.

There's plenty more to come from CES – check out the CES 2014 schedule of events to see what's coming and when and how best to follow the new on whathifi.com.

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff and The Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).