Arlington, VA—The CES 2021 Innovation Awards honorees were revealed by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). The announcement also included those products recognized as a Best of Innovation in the award categories.
The CES Innovation Awards is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products. Moreover, the products range across 28 categories.
“The honorees of this highly anticipated competition receive global recognition from industry leaders and media who use the CES Innovation Awards to identify outstanding products, upcoming trends and how companies are using technology to change lives for the better,” CTA announced.
Furthermore, an elite panel of industry expert judges reviewed submissions based on innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetic and design. The judges included members of the media, designers and engineers. In addition, the honorees recognized as Best of Innovation are given to those rated highest across the product categories.
The announcement was made ahead of the first-ever, all-digital CES 2021, January 11–14, 2021. CES 2021 will bring the entire tech industry together to connect and collaborate. At CES 2021, audiences will hear from the world’s leading tech innovators from the comfort of their own home or office; exhibitors will launch their latest products and host live demonstrations; and attendees can also connect with global brands.
CES 2021 Innovation Awards
The CES 2021 Innovation Awards received more than 1,200 submissions. Those designated as honorees, including product descriptions and photos, can be found at CES.tech/innovation. What’s more, CTA will reveal the full list of Best of Innovation and all honorees during CES 2021, on January 11, 2021.
Best of Innovation Honorees: Digital Imaging or Photography
The 2021 Best of Innovation honorees in the Digital Imaging or Photography category include the following products, along with what the judges had to say about them. In addition, the Best of Innovation Award in the category went to Vespera by Vaonis.
Dell UltraSharp 32 HDR PremierColor UP3221Q, Honoree, Dell Technologies
The Dell UltraSharp 32 HDR PremierColor monitor is the world’s first professional monitor with 2K mini-LED direct backlit dimming zones. These tightly packed, individually controlled backlight zones deliver ultimate contrast while minimizing halo effects.
With the widest DCI-P3 color coverage in a professional monitor at 99.8%, 4K resolution and VESA DisplayHDR 1000, the UP3221Q enables precise and uniform color reproduction of film and video content. It is also the first 31.5-inch professional monitor with a built-in Calman Powered colorimeter. Consequently, it gives users the flexibility of on-demand or scheduled calibration with or without the PC attached.
GoPro Hero9 Black, Honoree, GoPro
The Hero9 Black action camera introduces a 23.6MP sensor—the biggest hardware upgrade since 2012—for 5K video, 14.7MP frame grabs and 20MP photos. It also answers consumers’ desires with a front-facing screen; next-gen HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization with in-camera horizon leveling; 30% more battery life; and a removable lens.
It is also compatible with the company’s Max Lens Mod accessory for ultimate FoV, stabilization as well as horizon lock.
KanDao Obsidian Pro, Honoree, KanDao Technology Co., Ltd.
This is the world’s first panoramic camera with two focal lengths and multiple aperture gears. Employing an APS-C CMOS sensor, it can output 12K 3–fps ultrahigh–resolution 3D panoramic video.
With KanDao’s unique KDRaw encoding format and the highest 14-bit ultraprecise image acquisition technology, the visual effect is realistic and immersive. It also features built-in nine-axis anti-shake compensation; IMU; GPS; Wi-Fi 6, a high-definition touch-screen LCD; a 10–gigabit ethernet port; external 360° microphone reception; as well as support for in-camera 8K panoramic live.
Lume Pad, Honoree, Leia Inc.
Also an honoree in the Computer Hardware & Components category, Lume Pad is the world’s first Lightfield tablet. It is an all-in-one Android 10-powered tablet that can run Lightfield apps, games, photos and also video.
Clova Lamp, Honoree, Naver Corp.
The Clova Lamp uses Clova Vision (image recognition) and OCR (optical character recognition) to read picture books to kids. Moreover, the goal is to help them develop interest in reading, just as if mom was reading to them. In addition, when kids ask the Clova Lamp questions, an AI will answer them right away and help them learn. The lamp also provides color temperature and LED brightness to fit various learning modes and to be easy on the eyes.
Premiere, Honoree, Samsung Electronics America
The Premiere LSP9T is the world’s first HDR10+ certified, ultra-short throw (UST) projector. Instead of being set up at a distance or mounted to the ceiling, users may position the Premiere millimeters from the wall—and project a massive 130-inch image. Moreover, with triple laser technology, 4K picture quality and vivid brightness, it delivers an immersive viewing experience. Built-in, multi-channel speakers also deliver cinema-quality sound with Acoustic Beam technology. It also features Samsung’s smart TV Tizen platform, with built-in streaming apps and content casting functionality.
Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Honoree, Samsung Electronics, Inc.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5G is a foldable smartphone that pairs statement-making design with lightning-fast 5G speeds. Its sleek, portable aesthetic will fit any lifestyle. It permits users to go hands-free, multitask with ease and get notifications on their terms. Engineered with first-of-its-kind foldable glass, it also bends the laws of physics; its 6.7-inch display folds to fit in the palm of a hand.
Ultracker Aleta S3, Honoree, Ultracker Technology Co., Ltd.
Aleta S3 is a pocket-size 360º-capable camera that takes high-resolution 15K (103 megapixels) pictures.
It also enables 8K VR livestreaming. With Ultracker’s exclusive SOC chip, it brings customers professional-level image quality and is also very easy to carry and use. ultracker.com
Vaonis Vespera, Best of Innovation, Vaonis
Earning the Best of Innovation title, the Vespera is the world’s most compact and easy-to-use space observation station. It’s a perfect hybrid between a smart telescope and a camera, making astronomy accessible to everyone. It is based on the central ideas of user friendliness, portability as well as shareability. Furthermore, the app-enabled new–gen telescope is fully automated and combines high-precision optics, electronics and mechanics. It allows users to photograph with ease the wonders of the universe. Moreover, they can then share their discoveries with family and fellow stargazers around the world.
