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Finnish eyewear company IXI is preparing to launch smart glasses that look like regular spectacles but can automatically fine-tune their focus to match what the wearer needs.  

IXI Eyewear is developing autofocus glasses that could replace traditional progressive and bifocal lenses. Marketed as a luxury eyewear product, IXI smart glasses use a camera-less eye-tracking system and liquid-crystal lenses to automatically adjust focus as you look at different things. The company plans to introduce them to consumers seeking high-end options through opticians, possibly as soon as next year, after showcasing them at CES 2026.  

Key Features and Technology 

Auto Focus Technology: LEDs and photodiodes around the lenses emit invisible infrared light. This system tracks eye movements and instantly adjusts the liquid crystal lenses for sharp focus, whether near or far.  

Smooth Shift: Unlike progressive or bifocal lenses, IXI glasses instantly shift between near and distance vision without distortion or eye repositioning.  

Design and weight: The smart lenses look like regular eyewear and weigh about 22 grams lighter than AR smart glasses and suitable for daily use.  

Power efficiency: The infrared eye-tracking system consumes only 4 milliwatts, enabling full-day use on a single charge.  

Supplementary data: Built-in sensors track things like eye strain, how often you blink, and your posture. You can monitor this data using a companion app. In the future, this information could help the glasses automatically adjust your prescription throughout the day for greater vision support.  

Fail Safe Mode: If the battery dies, the glasses still function as regular prescription glasses.  

Availability 

Although IXI shared insights from its CES demo, the glasses aren’t yet available. Targeted at those seeking exclusivity and advanced technology, the company is working on medical certifications and scaling production with Swiss lens maker Optiswiss. Once ready, the glasses will be sold through opticians as a high-end luxury product for customers who value innovation and style.  

You can join the waiting list on the IXI eyewear website for launch updates.  

IXI’s Autofocus Smart Glasses are nearly prepared to replace their multifocal counterparts. 

Even as new smart glasses and face-based wearables keep appearing at CES, regular glasses have remained mostly unchanged for hundreds of years. The last big change was progressive multifocals, which blended near- and far-sighted lenses and emerged in the 1950s. So, it’s understandable that IXI, a company that makes autofocus glasses, wants to update its glasses.  

After recently announcing a 22g (0.7oz) prototype frame, the startup is here in Las Vegas to show off working prototypes of its lenses, a key element of its autofocus glasses. Which could be a major innovation?  

IXI glasses are made for people with age-related farsightedness, which affects many people over 45. The glasses use eye tracking without a camera and have liquid-crystal lenses that automatically adjust when they detect a change in your focus, so you don’t need two separate prescriptions like bifocals or multifocals. The eye excises lenses and switches between them on its own. Importantly, the frames are lightweight and look like regular glasses, similar to most modern smart glasses.  

IXI glasses are made for people with age-related farsightedness, which affects many people over 45. The glasses use eye tracking without a camera and have liquid-crystal lenses that automatically adjust when they detect a change in your focus, so you don’t need two separate prescriptions like bifocals or multifocals. IXI’s lenses switch between them on their own. Importantly, the frames are lightweight and look like regular glasses, similar to most modern smart glasses.  

CEO and co-founder Niko Eiden showed off a row of prototype frames and lenses, explaining how autofocus lenses work in two main parts. First, IXI glasses track your eye movements using LEDs and photodiodes placed around the edges of the lenses. LEDs send out invisible infrared light, which bounces off your eyes. The system then measures the reflection to detect small eye movements and how your eyes come together when you focus on something nearby.  

By using infrared and only a few analog channels, the system consumes much less power than camera-driven systems, which must process millions of pixels many times per second. IXI’s system tracks not just eye movements but also blinking and where you are looking, all while using just 4 milliwatts of power, ensuring you don’t have to worry about battery life and comfort.  

Most of the technology, such as memory sensors, electronics, and eye trackers, is built into the front of the glasses and into the parts of the arms near the hinges. The IXI prototype uses batteries about the same size as those in AirPods, which helps show how compact the technology is. The charging port is built into the left arm hinge, so you can’t wear the glasses while they’re charging. IXI says one charge should last all day.  

The prototype frames I saw this week appear as heavy as my usual thick glasses, even though these are early versions. IXI’s first frames would fit right in with other regular glasses and glasses arms to adjust for different face shapes. Apparently, when the testing expanded from Finland to the UK, British faces were a little harsher when talking to me, a Brit.  

Eiden demonstrated prototype lenses made of liquid crystal and a transparent ITO layer. Despite these layers, the lenses stay very thin and switch almost instantly to a prescription lens. Their slim profile fits existing frames, and they can correct cylindrical astigmatism.  

Auto-focus lenses eliminate the need for multiple lens types, such as bifocals and progressives, by automatically adjusting to your vision needs. If the power fails, they function as regular prescription lenses. Beyond vision of eye exercises, sensors monitor eye health and behavior, providing feedback on dry eyes, attentiveness, and posture. All this data is displayed in the comparison app, emphasizing the glasses’ multi-functional health benefits.  

Future versions could further personalize vision correction by automatically adjusting prescriptions throughout the day as your eyesight changes, such as providing stronger corrections when your eyes tire, offering benefits beyond the first generation.  

IXI is preparing to launch these smart glasses with manufacturing handled by Swiss lens maker Optiswiss. The product targets the high-end luxury market and will be sold through existing opticians. Medical certification and production setup are ongoing, and the company plans to launch the first pair next year.

Eversolo Speakers mark a milestone for audiophiles—the company’s first passive loudspeakers—heralding a new era for accessible high-end audio.  

They use premium components and careful acoustic engineering in a complex form that fits IKEA KALLAX shelves.  

The Importance of the SE100 

Brand reputation and growth: Eversolo is renowned for affordable, high-performance streamers and DACs, such as the DMP-A6. Launching its first speaker marks a move toward offering a full sound system, while maintaining quality and value.  

Kallax Fi design and looks: The square profile is engineered to fit IKEA KALLAX shelves, meeting demand for refined, space-efficient audio equipment suited to modern interiors.  

Audiophile engineering at a good price: SE100 speakers are priced at $399 USD / €399 per pair yet employ techniques and materials typically seen in higher-end models, including:  

BLACKEDGE Core Architecture: This crossover design technique focuses on accurate phase (the timing alignment of high and low frequencies) and timing (the coordinated arrival of different sounds), helping create a natural, integrated sound.  

Quality Drivers:  

• The speakers feature a 25mm silk-dome tweeter (a high-frequency driver) with a neodymium magnet, delivering crisp, airy highs thanks to reduced distortion and faster response.  

• The 5.25-inch paper pulp mid-bass driver enhances natural resonance and clarity, producing authentic sound and smooth vocals.  

Strong cabinet build: the dense MDF (medium-density fiberboard) construction and internal damping (materials inside the speaker to absorb vibration) absorb excess vibrations, enabling the drivers to deliver pristine sound.  

Rapid Transient Coil (RTC) Engine: The mid-bass driver’s pure-copper voice coil delivers a fast, controlled response to audio shifts, improving detail and control.  

Tuning and performance: Eversolo’s engineers tuned for a flat response (55Hz-220Hz ±3dB), so all sounds reproduce evenly. This ensures a broad sound stage and emphasizes subtle musical details without listener fatigue.  

In summary, this audiophile brand, SE600, distinguishes itself by combining a space-saving, versatile design with genuine audiophile craftsmanship and accessible pricing, making quality passive speakers attainable for more music lovers.  

Eversolo SE100 Brand Background 

Eversolo, previously known for digital-to-analog converters and network streamers, now debuts the SE100—its first passive loudspeaker with a notably bold design that builds on its established expertise.  

The SE100 stands out with its square, shallow cabinet—stylish and practical. Its size lets it slide easily into IKEA KALLAX shelves, delivering hi-fi sound for modern homes without trading sound quality for style.  

Spec Breakdown 

Under the magnetic grill, the SE100 specs feature a classic two-way setup with modern attention to detail. A 25 mm silk-dome tweeter handles the high notes above 2.6 kHz, while a 5.25-inch paper pulp woofer covers the mid-range and bass. Eversolo points out that this goes beyond a standard combination to a carefully matched system based on its BlackEdge core two-way design.  

Eversolo focuses on phase and time alignment at the crossover to deliver a unified audio experience, not a mix of separate frequencies. The SE100 is tuned for balance, focus, and integrity.  

Controlled Dynamics 

A distinctive feature is Eversolo’s RTC Rapid Transient Coil engine. The woofer uses a high-purity oxygen-free copper voice coil that responds quickly to changes in the music, improving speed without losing control. Has an objective for agility, allowing the speaker to handle both small details and large sound variations while maintaining a steady rhythm. The tweeter has a neodymium motor. The woofer’s paper cone uses a special pulp blend for natural damping. Eversolo aims for natural sound and controlled resonance, avoiding harshness from metal or stiff cones.  

All components are housed in a sturdy MDF cabinet with internal damping to limit vibration and discolouration. The SE100 measures 290 x 180 x 290 mm, offering compactness without sacrificing structure. Its matte starry black finish suits both hi-fi systems and daily living spaces, regardless of measurements.  

Eversolo claims that the SE100 delivers a flat response from 20 Hz to 55 Hz within ±3 dB. It has 88 dB sensitivity (2.83 V/1M) and a nominal impedance of 4 Ohms, so it pairs best with stable, capable amplifiers. It also points out that it conducted many listening tests during crossover tuning, making small modifications by ear. After meeting the technical target, this shows that even today, the SE100 is shaped as much by listening as by measurements.  

Eversolo treats its loudspeakers seriously, along with its market positioning, and not as an afterthought. The SE100 is a compact, stylish, and technically strong entry for people looking for a speaker that fits modern homes while upholding classic hi-fi sound. The SE100 isn’t just about advanced materials and smart design. It’s also the result of careful acoustic work. Once the team got the phase and timing just right, they listened closely and adjusted every capacitor and inductor in the crossover until it sounded perfect.  

This attention to detail gives the SE100 its sonic signature: warm, natural, and vibrant.

At CES 2026, competing bookshelf speakers like the $9.99 Ikea Kallsup offered multi-room sound, but Eversolo took a unique approach with its new passive speakers tailored for Ikea furniture integration.  

Acknowledged for its audio hardware, the Eversolo SE100 entered the speaker market at CES Audio. These passive bookshelf speakers are sold as a pair, despite the brand’s name. They don’t stand alone.  

• Eversolo has launched its new SE100 passive bookshelf speakers.  

• These speakers come with hardware and specs that will appeal to audiophiles.  

• Building on their appeal to audiophiles, these speakers are specifically designed to fit the popular IKEA Kallax shelving units, a modular grid-style storage solution found in many homes and offices.  

Eversolo usually makes Hi-Fi gear like DACs, music players, and amplifiers, and the Eversolo SE100 continues with this audiophile focus. Specs include:  

• A 5.25-inch paper pulp cone for texture  

• A 25mm silk dome for clarity  

• A removable fabric grille designed for low diffraction  

Eversolo calls them acoustically invisible, but I prefer removing the grille to admire the unique offset drivers. They almost resemble an 1830s daguerreotype camera, don’t they?  

These Bookshelf Speakers Are Made Especially For One Shelf. The IKEA Kallax 

Why mention IKEA? Eversolo explains: “The SE100 is built for the Kallax, those grid-shaped shelves that organize items into boxes. The SE100 fits snugly in one cubby with no wasted space.  

IKEA offers speakers from shower-ready Bluetooth boxes to models hidden in lamps, picture frames, and lights. However, they have never designed speakers just for their furniture. The Kallax is the shelf. The Kallsup are the $10 cube speakers. They are portable and not meant to stay on a shelf.  

Of course, the SE100 should also appeal to people who don’t shop at IKEA since the square passive bookshelf speakers look good in many different places.  

There is no official release date, but the SE100 is expected in 2026 for $399. That’s expensive, but not unusual for Hi-Fi gear. We’ll see if they make our best stereo speaker list once launched.  

Kallax shelves are available in various configurations and prices, from small 2×1 units for about $25 to large 5×5 versions, and some models even function as TV stands or tables. This range makes Kallax a common choice for customizable storage and display.  

Passive vs Active Speakers: Who are these for? 

Active speakers have a built-in amplifier and plug directly into a power outlet. They are simple to use, often support wireless connections such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and feature built-in sound optimization.  

Passive speakers do not have an internal amplifier, so they need an external amp or receiver. This setup gives audiophiles more options to customize their sound, but it also means more equipment and a more involved setup.  

Active speakers: (Powered) 

Amplification: The amplifier is built-in, so you only need to connect power and a signal source.  

Connectivity: These speakers often include wireless features such as Bluetooth (short-range wireless audio) and Wi-Fi (wireless networking), along with input options like XLR (professional audio connector) or 3.5 mm (standard headphone jack) for easy connections.  

Set up: Just plug them in and connect to your device. It’s quick and easy.  

Sound: all parts are matched, giving steady output and less distortion.  

Best for: Home offices, streaming, portable PA, or anyone looking for convenience or a space-saving setup.  

Passive Speakers. 

Amplification: Requires a separate amplifier or receiver.  

Connectivity: You connect them to an amplifier with speaker wire (cable designed to deliver audio from the amplifier), usually using binding posts or terminals (connectors that hold the wire in place).  

Setup: More involved, needing matching impedance and power.  

Sound: Customize by mixing components for the exact sound you want.  

Best for: Dedicated home theaters, audio file setups, large rooms, or anyone wanting the most audio control.  

Key Differences at A Glance. 

Power: active speakers use a power cable; passive speakers need a speaker wire to an amp.  

Components: Active speakers have integrated amplifiers, while passive speakers require external amplifiers.  

Control: Active speakers are plug-and-play, making setup simple. Passive speakers provide deeper customization for those wanting more tailored setups.  

Wiring: active has fewer, shorter wires; passive needs longer cables.  

So, why does Kallax matter for audio setups? 

Kallax shelves are cube-style, simple, and smooth. Personalize with inserts, drawers, or doors for stand-alone use, dividing space, or as a TV bench.  

Key Features 

Set the Kallax on the floor as a room divider. Mount it on the wall for shelves or use it as a desk or TV bench, depending on your setup.  

Customizable: Add compatible inserts such as DRONA fabric drawers/Kallax boxes/Kallax doors to keep things organized and out of sight.  

Enjoy the smooth surfaces and rounded corners that create a sturdy, classic look.  

Adapt Kallax to suit your changing needs and spaces, even if you move.  

Share Kallax easily with other IKEA series, such as Lack.  

Common Uses and Personalization. 

Display books, plants, or your favorite decorative pieces, such as the Ever Solo SE100, in the open cubes.  

Store toys, crafts, or media in DRONA boxes that fit inside the cubes.  

Separate different areas in your living space with a tall Kallax unit.  

Called TVs and media equipment like the Ever Solo SE100 with specific Kallax combinations.  

Raise Kallax with an underframe to make cleaning underneath easier and add a modern look.  

If you have a Kallax bookshelf at your place, you can consider purchasing the Ever Solo 100. Also, add some Hi-Fi audio to your collection.

Wearing Whoop daily is linked to 91 more minutes of weekly activity and 2.3 extra hours of sleep.  

1. Over 10% higher HRV  

Members report faster progress, stronger habits, and better results.  

Whoop supports you in achieving your goals. We are also reporting on CES developments as they happen. Are you familiar with the features of the new Whoop competitor?  

Most fitness tracker fans might not know Speediance, since it is mainly known for AI-powered fitness trackers, such as the Gym Monster 2 cable trainer in 2026. Now Speediance has brought a fitness tracker to CES, and it closely resembles other screenless trackers like Whoop and the Polar Loop, making the familiar design trend more noticeable.  

The new Speediance Strap mirrors the Whoop’s minimalist, screenless style. Previously, Whoop was unique in delivering a top-tier fitness experience without a display. The Polar Loop adopted this approach last year, and at CES, both the Luna band and Speediance’s Speed Ion strap directly challenge Whoop’s recognizable design. This puts Speediance into direct competition with established screenless fitness trackers.  

Speediance hasn’t shared many details about the strap yet, except that it is still a prototype and that the release is expected on Kickstarter later this year. No pricing information yet. I asked a Speed Ion representative, who confirmed this. What we do know is that the strap will have a base price, with an optional premium subscription for AI Fitness Tech, rather than requiring a full subscription like Whoop.  

According to a Speediance press release, core activity and recovery data will be available at no additional cost with optional wellness+ access, providing advanced AI planning and long-term insights. This model of offering advanced features through a subscription is now common. In the wellness industry, there is noticeable consumer interest in devices that do not require ongoing subscription fees.  

The device gives daily readiness scores like TopFit bits and Garmin watches. It also monitors stress reactions and core body temperature, covering recovery and training.  

Minimalist fitness trackers are again gaining popularity due to these Whoop alternatives and smart rings.  

A trend is emerging users are seeking focused, multi-sport training and moving away from constant race notifications, although specialized running watches still have a place.  

About Speediance 

For those wondering what Speediance is, it was founded in 2020 and is a cutting-edge fitness technology company focused on transforming home gym experiences through smart product design, combining advanced hardware, personalized AI, dynamic content, and community support. Speediance aims to make fitness safer, easier, and more enjoyable. The company believes fitness should be accessible and empowering and wants everyone to reach their health and wellness goals from home.  

Known for innovation in smart fitness, Speediance returns to CES 2026 for a second consecutive year. This year, Speediance presents an expanded vision for smart training and wellness, integrating connected hardware, flexible training options, and AI-driven insights. The company is moving beyond single-device solutions to develop a more integrated system focused on long-term health.  

At CES, Speediance is introducing two products:  

1. Gym Nano, a compact motor-driven cable-training system  

2. Speediance strap, a wearable prototype designed to support health and training decisions through data-driven insights  

New Prototypes Show The Future Of Fitness 

At CES2026, Speediance is showcasing two products alongside its current lineup.  

Gym Nano: A small motor-driven cable training system built for high-performance strength workouts in flexible and mobile spaces.  

Speediance Strap: a wearable prototype that uses continuous physiological and behavioral data to provide personalized health and training guidance throughout the day.  

These new prototypes expand Speediance’s main product line, including the Gym Monster 2 all-in-one smart home gym and the Velonyx connected indoor bike. This demonstrates the brand’s commitment to enhancing features across devices and user experiences.  

Better Training Features and AI Integration 

Speediance continues to expand training capabilities through both software advancements and strategic accessories. The Gym Monster 2 now features Pilates functions with the Speediance Pilates set, adding functional, low-impact, mobility-focused training in a format that complements existing strength and cardio options.  

A key part of this growth is WellNess + Speediance’s AI-powered health guidance platform. Wellness Plus turns complex data into clear advice, helping users make smart choices about training, recovery, and daily wellness, and supporting steady progress.  

Looking Ahead: The Future of Connected Fitness 

CES provides the ideal platform to demonstrate how these interconnected elements function as a unified system, according to Speediance’s Founder and CEO Liu Tao. Rather than developing products independently, the company is building a comprehensive training and health ecosystem that adapts to users’ lifestyles and encourages better decision-making over time.  

CES 2026 showcases Speediance’s integrated approach to fitness technology, uniting new hardware, diverse training methods, and AI to deliver more personalized and effective wellness solutions.  

Looking ahead, SpeedIons will continue to improve how these features work together, using feedback from real users. The company’s goal is to move home fitness beyond single devices and create a more connected, lasting, and smart experience.  

How It Compares to Whoop? 

SpeedIance is joining the Whoop market with a screenless strap design, but it takes a different approach. While basic tracking is free, users can choose to pay for advanced AI coaching and integration with SpeedIance’s smart gym equipment, like the Gym Monster. This differs from Whoop, which requires a full subscription for all features. Notably, Whoop is known for its detailed recovery and strain analysis through its app. In contrast, SpeedIance combines strength training and recovery data using its Care Framework (Collect, Analyze, Recommend, Execute) to give a complete view of performance.

CES 2026 showcased a dazzling array of new TVs, but soundbars remained surprisingly scarce as I navigated the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center and nearby hotels. 

Still, I did find a few soundbars on display, some of which could end up among the best sound bars of CES 2026 once we test them. Highlights range from a high-tech Dolby Atmos sound bar to a simple, slim soundbar and sub-combo featuring Bang & Olufsen audio. Here are the standout soundbars I encountered at the show. 

LG Sound Suite H7 Soundbar 

This is the first soundbar with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect. 

The Sound Follow feature adjusts the sound based on your seating location using Ultra Wideband (UWB), a short-range wireless communication technology. 

Launched at CES Audio Tech, LG’s SoundSuite speaker family is led by the H7 sound bar, the world’s first to support Dolby Atmos flex-connect. The H7 is compatible with any HDMI/ARC-compatible TV you connect to. It can be paired with LG’s Sound Suite M7 or M5 wireless speakers and the W7 subwoofer to create a full 13.1.7-channel Dolby Atmos home theater audio system. 

Supporting a 9.1.4 channel 20 driver array including four built-in woofers, eight passive bass indicators, and three dedicated up-firing speakers, the H7 itself is an impressive all-in-one sound bar. Its upgrade readiness, along with its room calibration, pro-automatic room calibration, a sound-follow feature that tunes the sound to your specific seating location using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, AI Sound Pro plus spatial audio upmixing, and 3D audio processing, really make it an exceptional Atmos sound bar. 

The LG H7 soundbar is now available for pre-order in the US for $999.99. 

Focal Mu-so Hekla. 

All-in-one system with a base extending to 30 Hz. 

Extensive streaming support and multi-room playback. 

The Hekla is made from a sleek slab of black aluminum, and it’s packed with impressive audio technology. Inside, you’ll find 15 drivers, including up-firing and side-firing speakers, all powered by 660 watts of Class D amplification. It supports up to 7.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos, and the base reaches down to a deep 30 Hz, which we definitely noticed during the demo. 

Within the first few minutes of our CES demo, the Hekla showed it was more than just a stylish speaker – the sense of immersion was truly immersive. Whether we played an Atmos music track or a movie scene, we could hear sounds swirling above, behind, and all around us from a single speaker. 

Setting up the Mu-so Hekla is easy. High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) eARC and an optical digital input handle connecting to your TV, and if you want extra bass, there is a Noise Reduction Coaxial Audio (NRCA) output for adding a separate subwoofer. 

The real advantage comes from Focal working with Naim. The Pulse platform runs everything, supporting music streaming services like Tidal, CoBos, and Spotify Connect; casting technologies such as Google Cast and Apple AirPlay; and file-sharing and streaming via UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and Bluetooth. You can stream high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit/384 kHz and sync music across as many as 32 Focal and Naim speakers in your home. 

You can control the soundbar using your phone, smartwatch, or voice assistant. Alternatively, you can simply walk up and turn the large volume dial on top, which is designed to look like a luxury watch crown. Details like this can make it feel truly high-end. 

However, there’s more than just power and connectivity. The Mu-so Hekla features ADAPT Focal’s room-tuning technology, which uses digital processing to adjust the sound to suit your space. Even in the busy demo area at CES, the soundstage felt tight, focused, and evenly distributed throughout the room. Focal also created two custom listening sounds called Spear Music and Spear Movie. These aren’t just gimmicks; they use beamforming (directing sound waves toward specific areas) and cross-talk cancellation (reducing interference between left and right audio channels) to shape the sound more accurately into your space. 

In other words, when watching a movie, voices seem to come from the center of the screen. Effects move across the room. Music feels open and layered, even when you are just streaming in stereo. It’s not true multi-channel audio, but the illusion is pretty convincing and a massive upgrade over a standard soundbar, making it best for movies. 

SVS R | Evolution. 

SVS, previously known for its speakers and subwoofers, now expands into soundbars with the R | Evolution. You can pair it with wireless surround speakers and two subwoofers. 

SVS, a US-based speaker company, introduced its first soundbar at CES. This is expected news for home theatre fans familiar with SVS’s well-known. 

The SVS R | Evolution offers enhanced clarity and immersive sound with a three-way setup for left, center, and right channels powered by nine drivers (specialized speakers) and 180 watts. Dolby Atmos virtualization (which simulates 3D surround with fewer speakers) delivers spacious audio, while auto EQ adapts the sound to your room, providing a balanced listening experience. 

The system pairs the sound bar with an SVS R | Evolution subwoofer that has a 600-watt amplifier for deeper bass. It supports wireless streaming via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth, and can handle up to 24-bit/96-kHz high-resolution audio (with more detail and clarity than standard CD quality). 

You can choose a soundbar and subwoofer for a streamlined upgrade or add wireless surround speakers for a more enveloping home theater experience. Adding two subwoofers is also supported for deeper bass. 
A 5.1-channel system using the new SVS R | Evolution wireless surround speakers for a more enveloping home theater experience 
Also supports adding two subwoofers for a deeper bass. 

SVS expects to start shipping the R Evolution in late Q2, marking a new chapter for this lineup. 

TCL-A65K 
Super slim soundbar and subwoofer combo. 

Audio by Bang & Olufsen Tuning. 

The TCL-A65K Design Series 3.1.2 Channel Soundbar adopts a minimalist approach compared to the maximalist Focal above, packaging left, right, center, and two up-firing Dolby Atmos speakers in an ultra-slim 27-inch-deep enclosure. The included subwoofer is just 4.7 inches deep. 

TCL’s Best TV, The A65K, uses Bang & Olufsen audio tuning and supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS-X. It delivers 460 watts of power, which is impressive for such a compact soundbar. TCL has not yet announced pricing or availability for this model, but one hopes it will offer the best value for money.

At the busy Las Vegas Convention Center, Vantrue introduced a new thermal dash cam package that it calls its smartest to date.  

Called the pilot 2, this package stands out by offering one of the widest fields of view available in aftermarket in-car camera systems, thanks to its combination of front-, rear-, and thermal-imaging cameras.  

The front camera of the Vantrue Dash Cam uses Sony’s Starvis sensors. Two lenses record inside the cabin at 1080p and provide clear evidence for professionals needing passenger records.  

A second front-facing 2K thermal imaging car camera records through the front windshield at 1440p, and a rear camera captures footage from the back at the same resolution. The distinctive feature of this package is its compact thermal imaging camera, which mounts on the outside of the vehicle.  

A small IP67 waterproof unit resembles a matchbox. Drivers can mount it on the hood just below the windshield or tuck it into the front grille. Vantrue offers several ways to let you position it perfectly.  

The thermal camera streams a live feed to a 6.25-inch touchscreen on the dashboard. This screen serves as a media hub for all camera views and recordings.  

Low-light or bad-weather drivers can set the display of the night vision dash cam to show only the thermal imaging camera feed, an unusual feature for dash cams. This camera, unlike visual cameras, can detect heat from people, animals, and other vehicles, improving visibility in situations where regular cameras may struggle.  

The Thermal Smart Module uses Vantrue’s advanced detection algorithms to identify and highlight potential road hazards.  

Yi Mei Vantrue’s marketing manager explained at the CES booth that the system detects heat signatures up to 200 feet away.  

Using its proprietary software, the display highlights potential hazards. It tracks their movements and issues audible warnings if immediate braking is needed.  

Do you think Vantrue is introducing a magical feature to the market that you must have, since you’re wondering how thermal dash cams work? If so, let us explain the working of dash cams with thermal imaging to give you a clearer understanding of what you are about to witness.  

The Operation of Thermal Dash Cams 

Thermal dashcams operate by detecting infrared (heat) energy rather than visible light. They use a special lens to focus this heat onto a sensor, creating a thermogram, or heat map. The camera then turns temperature differences into visible colors: hotter areas appear red or white, while cooler areas appear blue or black. This gives drivers a clear view in darkness, fog, or rain, making it easier to spot people and animals by their heat patterns, something standard dashcams cannot do.  

Here’s How It Works Step-By-Step 

1. Infrared emission: Every object emits infrared (IR) radiation, depending on its temperature. Hotter objects give off more heat.   

2. A special lens in the thermal dash cam focuses this invisible heat energy onto a sensor.   

3. Detection and conversion:   

4. The sensor measures the amount of infrared energy present.   

5. It converts this energy into electrical impulses.   

6. A processor then converts these signals into a visual image.  

7. Color mapping (ThermoGram): The system uses different colors for different temperatures, creating a heatmap. Warmer objects, such as people, animals, or running engines, appear in bright colors, such as red, yellow, or white, while cooler backgrounds appear blue or black.   

8. Alerts: Some advanced tools use AI to spot heat sources, such as pedestrians or deer, and give audible beeps or on-screen alerts. They can do this even in fog, smoke, or complete darkness, where regular cameras do not work well.  

• Night vision: These cameras detect heat rather than light, providing a clear view even in total darkness.  

• They perform better than regular cameras in fog, rain, and smoke. 

• They quickly spot living creatures and hot engine parts, helping prevent incidents. 

This information should give you a sense of the real-world benefits of the Vantrue Thermal Imaging Dash Cam.  

When driving in fog, at night, or in heavy rain, seeing ahead can be nearly impossible. However, a thermal imaging camera works in any conditions,Yi explains:  

Although Vantrue did not confirm the availability of the thermal imaging dash cams, a company spokesman said the Pilot 2 will cost about $600 at launch later this year. He added that a Kickstarter is coming soon, letting early adopters get it for about $450.  

Although the price is high, Vantrue adds value by offering a 6.2-inch touchscreen as an aftermarket option for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  

This is helpful for older cars lacking modern infotainment. The display also has a built-in speaker and an auxiliary slot, so you can connect it to your current sound system.  

Vantrue plans to bring thermal imaging to motorcyclists. Yi says that in a similar system, the Falcon 2 will feature ultra-impact-resistant, ultra-compact, 2K-resolution front- and rear-facing cameras to fit motorcycle bodywork.  

The company is finalizing a digital cockpit for handlebars. It includes a separate remote control for easy use with gloves.  

System supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so riders can use wireless headphones and voice commands on the move.  

The Falcon 2 price has not been announced, but it will launch in the third quarter. Vantrue will also offer a wireless tire pressure monitoring system compatible with the Falcon 2 and the Pilot 2, and usable on any vehicle.