Robotic hostess at CES

This week we take a look at some of the gadgets that were showcased at the annual CES show held in Las Vegas this week.

The number of Geisha - traditional Japanese female entertainers who act as hostesses - may have declined since the 1800s.

But more people could enjoy the company and musical skills of such hostesses, if Toshiba's realistic ChihiraAico robot, unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, catches on.

Like a Geisha, the robotic hostess named ChihiraAico is designed to make conversation, sing and could one day play classical music or look after people.
Via: Daily Mail

Motorola has unveiled the Scout 5000, effectively a smartphone for dogs that can stream video of what pooches are up to, track their location, monitor their health through footsteps taken and even allow owners to speak to their hounds.

Also built into the collar - which is splash, paw and chew proof according to Motorola - is a microphone so the dog can "talk" back.
Via: Telegraph

Sony showed off a tech specs concept at CES in Las Vegas.

Despite going by the clunky name of SmartEyeglass Attach!, the device itself is actually quite nifty, attaching to users' regular specs, so users have total control over the style. A module packed with a processor, sensors, Bluetooth and WiFi sits on the arm of the glasses, and a tiny OLED microdisplay hovers just above the eye.
Via: Wired

Smart pedals that warn when a bike is stolen and helmets for cyclists that spot an imminent crash have in-built sensors that spot when a bicycle has been nabbed and can report where it has been taken.

The prototype helmet has been developed by Volvo to warn a vehicle when it has got too close to a cyclist.

It also lets cyclists know if they are in a vehicle's blind spot so they can take action to avoid a collision.
Via: BBC

The term selfie stick has been getting a bad wrap, but it should be noted that not all people wielding a stick are frolicking around CES snapping selfies with electronics. Many people are using them to get a better angle on their pictures, especially with the massive crowds.

And the sticks aren't just limited to tech fans. Tourists up and down the strip are using them to take pictures at popular attractions with their group instead of asking a stranger to snap a picture.

This time next year, will selfie sticks be the norm?
Via: Mashable

It's billed as the world's first drone to feature a 4K camera dubbed the Inspire 1 drone, from Hong Kong-based company DJI, is designed specifically for filmmakers looking to capture the best footage but on a budget that doesn't break the bank.

Michael Perry, PR manager at DJI says: "The Inspire 1 has a 4K camera on board for really high-resolution images. It has a retractable leg design so that while it's in the air, the camera can rotate 360 degrees, allowing users to have a lot more control of the image while they're in flight.

Users also have a two-operator set up. One person operates the platform. Another person can operate the gimbal. They can also operate everything by a single operator but sometimes users want a little more control over the image while it's flying."
Via: Telegraph