Get ready for some pretty cool innovations that are lighting up CES 2025, the world's biggest annual tech event. From AI-powered smart glasses to revolutionary TVs and mind-blowing gadgets, this year's show is proving that the future isn't just knocking. It's bursting through the door. We've scoured the show floor to bring you the most exciting tech that's not just pushing boundaries but completely obliterating them.

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Anker's solar beach umbrella is way more than just shade. This umbrella is part of Anker's SOLIX lineup and does something pretty unique. It charges your devices while you're chilling outdoors. What makes it special? Perovskite solar cells that are seriously impressive. These cells are about 30% more powerful than traditional solar cells in bright sunlight and perform twice as well in low light. The umbrella can pump out 80 watts of power through USB-C and even has an XT-60 connection to power things like Anker's new EverFrost electric cooler. So you could literally keep your drinks cold and your phone charged at the same time. While they haven't announced the price yet, you can expect to see this tech to hit stores sometime in spring or summer.

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Artronic just unveiled Komutr, a super-slim set of wireless earbuds with a genius magnetic charging case that attaches right to compatible phones, chargers and accessories. The charging case is just 0.47 inches thick and is designed to stick to the back of your MagSafe-compatible phone. No more digging through bags or forgetting your earbuds at home. The case even has a clever flip-up lid that works as a kickstand for watching videos. These earbuds pack some serious battery power, up to 10 hours of listening time per charge and a total of 30 hours when you include the charging case. For those without MagSafe phones, Artronic promises "adjustable options," but let's be real: The magnetic attachment is where the magic happens. Want to get your hands on these? Mark your calendar for January 15th when preorders open. The Komutr will start shipping in May and will set you back $129. It's not bad for a pair of earbuds that basically become one with your phone.

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Have you ever binge-watched a cooking show and suddenly craved that exact dish? Well, Samsung's got your back with Samsung Food, a mind-blowing TV feature that uses AI to recognize dishes on screen and instantly serve up their recipes faster than you can say "bon appétit." The tech isn't just about recipes. Samsung Food can track your grocery deliveries, build shopping lists from your fridge contents and even suggest meal plans. Samsung's calling it the "ultimate AI sous chef," and honestly, they might be onto something. Sure, the AI won't actually cook for you (bummer, right?). But for wannabe home chefs who get inspired by every cooking show and movie, this could be a total game-changer. Just don't blame Samsung if you end up spending more time watching cooking shows than actually cooking. Of course, you'll need a 2025 Samsung TV to access this culinary magic. Samsung Food will be available on the QN90F, QN80F and QN70F model TVs.

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The Roborock Saros Z70 is changing the game by doing what most robot vacuums can't: intelligently handling stray items. When a sock or pair of underwear drops on the floor, this smart device doesn't just push them around or get stuck. Instead, it extends a hidden mechanical arm, carefully moving the items to a designated area, keeping your space neat and preventing cleaning interruptions. Robot vacuums have evolved from simple floor cleaners to intelligent assistants that can navigate around obstacles, handle pet hair and now even manage misplaced clothing.

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Ever wished your leafy friends could tell you exactly what they need? Well, get ready to have your mind blown because LeafyPod is here to turn that dream into reality. This nifty little gadget has all sorts of high-tech sensors that keep an eye on things like soil moisture, light and humidity. LeafyPod uses its AI smarts to figure out exactly how much water your plant needs and doles it out accordingly. No more drowning your poor succulents. LeafyPod’s water reservoir can keep your green buddies hydrated for up to four weeks. That's right. You can finally take that monthlong vacation without coming home to a jungle of crispy leaves. It's like having a tiny plant whisperer right in your living room.

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The Lymow One is a beast. With its "Savage Traverse System" of tank-like tracks, this robot mower isn't playing around. It chews through leaves, pine cones and small branches like they're nothing, using powerful mulching blades and a centrifugal fan to keep things tidy. Pet owners, relax. Its advanced obstacle recognition means Fluffy and Fido stay safe while this lawn-taming machine does its work. It's basically a robotic landscaper that turns your yard into a perfectly manicured paradise. However, it doesn't come cheap. It will set you back $3,000.

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The Mirokaï robot from Enchanted Tools is turning heads at CES 2025, offering a unique blend of utility and charm. This humanoid robot is designed to excel in various professional settings, from health care to hospitality, with the ability to perform tasks like moving equipment in hospitals, providing customer service and offering guidance. Drawing crowds at the event, the Mirokaï showcases how characterful robots can reshape interactions in workplaces and service environments, promising a future where technology meets human-like engagement.

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Halliday's smart glasses are making waves at CES 2025 with their innovative "DigiWindow" technology, featuring a 3.5-inch private display positioned in the upper-right corner of your vision that remains completely invisible to others. Weighing just 35 grams, these lightweight glasses are designed to look like traditional eyewear while packing cutting-edge technology. The unique near-eye display projects directly onto the user's retina, offering a proactive AI assistant that can summarize meetings, provide real-time translations, handle notifications and offer turn-by-turn navigation. Priced between $399 and $499, the glasses are expected to ship by the end of Q1 2025 and can be controlled through voice commands, a frame interface or a smart ring with a trackpad. Halliday's smart glasses support prescription lenses and boast an impressive eight-hour battery life.

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Bird Buddy's innovative new camera is designed to transform how gardeners interact with their outdoor spaces. The Petal camera offers users a comprehensive view of plant life and insect activity through a sleek, intelligent device. Featuring 4K resolution and advanced AI recognition technology, the camera allows users to live stream garden interactions directly to their smartphones with unprecedented clarity and detail. The device comes with an optional solar panel, ensuring continuous operation without the need for frequent battery changes. Users can expect to track and identify various insect and plant interactions, turning their garden into a dynamic, observable ecosystem. Bird Buddy plans to launch the Petal camera on Kickstarter this spring, continuing their mission of connecting technology with nature in engaging and user-friendly ways.

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Mirumi is a charming clip-on robot that transforms an ordinary bag into an interactive experience. This furry companion from Yukai Engineering spontaneously turns its head, mimicking a shy infant's curiosity. Unlike complex AI robots, Mirumi offers pure, simple charm; it doesn't speak, move independently or require advanced programming. When your bag moves, Mirumi peeks around; if someone approaches too quickly, it bashfully turns away. Priced at an affordable $70 and launching via crowdfunding in mid-2025, this little robotic mascot is less about technological complexity and more about bringing a smile to your face.

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From Halliday's discreet smart glasses to Samsung's AI-powered TVs and Roborock's intelligent vacuum, this year's show is proving that innovation knows no limits. These aren't just products; they're glimpses into a future where technology becomes a seamless, intelligent extension of our daily lives.

So, which of these innovations has you counting down the days until they hit the market? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Got new electronics for the holidays? Whether you've unwrapped a shiny new smartphone, tablet or laptop, the first steps you take can set the tone for your entire experience. 

We'll walk you through essential steps to ensure your devices are secure, functional and ready for your enjoyment. 

From setting strong passwords to enabling tracking features, these tips will help you make the most of your new gadgets.

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Change default passwords and PINs immediately. Use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Wherever possible, activate 2FA for added security. This provides an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step, such as a text message or authentication app.

Privacy screen protectors can prevent others from viewing your screen from the side, enhancing your privacy when using your device in public spaces.

If your device stores important data (e.g., photos, documents), immediately set up a backup system. This can be done through cloud services or external storage devices to ensure your data is safe.

The best way to ensure that your devices are protected and that no one is snooping around on your data or browsing history is by purchasing antivirus software. To protect yourself from having your data breached, have antivirus protection installed on all your new devices. Having good antivirus software actively running on your new devices will alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails, and ultimately protect you from being hacked. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Ignoring updates: Don’t skip software updates when setting up your new device. These updates often include critical security patches and new features. Enable automatic updates wherever possible to ensure your device remains up-to-date.

Overloading with apps: It’s tempting to download every app or tool that catches your eye. However, too many apps can slow your device and increase the risk of downloading malicious software. Stick to trusted sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Forgetting about privacy settings: Take time to review and configure privacy settings on your devices. Disable features like location tracking or data tracking if they’re not necessary for your usage.

Neglecting physical protection: A single drop can ruin your brand-new device. In order to protect and enhance them, it's important that you have some quality accessories, like a laptop bag or backpack, messenger bag, laptop sleeve, portable hard drive, headphones, webcam cover, attachable portable display, portable laptop stand, Bluetooth mouse, a good power strip and surge protector for your devices. You’ll also want a good phone charger. Check out our picks for these five best portable phone chargers. The last thing you'll want is a device that dies on you all because you didn't have a decent charging accessory.

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The best step to take if you have received a new laptop, tablet or smartphone, whether it's an Apple or Android product, is to turn on any 'Find My' settings in case your device ever gets lost or stolen. Here are the steps you can take for the following options:

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Note: If you don’t see Find My, go to System Services in the list of apps, click Details, then turn on Find My Mac.

 Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

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Smart TVs are a great device to receive for the holidays. Not only do they give you access to tons of streaming apps, but they also allow you to browse the internet, stream music and videos, and even look at photos. With all these features comes a certain amount of risk regarding targeted ads and malware. While any Smart device can be infected with malware, Smart TVs are usually not the devices that experience this kind of attack. Although it has happened in the past with both Samsung and Apple TVs, those cases are extremely rare. However, before you begin enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows, take these steps to protect your Smart TV:

Disabling ads and tracking on your Smart TV will mostly limit your TV from collecting data on you and the content you're watching. Here's how to disable that feature on Samsung, LG and Vizio TVs:

LG

Some models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of LG for the most updated information.

Samsung

Some models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of Samsung for the most updated information. For example, some models may have Smart Features instead of Support in the Settings menu.

Vizio

Some models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of Vizio for the most updated information.

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Most Smart TVs do not come with built-in microphones and cameras, but there is a way to turn off those features for the brands that do.

Samsung

Some models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of Samsung for the most updated information. For example, Some models may have Smart Features instead of Support in the Settings menu. Some models may have Voice Recognition instead of Voice Recognition Services in the Terms & Policies menu.

LG

Other Smart TV brands may come with external cameras. Make sure they are unplugged whenever you are not using them.

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If you have old devices that you don’t need, you can sell them or recycle them. Some services will pay you even if your devices are not working. To get the best deal for your devices, you need to choose the right service. Here are some services that you can use:

Amazon Trade-In: If you're a big Amazon shopper, it might be worth it to try trading in your old device with their trade-in company. You can swap your device in exchange for an Amazon gift card, and they accept even non-functional items. This is a convenient way to get rid of your unwanted electronics and get some credit for your future purchases on Amazon. You can also check the trade-in value of your device before sending it in. Before you do get rid of your old device, be sure to follow these steps: How to securely get rid of your old PC or Mac.

More: How to securely get rid of your old cellphone.

As you dive into setting up your new electronics, remember that taking a few moments to secure and personalize them can save you a lot of headaches down the line. By following these initial steps, you're not just protecting your investment; you're also enhancing your overall experience.

Have you encountered any challenges while setting up your new devices? How did you overcome them? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

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