The Americas



In what’s become as much of a post-New Year’s tradition as wallowing in your gluttony, breaking resolutions, and making bad jokes about writing the wrong year on your cheques, tech companies unveiled their latest gadgets at the annual Consumer Electronics Show CES tradeshow.

This is the first vehicle based on the all-new Modular Electric Platform (MEB) that is designed specifically for plug-in vehicles.

Volkswagen BUDD-e is the first vehicle based on the all-new Modular Electric Platform (MEB) that is designed specifically for plug-in vehicles. Image by Image courtesy of Volkswagen

Held in Las Vegas 6–9, January, businesses ranging from established behemoths to start-ups debuted innovations that could change how we live, work, and play. Or not. Either way, here are some of the best products for travellers that were unveiled at CES.

A concept car (so it’s unlikely to reach dealers in its current form), the Volkswagen BUDD-e is zero-emissions plug-in microbus with a range of 373 miles. According to Volkswagen, it’ll take just 15 minutes for the battery to be 80 percent charged. (Of course, after recent events, probably best to independently verify any claims from Volkswagen.) [H/T Engadget]

Set to ship this summer, Spün solves the problems of trying to figure out what exactly you’re eating and if it’s healthy for you. Just snap a photo of what’s on your plate and the app will tell you what’s what. And for $75 you can buy a utensil that, working with your app, will measure your calorie intake and how fast you’re eating. [H/T ABC News]

That it’s the (self-proclaimed) “world’s first wearable translator” will have you ignoring the fact that Ili resembles a first-generation Apple TV remote dangling from your neck. Being able to strike up conversations with locals in their native language without having to fumble with a smartphone app or flip through a translation book should enable a host of new travel experiences. [H/T BGR]