Three Cool Things We Saw at CES 2021: Day 4

By Stephen Clark

Last updated 21 January 2021

Editing video on Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with an S Pen

In this Guide

War Games: Microsoft Keynote
Canadian Tech: SmoothTalker Cell Boosters
Smart Home: LG's ThinQ and CLOi

CES 2021: Day 4

It's the last day of CES 2021, but there's still so much new to see. Today, three of the coolest things we saw starts with the Samsung Unpacked event, where we witnessed the launch of Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, the Galaxy SmartTag and the new flagship lineup of Samsung's Galaxy S21 5G phones. We also spoke to Swidget, a Canadian tech company that turns basic outlets into smart devices. Finally, we take a look at GoSun, which started as a solar-powered oven but has since grown to offer a wide variety of premium solar-powered accessories.

WhistleOut Canada @ CES 2021

WhistleOut Canada is bringing you daily updates of the coolest smartphone, home gadgets and inventive Canadian companies that we find.
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Every year, the world's biggest and most innovative tech companies converge on Las Vegas for CES. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year is exclusively a virtual event. This isn't WhistleOut's first year at CES, but the new format lets us visit even more booths and see more of what's to come in 2021. There are hundreds of tech companies showcasing next-generation in more than 40 categories.

A variety of colour options on the new Samsung Galaxy S21

Samsung Unpacked: New Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra 5G

Samsung normally launches its newest Galaxy S premium smartphone within weeks of CES. For 2021, the annual flagship launch event happened during the event itself. There are three new models in the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G family, plus new Galaxy Buds Pro and a Galaxy SmartTag tracker.

First announced were the Galaxy Buds Pro, which further improve on the true wireless earbuds line Samsung launched less than two years ago. The Galaxy Buds Pro recreate two-way speakers by fitting a woofer and tweeter in one package. Like most premium earbuds, Active noise control (ANC) eliminates environmental audio, but Buds Pro can also detect when you've started speaking and soften the effect while you order a latte.

Text Galaxy Buds Pro over closeup of two people wearing wireless earbuds

Samsung also used the event to announce the Galaxy SmartTag, which uses the Samsung SmartThings IoT system to keep track of anything you might lose. Like most Bluetooth trackers (such those from Tile), you can easily find anything using SmartTag. You can attach it to your keys, backpack, or a dog that has a habit of running away. The SmartTag has a unique feature not found in other Bluetooth trackers: anonymous tracking by other Samsung smartphones. Even if your dog runs out of Bluetooth range, other Samsung devices with the SmartThings app installed can help track it and report its location.

Of course, the big reveal at the Samsung Unpacked event was the new Galaxy S21 5G premium smartphone lineup. The new Samsung Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ come with wide, ultra-wide and telephoto cameras on the back and intelligent software inside to create industry-leading photos and 8K video. Both use FullHD+ AMOLED displays with variable framerates up to 120Hz, which creates some of the most beautiful, buttery-smooth animation of any smartphone available today. The Galaxy S21+ features larger dimensions and a bigger battery than the Galaxy S21, but in most other ways they are identical with 8GB of RAM and 128GB/256GB storage options.

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 128GB Plans

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Infinite 100GB - Student Plan

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Professional photographers and influencers should consider the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. By upgrading the camera hardware and adding a 10x telephoto, this phone is capable of shooting incredible detail at long distances or at night with virtually no visibility. The screen is larger (6.8"), higher resolution (QuadHD+) and brighter (up to 1500 nits). There's 12GB of RAM in the 128GB/256GB models for fast 8K video editing while the top-tier Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra steps it up with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.

Description	Samsung's 2021 flagship device with a 6.8" flat Edge Quad HD+ display, new 12MP + 108MP + 10MPx2 quadruple rear cameras, up to 100x Space Zoom, 8K video snap and mmWave 5G
Screen Size	6.8"
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All new Samsung Galaxy S21 models work with existing Canadian 4G and 5G cellular networks. Although these phones have incremental upgrades over last year's Galaxy S20 lineup, the launch prices are lower in comparison. Expect older models to go on sale, too, so if you've been waiting to pick up a Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra or S20 FE, then this might be the best time.

Swidget modular home power outlet and light switch

Canadian Tech: Swidget Future-proof Smart Home Controllers

A Canadian tech company has a smart solution for controlling your home electronics. The Swidget outlet system replaces your current wall power outlets and switches with ones that function the exact same. What's different is a modular insert, which enables a growing selection of controls.

There are hundreds of smart home assistants, hubs and devices available from dozens of companies, so it's easy to be overwhelmed at the options. You have to keep track of which smart bulbs work with which smart hubs; if one of them becomes obsolete (like Philips did last year with its first-generation hubs), you're stuck. Since Swidget inserts can be replaced, it's easy to upgrade your outlet with newer tech.

Although Swidget sells mostly to contractors, anyone who wants to update an outlet can do it. Launched in 2017 through crowdfunding, there are now 17 different inserts available to buy with more in development. Even something as simple as a bathroom fan can be made "smart" by attaching a humidity sensor insert.

Just as impressive as the hardware is the software app. Power users will love all the control and information available including power consumption, cost, and scheduling.

GoSun solar oven, solar panel and power bank

Wireless Cooking: GoSun Portable Solar Oven

Solar power is a valuable utility for off-the-grid energy. It can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, make power generation more portable, and cheaper production helps developing countries reduce the power deficit. While most solutions utilize an electric solar panel array, GoSun has cooked up something simpler.

The GoSun Portable Solar Oven simply uses reflective mirrors to heat up to 550° F, yet it only weighs 2 lbs. The GoSun Sport model weighs a bit more at 7 lbs., but can cook a full meal for two people in just 20 minutes. The GoSun Fusion is the largest model and can cook a meal for a whole family powered by sunlight or an electrical source.

Even with many Canadians living off the grid, solar power doesn't feel reliable in Canada. However, we were assured that our northerly latitude and limited sunlight in the winter is still enough to cook a meal. Even clouds won't prevent it from getting up to cooking temperature. As long as the sun is 30° above the horizon, the GoSun Portable Solar Oven receives enough energy. One story we heard even claimed it can cook a meal on a freezing Montreal winter day!

GoSun also has a wide variety of other solar-powered devices, including charging panels (including one built into a table), a powerbank battery, a water purifier/heater, and a solar-powered cooler so you don't need to keep buying ice. Each is sold independently on the GoSun web site, and there are many bundles to help reduce overall cost.