Wednesday was World Creativity and Innovation Day. As a video production company, we’re all for creativity and the overall pace of innovation never ceases to amaze us. Just think back five or ten years, or even to childhood, and consider how differently you live now. Today, we’re looking at a handful of recent inventions and improvements especially suited to life during the pandemic.
Chill Out with UVnano
Is your smart home ready for a cool new customer? You probably heard about UV disinfection even before the pandemic. There’s currently limited published data about the efficacy of UVC radiation required to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but it has been shown to destroy the outer protein coating of the SARS-Coronavirus (different virus). During a time when we’re all hyper-aware of germs, products using UV for disinfection has exploded. That’s where LG’s InstaView Door-in-Door Side-by-Side Refrigerator comes in. Not only will the fridge keep your food cold, but it also uses a UV LED light to “virtually eliminate” bacteria on the nozzle of the dispenser tap. The result is safer water that wards off bacteria such as E. coli and staph, according to the company.
Next Level Mask
The Project Hazel mask is for anyone who wants to look like a futuristic robot at a rave. Oh, and also for people who are serious about stepping up their mask game during the pandemic. This prototype is part fashion statement, and part protection. The inventors say it’s comfortable, safe, and makes the user easy to understand. All this is achieved with an innovative design, N95-medical grade respirators, and a built-in microphone. It’s no ordinary mask. The transparent plastic surface means people can still see your mouth and the microphone-speaker combination eliminate the need for so many what? questions. The mask also has special Smart Pods designed to regulate air flow and filter out airborne germs. Plus, mask ventilators can be removed and “recharged” in a wireless fast charging box. Did we mention that the charging box uses UV light to disinfect? And if all those features weren’t enough, get ready for the light show. This mask has RGB lighting with 16.8 million colours. Hard to imagine all this, right? That’s why we included the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvWiCclESL8
Wine O’Clock
Who needs a drink? Compared to pre-pandemic times, more than 23% of Canadians responding to a government survey said they drink more alcohol now. If wine is your go-to, then you may like the next innovation. Albi Home M+ is being touted as the first eco-conscious smart wine dispenser. Now, we know what you’re thinking: my pouring hand works great as a wine dispenser. But think of this gadget as an electronic sommelier that’s designed to serve wine at the ideal temperature and prevent your drink from oxidizing. The vacuum preservation method removes oxygen from the equation to make wine stay fresh eight times longer. You can either pour your own beverage into the storage bags or order from Albi’s selection of sealed smart wine bags. Then connect to the smartphone app for options such as temperature setting and wine info. You can even connect to your home assistant and ask Siri to pour you a perfect glass. Too bad she can’t bring it to the couch.
Save on Electricity Bills
Ecojoko comes to us from France and may not yet be available in North America, but we bet something similar is on the way. This home energy assistant analyzes electricity consumption in real time, providing recommendations on how to reduce energy waste. Just hook up the device to your general circuit breaker—a 10-minute job with no electrician needed. The assistant, which looks like an oversized meat thermometer, is installed in your living room, or other accessible area, and connected to the internet. Now the Ecojoko smartphone app can list the devices using electricity, how much energy they’re using, and how much money that costs. The app also gives you weekly reports on energy consumption by type of device. The Ecojoko claims it will save consumers 25% on home electricity and it even won the Green Tech Innovation prize from the French Environment Ministry.
Good, Clean Fun
If you find some tunes with your morning shower help get the blood flowing, the hydropower shower speaker is ready to rock! This Ampere product is made from recycled ocean plastic and is powered by the water flowing in your shower. When it’s connected to your showerhead, the Shower Power uses a hydroelectric generator and an internal battery that stores power so music can continue playing while you towel off and get ready for the day. This product is on Kickstarter and they’re using video to show off Shower Power’s features. We get it! Here at Key West Video, we know a thing or two about how well crowdfunding videos work.
Future Innovations
The very definition of innovation is something new or different. This small collection of products is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible concepts people are coming up with every day. Innovation is driving the changes that help us live better and every new product inspires even more growth. Here’s to the next great idea!
