CES 2017 evaluated as 'exhibition demonstrating how emotional innovation is being applied across various industry sectors'

The recently concluded 'CES 2017' in Las Vegas, USA is being evaluated as an exhibition that demonstrated how 'emotional innovation' that considers consumers is being applied across various industry sectors.

In 2017, the consumer electronics and IT industries are expected to engage in fierce competition with products applying 'emotional design' that considers consumers, following CES trends, to capture customers' hearts. It remains to be seen whether products that maximize user convenience based on understanding and consideration for customers can strike the demanding tastes of consumers.

We examine IT products that stand out in emotional and considerate technology.

Brother Continuous Refill Inkjet Multifunction Printer – Solved shortcomings by tilting refill ink inlet port at 45 degrees

Brother International Korea (hereinafter Brother) provides inkjet multifunction printers (model names: DCP-T500W, DCP-T700W, MFC-T800W) equipped with a 'genuine continuous refill tank system'.

A continuous refill multifunction printer is a system that instead of cartridge-type dedicated ink, refills only each color of ink into an ink tank mounted on the printer, eliminating the need to frequently replace ink cartridges and providing the advantage of safely using manufacturer-genuine inks.




▲ MFC-T800W

However, most continuous refill multifunction printers have been pointed out as having the shortcoming of ink tank positioning and the possibility of spilling ink during refilling.

Brother's continuous refill inkjet multifunction printer has a built-in 'continuous refill tank' system, making the main body slim, and the ink tank exterior is made transparent for easy confirmation of remaining ink levels. The refill ink inlet port is designed at a 45-degree angle to prevent ink spillage during refilling.

Additionally, it features a durable stainless steel head and supports wireless network and mobile printing functions.

Samsung Electronics QLED TV – Connected with transparent cables, enabling separate placement of TV and peripheral devices

Samsung Electronics unveiled QLED TV. This product implements maximum brightness of 2000 nits and enhances color tone up to 100%, capturing even subtle color differences.



In terms of design, it emphasizes consumer consideration by connecting peripheral devices with transparent cables called 'Invisible Connection' and using a 'One Connect' box to enable separate placement of TV and peripheral devices. The wall-mounted product applies 'No-Gap Wall Mount Design' to completely press the TV against the wall and shortens installation time to 15 minutes.

Consumers can choose an easel-type 'Studio Stand' resembling a picture frame or arrange the TV with a unique design 'Gravity Stand'.

Logitech MX Master – Freely usable on glass or high-gloss surfaces

The Logitech MX Master features Logitech's Darkfield Laser technology, allowing convenient use even on glass or high-gloss surfaces. This mouse was designed through handcrafted carving by designers to provide optimal grip and convenient control. After extensive research and development, this mouse provides support to ensure the user's hand and wrist are comfortable and naturally positions buttons and wheel at appropriate locations.



Additionally, the MX Master features a built-in unified receiver and supports Bluetooth connectivity, enabling simultaneous use with up to three devices including desktops, notebooks, and tablets regardless of operating system with a single mouse. With Logitech's Easy-Switch technology applied, free switching between each device is possible with a single button, and it includes a customizable button that can replace Mac computer gestures.

The MX Master's rechargeable battery lasts up to 40 days on a single charge depending on usage, and a built-in indicator light informs users of battery charge timing. It can be used for approximately one day with just 4 minutes of charging, and continues to work during charging.

LG Electronics Bluetooth Earphone LG Force – Ear-shaped design provides stable fit and comfort when worn

LG Electronics is showcasing the LG Force. This product features an ear-shaped design that wraps around the entire ear when worn, focusing on comfort and stability.



LG Force is manufactured as an ear hook type with soft silicone material. The adjustable ear hook can be pushed back and forth to enable size adjustment in 6 stages to fit the user's ear size. Additionally, this product has IPx5 rating for water resistance against sweat during exercise or sudden rain.

This product applies 'Qualcomm aptX' audio codec, allowing users to listen to CD-quality music even when Bluetooth-connected.

Lenovo Notebook Yoga Book – 3-in-1 notebook combining productivity of notebooks, portability of tablets, and benefits of hand writing

Lenovo unveiled the Yoga Book, a 3-in-1 notebook. This product significantly enhances productivity through a 'silent keyboard' that eliminates keyboard noise, diversified input methods via 'real pen', and book user interface (UI).

This product draws attention for its battery-free real pen with a stylus tip that can be easily replaced with a real ink tip, enabling drawing and writing on paper. The difference between the real pen and typical stylus pens is that it is an actual pen containing ink.



Notes written on paper are immediately digitized and saved. The real pen with Wacom's Feel technology applied recognizes 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity and detects tilt up to 100 degrees, enabling accurate and free expression.

The Yoga Book comes in two versions equipped with Windows 10 and Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The Android version in particular applies a customized 'Book UI' to provide an environment similar to existing PCs.

Furthermore, it supports additional features and multitasking such as keyboard shortcuts and mouse cursor that were not available on existing Android tablets. Additionally, the taskbar allows convenient access to running or preferred applications.

It features a 25.6cm (10.1-inch) full HD IPS (1920×1200) IPS display and is robust with a unibody made of magnesium and aluminum alloy. It weighs 690 grams and has a thickness of 9.6mm, enhancing portability.