Gaming controllers and peripherals are expected to have fast, accurate controls, reliable haptic feedback, and a long battery life. The nature of these devices means they must also be lightweight, comfortable to hold, and fairly durable. Connectivity options include RF signals, WiFi, Bluetooth, and near field control (NFC), and many controllers and peripherals integrate more than one of these. Oth...

Network-attached storage (NAS) is a data storage option that is quickly growing in popularity. A NAS system is a centralized storage server that is connected to a network and able to be accessed by any authorized user within the network. These systems provide convenience and flexibility by being able to be physically stored and maintained on-site, as well as the ability to have their storage scale...

Ovens are a key household appliance, and one which consumers expect to be reliable, effective, convenient, and energy efficient. The rise of smart homes has added a new layer of design requirements to new generations of ovens, including durable and intuitive user interfaces, wireless connectivity, smart sensing, and predictive maintenance. IoT capabilities can help keep up with growing consumer ex...

Smart speakers are a growing market as end consumers expect more connectivity than ever in their day-to-day environments, and increasingly feature-rich devices available. Of course, any new speaker is expected to maintain exceptional audio quality, low standby power for extended playtime, and offer complete ease-of-use to the consumer. Smart speakers also integrate new features like voice command,...

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets and glasses are an increasingly popular wearable application that allows users to immerse themselves in a holistic audiovisual experience. The nature of these wearable devices means they must be lightweight, comfortable, and fairly durable as well as responsive to multi-sensory feedback and haptics. New designs are expected to offer longer b...

RF remote controls are being used for more and more control systems, including televisions, sound systems, lighting, and other home environment controls. Because these remotes transmit their signals using radio frequency (RF), they do not need to be operated within line of sight of the device they are controlling. Other advanced features — such as voice control, capacitive touch and haptic feedbac...

Headphones and earbuds are following the trend of other portable electronics adding more features and increased connectivity into smaller solution sizes. New headphone and earbud designs prioritize wireless connectivity and smart features, along with long battery life for maximum use time. Next-generation hearables are gaining mass market appeal offer exceptionally complex features, such as biosen...

Thermal imaging cameras sense and display infrared radiation as visible light, and many are designed to withstand extreme conditions such as high heat, dust, and smoke. These devices need to offer high performance and long battery life amid varying environments. Above all, they need to be reliable, as they are used in applications from examining electrical equipment to dangerous first-responder em...

Video doorbells have become a popular element within many smart home systems, and provide convenience and a sense of security to consumers. As both home systems and video doorbell designs get smarter and more advanced, new features are being incorporated. Innovative video doorbells now include high-quality audio and video streaming, wireless connectivity, multiple-device interface capability, adva...

IP network cameras are quickly gaining traction over traditional analog security camera networks. Most IP network cameras serve the same function as analog security cameras but do not require local storage capacity and are connected to a users LAN network. Because of this, they are a popular part of smart home systems and security. Ever-growing user expectations and increasing concern about both d...