CES 2017

You might not have heard of VOXX. But I bet you're familiar with Acoustic Research, Klipsch, AudioVox, Advent, Jensen, Terk and RCA - all members of the VOXX family. The VOXX press conference today highlighted everything from Bluetooth speakers to blood-oxygen sensing earbuds and more.

VOXX's 808 brand, mainly featuring lower-end portables, debuted several new Bluetooth CANZ speakers, including a waterproof CANZ H2O ($50), and the CANZ GLO ($40) with the ever-popular feature of LED colored light displays. Particularly interesting was their 808 wireless streaming turntable (yes, also with a colored light display) that connects via Bluetooth and contains its own preamplifier; it will retail for $150 with availability in May. Hey, it even plays 78s.

Acoustic Research showed updated indoor/outdoor wireless speakers. The Hatteras Bluetooth wireless speaker is a 2-foot tall tower with two 20-watt amplifiers; retail is $200 and it will be available in the Spring. The smaller Heartland speaker provides 12 hours of playback; retail is $50 and it is available now.

The Terk Trinity WiFi extender netted a CEA Innovations award; as advertised, it boosts your home WiFi, and also functions as a HDTV antenna, all in one neat package. It will retail for $130 in the Spring. The Omni HDTV antenna provides 360-degree reception; it sells for a modest $60 and will be available in May.

The wearable/fitness market is hot 'n sweaty this year. The Freewavz is designed for hard-core fitness buffs who also need a little music along with their workout. Heart-rate monitoring is so 2016; the Freewavz fitness earbuds use an infrared sensor to monitor oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) in the blood. You know – it's like the little clip they put on your finger in hospitals, but this one works with your earlobe. Retail price will be $249, and it will be available in the Spring.