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Belkin employs the audio know how of Devialet to bring about the Soundform Elite, a device one can safely describe as a smart speaker with a wireless charging pad on top, as well as a first audio product from a company better known for charging products.

“Belkin is excited about the potential that both the Soundform Elite Hifi Smart Speaker + Wireless Charger and the partnership with Devialet unlock for us as a brand,” the company says. “Our heritage in audio, leadership in fast wireless charging, and Devialet’s acoustic expertise allow us to make products for consumers that are both exceptional and convenient.”

One of the highlights of CES 2019 was the LG Signature OLED TV R, an OLED TV able to roll up in a cabinet when not in use. The company sets to take the concept a step further at CES 2020 with a version able to roll down from the ceiling, like a projector screen.

Simply described as the UHD Roll-Down OLED display, the 65-inch TV promises to "raise the level of smart home interior by maximizing use of space." Little else is known about the admittedly intriguing concept, but it should be fairly similar to the Signature OLED TV R only set, well, upside down and modified for installation on ceilings. Then again, one has to keep in mind the aforementioned first rollable TV is still to hit the market, meaning it might be a while before we take a proper good look at the new take on the concept.

JBL announces the Bar 9.1 at CES 2020-- a first Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbar from the company featuring four upfiring Dolby Atmos drivers and a pair of detachable wireless speakers.

The detachable speaker design should be familiar for JBL customers, since it was first used in the 5.1 Bar. The company says the detachable speakers are battery-powered, and can be undocked from the soundbar for placement elsewhere in the room. Battery life clocks at around 10 hours per charge. Recharging takes place by reattaching the speakers back on the soundbar.

Legrand-owned smart home company Netatmo takes on connected security at CES 2020 with the imaginatively named Smart Door Lock and Keys-- a home security system replacing the regular key with an NFC-based Smart Key.

Customers can install the Smart Door Lock as a replacement to any cylinder door lock. It does not use wifi, meaning it cannot connect to the internet. Instead, connectivity is based wholly on Bluetooth, and key data is stored on the lock itself, making it more secure against electronic attacks. In fact, Netatmo claims the lock has three certifications against both physical and electronic attacks, A2P*, BZ+ and SKG***. Powering the lock is a battery supposed to last for two years before replacement is required.

Four of the biggest names in the connected space-- Amazon, Apple, Google and the ZigBee Alliance-- quietly announce the creation of Connected Home over IP (CHIP), an alliance to bring about an open source IP-based communications protocol for the smart home.

The project also counts Ikea, Legrand, NXP Semiconductors, Residea, Samsung, Schneider Electric, Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), Silicon Labs, Somfy and Wulian as members of the Working Group. The goal, as detailed on a minimalist website, is to "simplify development for manufacturers and increase compatibility for consumers" by further simplifying communications across connected devices, mobile apps and cloud services, as well as define a set of IP-based networking technologies for device certification.