3 Things to know

1. CES show is debuted today through Jan 12th

2. A powerful storm is unleashing dangerous blizzard conditions

3. The IRS will begin accepting 2023 federal income tax returns starting on January 29, the agency announced Monday.

CES gave us EV’s, AI, AR and a bidet

The world's largest consumer electronics show provided a sneak peek into the future. Beyond the array of high-tech upgrades, gizmos, gadgets, and smart devices, this year brought an additional highlight. New contenders in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape have joined the race for innovation.

• Honda announced a new global electric vehicle series, dubbed Honda Zero

• VinFast unveiled a mid-size pickup truck concept

• Kia is set to showcase three new all-electric cars

Sony and Honda's joint mobility venture unveiled a new EV prototype called Afeela.

A few other stand outs that debut today.

This Turntable

• Victrola has unveiled the Stream Sapphire, its highest-end turntable priced at $1,499, capable of streaming records to various devices.

• This model offers Roon and UPnP integration, allowing users to stream records to a wide range of gadgets, including non-Sonos Bluetooth speakers, smartphones, and laptops.

• The Stream Sapphire boasts improved sound quality and build with support for 24-bit/48kHz lossless FLAC audio, a wooden plinth, upgraded brushless motor, and an Ortofon Blue 2M cartridge.

• Additionally, Victrola introduced the more affordable Victrola Automatic turntable priced at $199, featuring Bluetooth support and a unique "Repeat" feature for vinyl record playback.

Apple Vision Pro Announce Launch

• Launch Date and Preorders: Apple's Vision Pro hits the U.S. market on February 2, with preorders starting January

• Key Features and Pricing: Priced at $3,500, the headset includes prescription lens inserts for $149 and boasts 256 GB storage. Powered by the M2 chip, it introduces a new era of spatial computing.

• Strategic Move: Positioned against Meta's Quest, the Vision Pro, unveiled in 2023, marks Apple's first new product category since the 2015 Apple Watch.

This Bidet

Smart Toilet Seat: Bemis BB-1200 Bidet Toilet offers warmth, heated seat, and air dryer, controlled by remote or app.

• Personalized Comfort: Save two presets for tailored preferences, adjusting nozzle, water pressure, and seat temperature.

• Availability and Price: Launching this spring at $399

These Futuristic Air 2 Ultra AR Glasses

• Xreal Air 2 Ultra AR Glasses: Priced at $699, these AR glasses blend VR and AR features at just 80 grams.

• Advanced Specs: Two 3D cameras, 1080p resolution per eye, 120Hz refresh rate, and a 54-degree field of view.

Other Cool Stuff

• New Samsung smart fridge

• LG’s new transparent OLED TV

• AI robot vacuum and mop

Spotlight on the Week's Emerging Creator: Maddie Joy

Maddie, an emerging YouTube sensation, has catapulted to the 45th position on the U.S. Top 50, fueled by an impressive 63% week-over-week surge in viewership. In a remarkable ascent, she leaped from beyond the Top 100 just a week ago to now bask in the limelight with a staggering 127.1 million weekly views.

—Maddie's meteoric rise can be attributed to her engaging content, with a series of kiss challenge videos taking center stage, captivating both her community of friends and a broader audience.

— The pinnacle of her success is marked by a YouTube Shorts upload challenging TikTokers to engage in a playful make-out session, amassing a remarkable 62 million views and leaving a lasting impression on shippers worldwide.

In a digital landscape filled with creators, Maddie's rapid ascent stands out as a testament to her content's widespread appeal. With a captivating blend of creativity and relatability, her YouTube journey is undoubtedly one to watch, promising continued growth in the content creator community.