The Year's Most Innovative Product Debuts, So Far

Smart home technology continues to pick up the pace in terms of innovation, and that pace aligns with tech’s ever-growing role in our homes. Staying on top of the latest tech products can be daunting, which is why we’re here to help.

One place to stay ahead of the technology wave is the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which welcomed thousands across its 11 venues in January. If you missed it, you’re in luck because we did the work to find the most interesting and applicable new launches for residential remodelers (including one that did not debut at CES but is too cool to leave out).

Here are some of the most standout new home products:

Photo: courtesy Masonite

M-Pwr Smart Doors by Masonite

Retrofitting smart technology for homes, specifically exterior doors, continues to grow in popularity. According to market research firm IDC, smart security devices are one of the fastest-growing smart home products, with more than 200 million sold worldwide in 2020. Masonite’s new M-Pwr Smart Doors offer power, lights, a smart lock, and a video doorbell integrated into a fiberglass door and come available in an array of styles, colors, and finishes. Leading the pack of smart security devices are the omnipresent Ring video doorbells, whose sales exceeded 400,000 in December 2020 alone.

Masonite teamed up with the market-leading brand Ring for its video doorbell and market leader Yale Home for its Smart Lock and door state sensor. The door connects to the home’s electrical system and WiFi to ensure it’s always on, and in the case of a power outage, its emergency backup battery will power the door for up to 24 hours when fully charged.

Photo: courtesy Ring

Always Home Cam by Ring

This innovation from Ring could hint toward a future without multiple security cameras inside a home, and instead, just one ultra-smart, omnipresent camera. The Always Home Cam by Ring is an indoor-only flying security camera that moves on predetermined routes to show homeowners every inch of their house when away. Homeowners can check on these paths through their phones, and the camera’s contact sensors or motion detectors will respond if triggered. The camera initially launched in September 2020 but remains in a limited-release period, sending out products by invitation only in order to fine-tune its functionality.

Photo: courtesy Pella

Hidden Screen by Pella

A window screen that’s there when you need it and gone when you don’t—it’s the tagline and purpose of Pella’s latest product. Pella’s new Hidden Screen works by connecting to the bottom, top, or side of a window, so when that window is open, the screen—hidden inside the window frame—will also come up. It will launch on Pella’s 250 Series of vinyl windows, making it the industry’s first and only hidden screen for vinyl windows.

In the case of double-hung windows, the screen will appear whether it’s open from the top or bottom sash. Pella says the product has been tested for 9,400 cycles, equivalent to opening and closing windows once a day for 25 years. If the screen detaches from the window, a homeowner can simply close the window, and the screen will automatically realign. This innovation helps improve curb appeal and views, says Pella. Installation does differ, so only Pella installers can install a Hidden Screen window at this time.

Photo: courtesy Kohler

PerfectFill Smart Bath Filler and Drain by Kohler

The name of Kohler’s CES 2022 product debut says it all: it’s a plumbing product that will fill a tub exactly how a homeowner wants it. The system works through a smart drain, digital/app controller, and bath filler. Homeowners can command the faucet to flow a specific water depth and precise temperature. It also works through the Kohler Konnect app and can be purchased as a drain kit.

Photo: courtesy Samsung Electronics America

Bespoke Washer and Dryer by Samsung Electronics America

Samsung has been expanding its Bespoke line of appliances since 2019, beginning with its Bespoke Refrigerator. In 2021, the line expanded with a range, over-the-range microwave, dishwasher, and other lifestyle appliances such as a vacuum, air purifier, and the brand’s AirDresser. At CES 2022, Samsung introduced the Bespoke washer and dryer. A hallmark of the Bespoke line is its customizable capabilities, offering appliances in unique limited edition patterns and colors such as pink and blue. The washer and dryer feature an AI-powered Smart Dial that takes note of frequently used settings and an AI OptiWash function selects wash settings and detergent levels.

Photo: courtesy CES

Bespoke Double Wall Oven by Samsung Electronics America

Another new product—pending official announcement—in Samsung’s Bespoke lineup is its Double Wall Oven. It features AI cameras that aim to enhance the cooking experience by recommending cooking modes based on the dish a homeowner is making. With this release, the Bespoke appliance line can be purchased for any part of the home. And Samsung’s Home Hub, also new and announced at CES, gives homeowners one place to control all of their smart Samsung appliances. The Home Hub can tell a homeowner when laundry is done, read the steps to a dinner recipe, and allow users to monitor their home through a camera. 

Photo: courtesy Moen

Smart Faucet with Motion Control by Moen

Touchless faucets are ubiquitous nowadays in both kitchens and bathrooms, but most do not go past turning water flow on and off. Moen’s Smart Faucet with Gesture Control gives users the ability to change the water temperature and flow through hand gestures and voice commands. It doesn’t even come with a handle. The faucet is a patent-pending product that directly addresses Moen’s findings on customers increasingly choosing touchless and voice activation control, the brand says. Homeowners can also control the faucet’s settings through a smartphone app. It will be available in four different faucet styles.

Photo: courtesy Card79

Sepura Home by Card79

Composting offers one way to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste—an attractive option for homeowners growing more conscious of their environmental impact. Sepura Home aims to ease composting by transforming what we know as the conventional garbage disposal system. Sepura Home uses its patented separating technology to differentiate food waste and funnel it into a special collection bin under the sink rather than the sewage system.

Photo: courtesy Rainstick

RainStick Shower by RainStick

RainStick claims its WiFi-enabled shower can save homeowners up to $700 annually and pays for itself within five years or less. It does so by recycling water. RainStick starts with grid-supplied water that is then flowed, captured, circulated, cleaned, and flowed out once again. A single drop of water can be expected to be used six times before going down the drain, says the company. RainStick also boasts a flow rate of 3 GPM compared to the traditional 1.8 GPM.

Photo: courtesy Vtouch

SpatialTouch Home by Vtouch, Inc.

Controlling home products via a smartphone is so 2021—at least that’s what SpatialTouch Home makes it seem. SpatialTouch allows users to rid themselves of remotes, switches, and phones by analyzing a user’s body movements. By simply pointing at a product, such as a lamp, SpatialTouch will then respond accordingly. The company says users can make any real-life objects interactive.