One of the trends to look out for at CES 2021 is "pandemic tech." The COVID crisis might be a global disaster, but tech companies are being as opportunistic as ever in making sure they are there to capitalize on your health-based insecurities.
We've already seen smart face masks from MaskFone and alarm clocks that will disinfect your phone from iHome. Next up is the renowned accessory manufacturer, Targus, with its range of hygienic laptop bags and computer peripherals.
Top of the list is the 2Office Antimicrobial Backpack. This is a laptop case that has an "antimicrobial infused protective finish" on the areas of the bag that are most at risk from germs. Targus claims that the new bag will "prevent the growth of microorganisms on the backpack," though there wasn't any mention of Coronavirus, so don't expect this bag to replace your current safety routines.
There is no price yet, but the bag will be available in Spring 2021.
Also going live at the same time are privacy screens, mice, and keyboards, all of which will feature the same protective finish.
Also New: Disinfection Light for Your Keyboard
The other big pandemic play from Targus a new UV-C LED Disinfection Light. It uses UV-C lighting to kill pathogens on surfaces. You don't need to activate the light yourself; if the light detects motion within the active area, it will automatically turn itself on for five minutes every hour. Sadly, the device is not portable—you will need to plug it into an AC power supply.
The Disinfection Light has won a CES Innovation Award for 2021, so you can expect to hear a lot more about it over the coming months.
Andrew Corkill, VP of Global Marketing at Targus, said the new products were part of the company's drive to accommodate the "reimagined work experience" of 2021:
We know the work environment has changed forever, and we needed to apply this lens to our products. At CES 2021, our versatile and innovative product range represents this reimagined work experience. Our line-up of new products offers greater flexibility, utility, safety, and sustainability than ever before. From products that protect workspaces from bacteria growth to ones that allow people to have a desktop experience wherever they work, our new range works together to help you work smarter and safer.
The light will be released in Spring 2021. Again, Targus has not yet supplied a price.