The first batch of winners from the inaugural Canstar Blue Innovation Excellence Awards have been announced — seven appliances and consumer electronics devices recognised for their ingenuity, technological breakthroughs, creativity and wow factor.
“We’ve been blown away by some truly outstanding products,” said Megan Doyle, business unit leader at Canstar Blue, the organisers of this awards program. “The seven Australian recipients of these awards have all demonstrated genuine and often ground-breaking innovation in their respective fields.
“Canstar Blue applauds excellence in products and services on behalf of consumers and we’re confident these seven winning products will make a big impact on the Australian market.”
This is the first time Canstar Blue has run an awards program to specifically acknowledge achievements in innovation. In the past, the Brisbane-based company has focused on conducting consumer preference surveys, which have gained significant traction among everyday Australians researching new purchases.
These awards were judged by an expert panel, which thoroughly assessed each entry individually before arriving at a considered verdict. I know this to be the case because I was one of the judges.
The seven 2014 Canstar Blue Innovation Excellence Award winners are:
The Bora Basic is a cooktop and vapour extractor combined. It includes a glass ceramic induction cooktop, touch control operation with four cooking zones, and a centrally integrated cooktop extractor fan. This eliminates the need for an overhead extractor.
The attachable Lens-Style Camera QX Series by Sony is the world’s first pro-grade lens and sensor combo that clips to smartphones. It allows the user to shoot breathtaking, DSLR-quality pics and share them instantly.
The Opti-myst 3D Electric Fire by Dimplex uses revolutionary ultrasonic technology to create a flame and smoke effect. As the mist rises up through the logs, the light reflects against the water molecules creating a convincing illusion of flames and smoke. The result is an appearance so authentic it could be mistaken for a traditional wood-burning fireplace.
The Fidelio HTL9100 by Philips is a set of wireless surround sound speakers. The soundbar has two detachable speakers, which also enables consumers to have them in different rooms.
The Zip HydroTap provides sparkling, boiling and chilled filtered drinking water on tap. G4 technology provides real energy efficiency and unlike water-cooled systems, it doesn’t waste water. The filtration system removes contaminants up to 25 times better and even the taste of chlorine is removed, though fluoride is retained.
The Boss by Breville features a high velocity ProKinetix blade and bowl system that pulverises virtually any combination of ingredients. It creates up to 50% smaller particles than traditional blending. This super fine texture increases absorption of nutrients. It has one-touch functions, including the world’s first “Green Smoothie” function and variable speeds.
The Curved OLED 3D Smart TV by LG is not only unconventionally curved, it is also wafer-thin and offers deeper, richer colours and stunning contrasts.