Three gadgets from the mid-year Consumer Electronics Show.

Here's an easy way to upgrade your 9-volt battery powered smoke detector to a smarter device.

It's called the Roost Smart Battery. The company says their Roost Smart Battery for smoke alarms transforms your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm into a smart home device as fast as you can change a battery. With the same form factor as a conventional 9-volt battery, the Roost Smart Battery works with existing alarms to upgrade the safety and convenience. Once installed in your device, download the app to your smart phone, tablet, etc. Then you can have alarm notifications delivered wherever you are. With Roost installed, you'll receive emergency alerts on your smartphone – no matter where you are. It's probably best to ask friends, family and emergency contacts to also monitor your alarms for increased peace-of-mind when you're away from home. And now no more 3 AM chirps! Roost tells you when the smoke alarm’s batteries are running low, so you can take action to avoid those dreaded middle-of-the-night interruptions. Silence your alarm from your phone during false alarms or the times when you burn the toast. Works with select 9V-only alarms. 5+ year battery life. The company says their replaceable battery will last up to 5x longer than most conventional 9V batteries. For fast installation no hubs, wires or professionals needed. Upgrade your smoke alarm in minutes by simply changing the 9V battery and connecting to Wi-Fi. Price $35, available in September, 2015. When you need a new battery, it's $14.95 plus shipping. The electronics from your original Roost clicks on to the bottom of the replacement battery. 

Company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjCYUtU9Sh0

Company website: http://www.smartroost.net/

Amazon has a two-pack pre-order for about $65.00 or a single for $34.99 (as of 7/9/15)

Roost 900-0002 Smart Battery for Smoke Alarms (2 Pack)

A nice safety addition to a motorcycle or bike helmet.

The MotoGlo Motorcycle Helmet Safety Light provides increased visibility of the rider by adding running light, brake light, and turn signal indicators to the back of the driver's helmet. It uses wireless technology between the mounted transmitter and the MotoGlo helmet device. The company says it attaches easily to any ¾ or full face helmet with 3M adhesive. Some descriptions say there are models for full and half helmets, and other descriptions says full and ¾ helmet. Frankly, I'm afraid don't know the difference, but check before ordering. The rechargeable battery provides a full 12 hours of lighting on a single charge and be recharged in about an hour with the included USB charging cable. Turn signals flash amber, red brake lights pulse twice and then stay on steady. Running lights can be turned off, on steady, or flash. The spokesperson at the booth said the included transmitter module must be “hard wired” to motorcycle, which is a 15 minute operation. (Yeah, I'd figure on more than that.) The module may be paired to support 2 helmets. That way if you have a rider with a MotoGlo helmet, the rear helmet can light. Prices range from about $79.00 to $99.00.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/qCQa2Gha5Qg

It's here on Amazon for about $87.00 (As of 7/9/15) 

Whistler Motoglo Full and 3/4 Helmet Safety Light (Black) 

And here's a place that's selling it for under $70, but I never shopped here:

http://www.compsource.com/ttechnote.asp?part_no=WHL80&vid=1710&src=F

It's $130 at the company website:

https://www.whistlergroup.com/usa/shop-online/products/motoglo-motorcycle-helmet-safety-light.html

 Is there such a thing as a 'better reality'?

I was very interested in trying on the Zeiss VR One. The only other experience I had with a VR device is the Google Cardboard VR. Of course the Zeiss VR One is far superior. The big reason are the Carl Zeiss lenses, made by one of the most respected optic companies in the world. The company says their VR One also uses much larger lenses than the competition. Here's a bit more from the company: With already hundreds of apps available on Google Play and AppleApp Store made for mobile VR devices you can simply download and launch the app, lock your smartphone in the VR ONE precision tray and slide it in the VR ONE. Experience VR games, videos, and amazing experiences that were never before possible. The effect is the equivalent of sitting in the best seat of a theatre, being on-stage at a performance with full 360 degree 3D video, and being able to enjoy gaming like never before - inside stunning worlds where imagination becomes reality. And now back to me. There is no adjustment of the lenses in the Zeiss VR ONE, but they can be used with eyeglasses on. That's what I did, with no problem at all. The VR ONE looks extra slick because you buy phone-specific smartphone trays that lock seamlessly inside the device. Trays for the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy 5 are available now, but more on the on the way. Or you can actually 3D Print your ZEISS VR ONE tray for Samsung Galaxy S4 / S5 / S6, LG G3 or Google Nexus 5 if you like! Details and CAD downloads are on the company website. Cost is of the VR ONE is $120 without a smart phone tray, or $129.99 with one tray of your choice. Beware that on Amazon I'm seeing prices far above the suggested retail at some third party sites.

Company video: https://vimeo.com/123622188

Company website: http://vrone.us/