A new artificial intelligent-powered device is helping to answer the million-dollar question for new parents - why is my baby crying? Qbear is a circular, silicone-covered device with software that analyzes cries to determine if the baby is hungry, tired, needs comfort or has a dirty diaper - and it does so in just 10 seconds with 95 percent accuracy. Parents receive notifications about their child's noises through a companion app, which also displays updates on their baby's comfort level and room temperature. Qbear is currently showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest products and technologies in the consumer electronics industry. Qbear sits on the side of a crib, bassinet or stroller and activates when it hears the baby crying and'tells' parents what their child needs via a companion app Qbear has three available placement options: tabletop, wall hanging and crib stand.

One of the earliest images in Natalia Almada's virtuoso documentary Users is of an infant, tightly wrapped and strapped to a Snoo smart crib, robotically being rocked to sleep to the sound of manufactured white noise. By recreating many of the sensations of being in the womb, the Snoo has become a popular gadget for new parents who need help tucking their little ones in. In many ways, it's the pinnacle of a smart gadget: Developed by Dr. Harvey Karp, with product design by the renowned Yves Behar, the Snoo solves a problem that parents have faced for millennia. But what do we lose if a robot can automatically soothe a crying baby, effectively replacing a nurturing parent. That's the question at the heart of Users, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this week.

It's the gift-giving season, and high-tech gadgets are more exciting than ever. Alexa, Siri, Cortana, and even "Okay Google" are ready to come over for holiday ham, ready to help you turn on a light or play you some Spotify. Those always-on microphones, cameras, and WI-FI connected devices are cheaper, cooler, and more convenient than ever. Yet, you still feel a little weird about their, you know, baser functions. Google and Amazon only record what they need to.