Next big things in consumer gadgets

CHICAGO, IL, United States (UPI) -- Biometrics and Bluetooth stole the show Sunday at the International Housewares Association trade show in Chicago.
SPI Inc. featured a headrest that can be attached to a car seat or office chair, equipped with Bluetooth for the phone and a jack for an iPod or other MP3 player.
SPI spokeswoman Erin Burgy said developers were just focusing on in-car use in light of legislation making its way through state legislatures mandating the use of hands-free devices for cell phones for drivers.
'But we had a number of executives come by and say they`d attach it to their office chairs since they do a lot of business on their cell phones,' Burgy said.
The headrest is set to make its debut in the fourth quarter and sell for $59.95.
Pass Lock introduced the PL-600, a security lock that can be programmed to recognize a thumbprint. The security lock also works with a number code, electronic key or panic key and is designed for installation on homes, apartments or to secure rooms.
The $649 unit runs on batteries and the company estimates it can actually save money for landlords over 10 years with an average lock costing $200 and replacement keys running $2 to $4.