5 most WTF products we saw at CES 2024
CES always brings the shock factor. Whether it's the massive amount of gadgets on display at the massive conference, or some awe-inspiring technology first introduced to the public, there are many WTF moments.
After scouring the showroom floor(s), we've rounded up the top products at CES 2024 that boggled the mind out sheer ridiculousness or simply made us say, "huh?"
1. The Skyted Mask
When we spotted the Skyted Mask, we were jaded. Is this yet another mask that claims to filter the air for its users as they navigate the murky waters of a post-pandemic world?
However, we were taken aback when the Skyted rep at Pepcom, an exclusive pre-show at CES 2024, told us that this mask is primarily designed to silence your calls so that only you – and you alone – can hear what you’re saying.
This isn’t to say that we dislike this product. Au contraire, we're sure some people who are serious about their privacy may find it to be a must-buy for their lifestyle. However, we can’t see ourselves using this product – it’s just too outlandish for our tastes.
2. A dystopian chatbot head
If adding a face to ChatGPT sounds creepy, well… that's because it is. As Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon found out, some technology should remain faceless. WeHead GPT is a robotic head with a large language model and two separate screens for AI generated eyes and faces, to give it a more "human" experience.
The problem with WeHead GPT is that its expressionless demeanor makes it less humanizing and more like a terrifying robot overlord. That said, it gave some practical advice about surviving CES (stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes) so there might be some redeemable qualities — if you're willing to spend $5,000.
3. A Manga-esque fox robot
There are plenty of robots at CES, but you don't often see a bright orange robot that looks like a Manga-style fox. But there's a reason why "Miroki" the robot has cute pointy ears and an animated digital face.
In fact, Enchanted Tools designed Miroki this way to be more friendly and approachable, while also avoiding the uncanny valley issue. Given that Miroki is intended for companionship and social therapy, a Manga fox robot buddy actually makes a ton of sense.
4. Lenovo's snap-on laptop accessories
As far as concept products go, they're always a little wacky by definition. This year, Lenovo falls into this category by posing the question: "How much stuff can we clip onto our laptops?"
Lenovo's Magic Bay, which lets you snap on a webcam, is already a feature on the market. But the upcoming ThinkBook 13x Gen 14 took the concept to the next level by offering even more USB-C-connected snap-on gadgets. This includes not just a tablet as a secondary screen, but also a winking robot emoji, a fan, a mirror/ring light, and possibly even an aromatherapy diffuser.
Call us crazy, but there's a limit to how much a laptop should be able to do.
5. Samsung's AI robot ball
This year's CES was all about — you guessed it — AI. Companies couldn't find enough ways to cram AI into their products. Case in point being Samsung's "Ballie," a spherical yellow AI robot that serves as a little helper around the house. Ballie can control Samsung smart home devices, display visuals with its projector, and can even do some light pet-sitting. Samsung didn't share a release date for Ballie, expect this to one of many WTF-inducing AI companions in the near future.