LAS VEGAS – The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is well underway in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest and most innovative gadgets and technologies. This year, amidst the AI hype, CES has also provided a platform for some of the weirder and more out-of-the-box products. Here are some of the most bizarre gadgets and claims from CES 2024 so far.
Swarovski unveiled the AX Visio 10×32, a pair of AI-powered birding binoculars priced at a whopping $4,799. These binoculars can quickly identify over 9,000 bird species, as well as capture photos and videos to share.
Flush, a web-based app, made waves with its concept of paying to use a bathroom. The app allows businesses to rent out their restrooms, offering an extra source of revenue. What’s interesting is the app’s rating system which businesses use to approve or deny a reservation.
Clicks Technology introduced a BlackBerry-style keyboard for iPhones, catering to those who miss the tactile experience of physical keyboards. This keyboard, priced at $139, attaches to the phone case and allows for more screen accessibility.
Sound Drive, a startup founded by Will.i.am, presented a dynamic sound mixing system for cars. This technology adjusts the music based on the driving speed, providing a customized audio experience. While skeptical at first, reviewers were impressed by the results.
GL.iNet unveiled a Wi-Fi 6 router that doubles as a picture frame. This router, called the Marble Wi-Fi 6 OpenWrt Router, can be hung on a wall or placed on a desk like a piece of art, integrating seamlessly with home decor.
LG introduced the Smart Home AI Agent, a “two-legged” wheeled robot that acts as an AI assistant and works in sync with LG appliances. This bot can chat with users, show empathy, and even call 911 in a time of crisis.
Kohler presented the PureWash E930 Bidet Seat, a bidet with voice command support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can control the bidet hands-free, adjusting the intensity and other settings through voice commands.
Skyted showcased its Mobility Privacy Mask and Hybrid Silent Mask, designed to absorb voice frequencies in noisy environments. These masks aim to provide privacy during conversations and may find applications in offices, call centers, and gaming environments.
GlüxKind unveiled an AI-powered stroller called Ella. This stroller can push itself, stop automatically on inclines, and gently rock the baby. It also includes a built-in white noise machine feature.
Baracoda launched BMind, an AI-powered smart mirror for mental wellness. This mirror uses AI and natural language processing to identify the user’s mood and offers guided meditation exercises, self-affirmations, and light therapy sessions.
Coast Runner presented a retro-looking CNC mill, aiming to make computer numerical control (CNC) machines more accessible to professionals and hobbyists. This machine combines artistry and functionality, reminiscent of ’90s design.
While CES often highlights groundbreaking and mainstream technologies, these strange and eccentric innovations also grab attention and showcase the creative possibilities within the tech industry.