The weirdest products from CES 2024 are here and they’re just as out there as you would expect. We cover anything from dancing plants to a smart toilet, so keep your card handy, you might find your next splurge.
Skyted Silent Mask
If you have to take confidential calls on a crowded train, whispering is no longer needed! The Skyted Silent Mask, unveiled at CES 2024, promises just that. Aerospace tech muffles your voice by 25 decibels, while a mic transmits it clearly to your phone. This Bluetooth-connected mask even lets you talk to someone nearby briefly without ending your call. The mask’s innovative design could revolutionize private communication, if its Kickstarter campaign succeeds. Keep an eye out, but remember, the early bird price tag is $299!
PlantPetz
These dancing plants are designed to respond to touch and lack of water with movement and gurgling sounds. Imagine a Big Mouth Billy Bass, but for your philodendron. PlantPetz are planters equipped with sensors that make the plant respond to touch and music. A gentle nudge triggers wiggles, while a groovy tune gets your plant bopping along. As expected, reactions were mixed.
Some found it delightful, others saw it as plant torture, questioning the ethics of zapping your plant just to get a reaction out of it. And let’s not forget the gurgling. When thirsty, the PlantPetz emits bubbly sounds, like a thirsty Tamagotchi crossed with a kazoo. And let’s be honest, how long before the novelty wears off?
Perfecta Grill
Think “vertical toaster” for your ribeye. This AI-powered wonder promises perfectly cooked meats in minutes, thanks to its 1650°F infrared burners and “NeuralFire™” magic. Select your steak cut, desired doneness, and voila! Sensors measure thickness, the AI adjusts heat based on “environmental facts,” and dual burners cook both sides simultaneously. This technological marvel doesn’t come cheap, setting you back a cool $3,500. And just how healthy it is to cook your food at temperatures so insanely high?
Kohler PureWash E930
At CES 2024, Kohler unveiled the PureWash E930, a high-tech bidet seat aiming to redefine bathroom luxury (and hygiene). Motion-activated lid opening? Check. Heated seat and warm air dryer? Double check. Self-cleaning stainless steel wand with UV light? You bet. Plus, voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant lets you chat with it from across the room.
But here’s the kicker: the price tag. At a cool $2,149, this bidet isn’t exactly budget-friendly. While features like adjustable water pressure and spray patterns are okish, some might question the need for voice-controlled cleansing. And let’s not forget the pre-misting function – is it truly a game-changer, or just another unnecessary layer of complexity?
Samsung’s Ballie
Think of Ballie as your very own personal assistant. Need a workout buddy? Ballie wasn’t your personal trainer, but it could project exercises on the wall and offer weird peptalk to keep you going. Feeling lonely? Ballie could entertain with its built-in projector, transforming your living room into a mini cinema for one.
But Ballie wasn’t just about fun and games. Worried about Fido while you’re out? Ballie could act as your security guard, sending alerts and pet peeks straight to your phone. Think your oven accidentally stayed on? Ballie could check smart appliances around the house, giving you peace of mind (and potentially saving your dinner).
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Flappie
This CES 2024 star wasn’t a robot pal or a high-tech appliance, but something far more… feline-focused. Think of it as the bouncer you never knew your cat needed. Flappie is a cat door with attitude, powered by AI and a fierce dedication to keeping unwanted “gifts” out of your house. Your furry friend can easily enter thanks to a microchip reader, but if they try to sneak in a feathery or not-so-feathery surprise, the door stays firmly shut thanks to a built-in camera and prey detection tech. No more midnight mice decorating your carpet!
The idea? Your pup follows the paw-some light sequence, triggering musical notes and unleashing their inner Beethoven (or at least their inner kazoo virtuoso). Think “Simon Says,” but with treats instead of points. The concept was certainly unique, attracting both curious pet owners and skeptics alike. While some saw it as a fun way to stimulate their canine companions, others questioned whether dogs truly understood the musical aspect or were simply responding to positive reinforcement. But, at $299, it was more affordable than some high-tech pet toys, making it tempting for the curious dog owner.
