CES is home to the best, most cutting-edge, and most innovative technologies. But in this sea of technology there are always some very strange gadgets. This year's conference was no different, it was filled with a lot of weird devices, some of which may have a chance to take off, and others… maybe not so much.
Here's a recap of all the weird technology we saw on the CES show floor and beyond.
Mirumi is a furry little robot that holds onto your purse or backpack strap. It turns its head to look curiously around the room using built-in sensors. But like an infant, Mirumi is designed to be a bit shy, so she may hide her face if she is touched or approached by a stranger. The company behind Mirumi, Yukai Engineering, plans to launch the bot through a crowdfunding campaign this year with an expected price of $70.
Photo by Alison Johnson/The Verge
No, my coworker Alison Johnson isn't sticking her phone in the toaster — that white box is actually a charging hub made by Swipit. It's designed to power a series of external batteries that go into Swippit's Link Phone Case, giving your device a little extra charge. When your battery is about to die, plug your phone into the hub, and it will automatically fully charge the external battery, no wires or wireless charging station required.
I never thought I'd need a keyboard that retracts to reveal a trackpad and number pad, and after watching my coworker Shawn Hollister use it… I still don't think I should. it need. Autokibo uses a built-in camera to detect the position of your hands and will automatically switch between setups when you lift them slightly. It's supposed to help you “boost productivity” by saving you from having to move your hands between your mouse and keyboard, and it comes with a hefty price tag of $700.
LG is back with its second version portable standbyme monitorBut this time, you can add a shoulder strap to the 27-inch monitor, letting you lug it around while you're on the go (or hang it in a room). There's also a new folio case that makes it look like a much larger tablet. In addition to the new accessories, the StanbyME comes with other upgrades over its predecessor, including a higher 1440p resolution, four hours of longer battery life, and two USB-C ports.
Switchbot created a modular robot that is capable of completing a variety of tasks. Built on a version of Switchbot's mini robot vacuum, the multitasking home robot K20 Plus Pro comes with a wheeled “FusionPlatform” that you can equip with a variety of devices, like the company's air purifier, fan, security camera, and more , which allows it to roll. around your home completing all types of tasks. It will be able to do even more tasks in the future with in-development robotic arms that you can see in the video above.
Forget your traditional engagement ring. How about gifting 18 karat gold to your partner? Intelligent ring? Well, Ultrahuman created just that with their “Artisan” Rare ring, priced at $1,900 in gold (or $2,200 in platinum). Apart from full access to all of Ultrahuman's features and lifetime membership to its warranty program, this device has many of the same features as much cheaper devices. $349 Ultrahuman Ring Air – Just in a much more expensive package.
The LG AeroCatTower is exactly what it sounds like: an air purifier that also doubles as a cat tree. Besides providing a warm spot for your feline friend, it filters out pet dander and even keeps your cat's weight in check. The AeroCatTower connects to the LG ThinQ app, where you can view information about your cat's weight and track how long your cat was sleeping.
Photo Antonio G. By Di Benedetto/The Verge
This jacket from Anker is still just a concept, but it appears to be real cyberpunk 2077 Vibes wraps around the outside of the cloak with its LED light strips and perovskite solar cells. It offers 30W maximum input along with a USB-C output, which you can use to charge your phone.
Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy/The Verge
Like LG's AeroCatTower, the company's latest take on indoor gardening combines multiple functions into a single package. This device looks similar to your typical side table, but it has a lamp underneath which you can grow plants. It automatically waters your plants using its built-in tank and has a built-in speaker. lg Created a tall, lamp-style garden Too.
Photo by Shawn Hollister/The Verge
It's exactly what it looks like: a pod filled with 3D models of dancing anime girls. but it's not like that to pass Giving House to Anime Girls; You can upload any character Character Livehouse1200p display, and it will use AI to interact with you. The capsule is equipped with a voice recognition camera and microphone, allowing the character to detect your presence. Code 27, the company behind Character Livehouse, says this model can boost your excitement in the game and even wake you up “gently.” It's headed to Kickstarter soon with a price range of $400 to $500.