Skip to main content

Someone explain to us why these things were at CES

CES wtf wtf headphones
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Every year, CES presents three or four or 1,563 examples of why the term “consumer electronics” is a bit too broadly defined for its own good. 4K OLEDs? Awesome. Brain-activated user interfaces that let us control computers with membranes? Totally awesome. Vibrators? Isn’t there a porn show in Vegas just a few weeks from now? Here are a few other examples of companies that are taking liberties with consumers and electronics.

Party Animals

CES wtf Party Animals
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Holy hell, they’re back and this time, they come in costumes. We thought these things were pretty disturbing the first time around, but now they’ve expanded in animal varieties and outfits. Perfect for scaring the bejesus out of your children, or convincing them against adopting a puppy.

MiniMe

CES wtf minime
Image used with permission by copyright holder

MiniMe lets you convert a flat, 2D digital image into a 3D photo. Okay, that sounds kind of cool. But this application? Absolutely terrifying. That baby looks like it’s staring into my soul, and I don’t want lifeless, Tigger costume-wearing dolls to do that.

Trojan Vibrations

CES wtf Trojans
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Trojan made headline rounds this year when it traveled across American cities and gave out free vibrators from its Vibrations line. Apparently, Las Vegas was no different, and the company found no better place than a convention center full of tech nerds to give a little love. You could argue that sex toys are a consumer electronic in their own right, but it’s pretty disturbing to walk two steps from an educational brainwave-controlled headband to massagers for your privates. Sensory overload.

Fujiiryoki

CES wtf butt show
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Butt shows. BUTT SHOWS. If you must know, Fujiiryoki was showcasing a line of exercise machines designed to help wiggle the junk out of your trunk. Yikes.

TOSY

CES wtf Tosy
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We already pondered how TOSY managed to afford a giant booth for its mRobo dancing robot, and this promotional bag does not help with our confusion. Would you spend $200 on this flamboyantly flexible robot? $100? $20?

Garrett Metal Detectors

CES wtf metal detector
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The CES layout is generally divided into zones according to categories, such as Digital Health Summit, Gaming Showcase, Robotics, and Sustainable Planet. I think I mistakenly walked into the home shopping network section of the floor.

ITOYA Profolio

CES wtf vespa
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Las Vegas Convention center gives attendees the usual option to rent motorized scooters if they’re unable to hoof it, and this being an electronics show, there were also some people roaming around in Segways looking like complete tools. Don’t they know this is how you get around in style?

Editors' Recommendations

Natt Garun
Former Digital Trends Contributor
An avid gadgets and Internet culture enthusiast, Natt Garun spends her days bringing you the funniest, coolest, and strangest…
How to format the microSD card on Tapo security cameras
The Tapo C120 out in the rain.

One of the most compelling features of Tapo products (like the Wire-Free 2K Outdoor Cam and Indoor/Outdoor Cam) is support for local storage. Many Tapo security cameras let you install a microSD card, so you don't have to rely on cloud storage to save all your videos – instead, they're neatly stored right on your camera. Before you can start using local storage, however, you'll need to format your microSD card. Tapo has some pretty strict requirements for how this works, but the process itself is remarkably simple.

Ready to start saving all your video clips locally? Here's how to format the microSD card on your Tapo security camera.

Read more
Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro: Which is the best security camera?
The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro on display the 2023 Amazon Fall Devices and Services event.

The Blink Mini 2 is one of the cheapest security cameras you can buy. It's pretty well-rounded too. It's capable of filming in HD and offering support for outdoor use when paired with an optional accessory, making it a great choice for shoppers on a budget. That makes it wildly different from the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, which carries a hefty price tag and supports both indoor and outdoor use right out of the box without the need to purchase a secondary accessory.

But is the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro a better investment than the affordable Blink Mini 2? From pricing and video resolution to the installation process and additional features, here's a look at the Blink Mini 2 and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro to help you decide which is the best choice for your home.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more
Apple’s Vision Pro headset can now be used to shop at Best Buy
Screenshots from Best Buy's new shopping app for the Vision Pro.

Previous

Next

Read more