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 reset the Nanoleaf Skylight
The Nanoleaf Skylight lighting up a room various shades of purple.

The Nanoleaf Skylight is a unique piece of hardware. Unlike most Nanoleaf products that are quick to install or easy to move and replace, the Skylight is designed as a permanent fixture in your home. Instead of simply plugging it into an electrical outlet, you'll need to hardwire it onto your ceiling – and once it's in place, you'll want it to stay there for years.

However, like all electronics, it's possible for your Nanoleaf Skylight to start acting up. And since there's no easy way to get the entire unit down from your ceiling, you might be wondering how you can quickly solve the problem. Thankfully, Nanoleaf designed a simple way for you to reset the Nanoleaf Skylight without the need to disassemble the entire setup.

Read more
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra vs. Narwal Freo X Ultra: Which is the best premium robot vacuum?
Narwal Freo X Ultra with dock in home

Few robot vacuums and mops are as well-rounded as the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Narwal Freo X Ultra. The two premium robots will vacuum and mop entirely on their own, before returning to their docks to automatically clean their mopheads and empty their dustbins. That sort of functionality doesn't come cheap, with both products carrying hefty price tags that'll put a big dent in your budget.

Because they're so expensive, you'll want to pay close attention to the differences between these two robot vacuums. Both are great additions to any household, but one might be a better fit for your needs than the other.

Read more
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra vs. Roborock S8 Max Ultra: Which is the better robot vacuum?
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra placed in its dock.

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Roborock S8 Max Ultra are two of the newest additions to the Roborock family. Along with having almost identical names, these robot vacuums share much of the same spec sheet -- including the ability to mop and vacuum in a single cycle before automatically emptying their dustbin and cleaning their mops. They're impressive gadgets by all accounts, but since they're wildly expensive, you'll want to carefully compare the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Roborock S8 Max Ultra before adding one to your home.

If you need help, here's a comprehensive look at these two premium robot vacuums, including a comparison of their vacuuming and mops skills, a look at their docking station perks, and a final determination of which is likely best for your needs. Keep in mind that you really can't go wrong with either product -- after all, they're two of the most expensive robots in the category -- but one might be a slightly better fit for your household than the other.
Pricing and availability

Read more