Podcast Summary: “230 Million Weekly ChatGPT Health Users”

Podcast: The Last Invention is AI
Host: Jayden Schafer
Date: January 9, 2026
Episode Theme:
A roundup and analysis of the most bizarre and innovative AI-powered technologies unveiled at CES 2026, exploring their practicality, novelty, and the sometimes cringeworthy “smartification” of everyday gadgets.

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, host Jayden Schafer humorously breaks down some of the strangest and most intriguing AI products announced at CES 2026. From holographic anime companions to AI-powered ice cube makers, Jayden reflects on the intersection of utility, privacy, novelty, and the seemingly relentless march to embed AI into everything. The episode is delivered in his candid, lightly skeptical, and engaging tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Razer’s AI Anime Desk Companion

• Product Overview:
  • Glass tube device with a holographic anime avatar. The avatar “watches” you, greets you in the morning, gives suggestions (like what to wear), and responds to your habits and conversations.
  • Male/female companions are tailored to the user’s gender in the demo.
• Jayden’s Take:
  • Finds it “funny and cringy and horrible all at the same time,” but highlights an interesting use-case: digital accountability, which mimics trends like livestream “study with me” videos.
  • Raises serious privacy concerns about a device always watching and listening.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “I would be thrilled to have something just like sitting there watching me all the time. But maybe people will like this. I don't know.” (03:30)
• Timestamp: 00:50–06:30

2. Mind With Heart Robotics: AI Panda for Elderly Care

• Product Overview:
  • Plush AI-powered panda with tactile sensors and emotional AI. Remembers user preferences, provides reminders, and shares well-being information with caregivers.
  • Aims to combat loneliness, support memory, and keep elderly users engaged.
• Jayden’s Opinion:
  • Mixed feelings; admires the intent but finds it “sad that we have to resort to AI stuffed animals for elderly folks to keep them company.”
• Quote:
  • “If there's no other option, perhaps this is a tool that could be useful in some good way. But to me, it seems sad...” (09:00)
• Timestamp: 06:30–09:20

3. The $500 AI Ice Cube Maker

• Product Overview:
  • Ice maker claims to use AI to reduce operational noise. “Patented noise guard technology” detects when the machine is about to make noise and auto-defrosts.
  • Makes crunchy, chewable ice; produces ice in 6 minutes and up to 60 pounds a day.
• Jayden’s Skepticism:
  • Mocks the idea: “How much AI is needed in a device like this? An ice cube maker. I would venture to say no AI is needed, but of course it sells.”
• Quote:
  • “What the heck does that mean? The AI detects when it's about to freeze up? Do they have a thermometer in there? … Do they mean the thermometer’s AI?” (10:40)
• Timestamp: 09:20–12:00

4. Seattle Ultrasonics: Vibrating Chef's Knife

• Product Overview:
  • $400 knife with ultrasonic blade that vibrates at 30,000 times/second. Purportedly slices food more efficiently.
  • Company claims the vibrations are imperceptible to the user.
• Jayden’s Take:
  • Skeptical about its utility beyond novelty. Wonders if the tech is real or just marketing hype, since you can't “see, hear, or feel” it.
• Quote:
  • “If you can't see it or hear it or feel it, like, is it actually vibrating or is this just a $400 knife?” (13:20)
• Timestamp: 12:00–14:15

5. Lollipop Star: Musical Bone-Conduction Lollipop

• Product Overview:
  • Lollipop that plays music only the user can “hear” via bone conduction. Different flavors (peach, blueberry, lime) correspond to tracks by Ice Spice, Akon, or Armani White.
• Jayden’s Verdict:
  • Finds the tech fascinating but questions its practical value beyond being a quirky novelty.
• Quote:
  • “You’re eating a lollipop and you can hear music in your ear that no one else can hear. The usefulness of that, beyond being a novelty, I just…I question.” (15:15)
• Timestamp: 14:15–16:00

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On privacy and AI avatars:

  • “Number one for, like, privacy and like, feeling like, uh, it's an invasion… that's really creepy. It's why we have those little slides that cover the camera on our laptop cameras.” (04:50)

• On AI “overkill”:

  • “How much AI is needed in a device like this? An ice cube maker. I would venture to say no AI is needed, but of course it sells.” (11:10)

• On the musical lollipop:

  • “The technology that sounds so fascinating that you're eating a lollipop and you can hear music in your ear that no one else can hear… The usefulness of that, beyond being a novelty, I just, I question.” (15:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• AI Anime Desk Companion: 00:50–06:30
• AI Panda Stuffy for the Elderly: 06:30–09:20
• $500 AI Ice Cube Maker: 09:20–12:00
• Ultrasonic Chef’s Knife: 12:00–14:15
• Musical Bone-Conduction Lollipop: 14:15–16:00

Tone & Style

Jayden Schafer maintains a light-hearted, conversational style—equal parts skeptical, amused, and genuinely curious. He frequently pokes fun at the absurdity of “AI-ifying” everyday gadgets but gives credit to innovations where due. His commentary also hints at deeper societal considerations, especially around technology’s role in loneliness and human connection.

For listeners who missed the episode:
This summary covers the quirkiest products from CES 2026, why they might (or might not) catch on, and the underlying social and privacy questions they raise—all while capturing host Jayden's signature mix of wry humor and thoughtful critique.