CES 2025 Day 5: The WEIRDEST Tech! - TechLinked

Summary

TechLinked Podcast Summary
Episode: CES 2025 Day 5: The WEIRDEST Tech!
Host: Linus Media Group
Release Date: January 11, 2025

Introduction: Wrapping Up CES 2025

On the final day of CES 2025, the TechLinked team delves into the most unusual and eyebrow-raising technologies showcased at the event. While CES typically features cutting-edge advancements in GPUs, laptops, and TVs, this episode highlights products that push the boundaries of what’s considered normal in tech and gaming culture.

1. Unconventional Gadgets Taking the Stage

a. Mirumi by Yukai Engineering

One of the standout oddities is Mirumi, a fuzzy robot designed by Yukai Engineering. Priced at $70, Mirumi attaches to bags and swivels its adorable head towards approaching individuals. Host B remarks, “If this little guy is wrong, I don't want to be right” (00:22) and questions its practicality: “But why would you pay 70 bucks for one?” Yukai Engineering aims to spread happiness and perhaps induce a mild existential crisis with Mirumi’s “bashful yet probing eyes.”

b. Nekojita Fufu

Another quirky invention is the Nekojita Fufu, a cat-shaped device equipped with a fan to cool down hot tea. It operates using a randomized blowing speed and rhythm algorithm named "System." Host B humorously critiques the naming: “using its special algorithm called System that can't be right” (00:22).

c. Yukai Engineering’s Other Offerings

Yukai Engineering continues to impress with past creations like the Kubo Pillow, featuring a cat-like tail that wiggles gently when stroked. Host B expresses nostalgia: “How I miss it” (00:22), emphasizing Yukai’s knack for blending cuteness with a touch of eeriness.

d. TCL’s AI Me Robot Egg Baby

TCL introduces AI Me, a robotic egg baby aimed at parents who prefer an artificial child. Designed to engage with its “fleshy sibling,” AI Me can pose existential questions, blurring the lines between artificial intelligence and human interaction. Host B questions its lifelike appearance: “It looks like TCL genuinely thinks families will treat AI Me like it's alive” (00:22), drawing comparisons to other uncanny technologies.

e. Realbotics’ ChatGPT-Powered Sexbots

Addressing more controversial innovations, Realbotics presents ChatGPT-powered sexbots. Host B discusses the unsettling nature of these products: “is it as creepy as the uncanny valley apparitions” (00:22), highlighting the mixed reception from users, with “12 people who have apparently purchased one.”

2. Innovative Display Technologies

a. Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6

Lenovo showcases the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, featuring a vertically extending rollable screen. This flexible display technology offers new possibilities for portable computing and multitasking.

b. Samsung Displays’ Stretchable MicroLED Prototype

Samsung unveils a stretchable MicroLED Prototype capable of creating 3D effects without the need for glasses. According to ZDNet, this technology could also enable tactile buttons on touchscreens, potentially transforming interfaces like car infotainment systems by replacing cumbersome tablet-like dashboards.

c. Displace TV

The Displace TV is a battery-powered, fully wireless television that can be modularly combined with additional units. Each unit features built-in suction cups for easy wall mounting, eliminating the need for drilling and preserving drywall integrity.

d. J Socks’ FlipGo Horizon

FlipGo Horizon by J Socks adds dual monitors to the side of a laptop, a concept reminiscent of Razer's Project Valerie from CES 2017. Host B jokes about reclaiming the idea: “Maybe we can steal it back in a clandestine operation” (00:22), referencing the innovative yet commercially challenging nature of such accessories.

3. Futuristic Electric Vehicles and Mobility Solutions

a. XPENG Aero HT Cybertruck

The XPENG Aero HT poses the question: “What if a cybertruck was that huge and obnoxious for a reason?” This futuristic vehicle includes a drone that can seat two people, priced just under $300,000 with 3,000 pre-orders and a planned 2026 launch in China. Host B adds a humorous touch: “We could go off the grid after we pull the Project Valerie heist” (00:22).

b. Aptera’s Three-Wheeled Solar EV

Aptera introduces a three-wheeled, solar panel-equipped two-seater EV resembling a tadpole-shoe hybrid. Initially deemed goofy by Host B, the vehicle offers significant sun-powered range and ample cargo or sleeping space, making it ideal for off-grid adventures.

c. Amazon’s Autonomous Toaster Shuttle Zoox

Amazon presents the Zoox autonomous toaster shuttle, a name that elicits mixed reactions. Host B jokes, “I want there to be a jingle for that” (00:22), underscoring the unusual branding for an autonomous vehicle.

4. Quick Bits: Peripheral and Accessory Innovations

a. Hyperkin’s Competitor Look Controller

Hyperkin announces the Competitor Look, a new Xbox and PC controller inspired by the PlayStation DualSense design. Host B likens it to wrapping a Coke label around a Pepsi can, highlighting the struggle to balance originality with consumer expectations: “It's like when you wrap a Coke label around a can of Pepsi” (00:22).

b. Hyperkin’s Guitar Hero Wii Controller

Reintroducing a nostalgic favorite, Hyperkin debuts a Guitar Hero controller for the Nintendo Wii. Despite being the same product released in 2009, it features refreshed internals, prompting Hyperkin to apologize for any fan confusion: “What is fans of Guitar Hero on Wii?” (00:22).

c. Autokibo Linux PC

Autokibo presents a Linux PC with built-in ergonomic peripherals that deploy like Wolverine’s claws upon detecting specific hand motions via an onboard camera. Customizable speed and sensitivity aim to enhance productivity without compromising ergonomics, though Host B humorously warns against potential finger injuries: “so it doesn't shear your fingertips off” (00:22).

d. Mecha Comet Handheld Linux Computer

The Mecha Comet is a handheld Linux computer featuring modular attachments for game controls, keyboards, and sensor arrays. Host B encourages creativity: “If you can dream it and you have vast amounts of patience and free time, you can build it” (00:22).

e. Oukitel’s WP200 Pro and Titan Phones

Oukitel showcases the WP200 Pro, an Android phone with a bulky camera module that doubles as a smartwatch or Bluetooth earpiece. Additionally, the Titan model boasts a massive 33,000mAh battery, a 1200-lumen camping light, and a 120Hz projector, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts: “Throw that in the back of the Aptera. We're going glamping” (00:22).

f. Solar-Powered Gadgets

An array of solar-powered accessories debuts, including Anker’s solar panel-equipped beach umbrella, the EcoFlow Power Hat with built-in solar panels, and Anker’s solar-powered cloak. Host B sarcastically questions the practicality: “You wanted to put solar panels in clothing that people wear in the year 2024 and you went with cloak?” (00:22).

g. Kirin Electric Salt Spoon

Perhaps the most bizarre, the Kirin electric salt spoon enhances the saltiness of food by sending a weak electric current to draw sodium ions, requiring users to complete the circuit by holding the spoon in a specific manner: “You have to complete the circuit by holding the bite in your mouth for a few seconds” (00:22). Host B humorously warns of unintended consequences: “you could end up pregnant” (00:22).

Conclusion: Embracing the Weirdness

Closing the episode, Host B reminds listeners to approach CES’s wacky concept products with skepticism: “You should always take everything you hear about these wacky CES concept products with a grain of salt” (00:22). Despite the eclectic mix of innovations, the episode captures the essence of CES 2025’s adventurous spirit in technology and gaming culture.

Notable Quotes:

“If this little guy is wrong, I don't want to be right.” – Host B on Mirumi (00:22)
“But why would you pay 70 bucks for one?” – Host B questioning Mirumi’s value (00:22)
“It's like when you wrap a Coke label around a can of Pepsi.” – Host B on Hyperkin’s Competitor Look (00:22)
“You should always take everything you hear about these wacky CES concept products with a grain of salt.” – Host B concluding remarks (00:22)

This comprehensive overview of CES 2025’s most peculiar technologies provides listeners with insights into the imaginative and sometimes perplexing innovations shaping the future of tech and gaming culture.

Transcript

A (0:00)

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B (0:22)

It'S the final day of CES 2025. We saw new GPUs, laptops and TVs, but today we're recognizing companies that understood the assign. The true meaning of CES is showing off tech that's slightly disturbing tech that's just a bit wrong. Now, I'm not sure you could say that about Mirumi though. It's a fuzzy robot that clips onto bags and turns its adorable head towards anyone approaching. If this little guy is wrong, I don't want to be right. But why would you pay 70 bucks for one? Marumi's makers, Yukai Engineering, say it's to make the people around you happier and maybe give them just a smidge of existential crisis from staring into its bashful yet probing eyes a little uncomfortable. You guys got something a little more practical? The Nekojita Fufu, a little cat with a fan inside that can cool down your hot tea in the same way humans do by randomizing its blowing speed and rhythm using its special algorithm called System that can't be right. You may remember Yukai Engineering is the company behind many a weird CES product, including one of my favorites, the Kubo Pillow with a cat like tail that gently wiggles when stroked. How I miss it. Other companies are trying very hard to emulate Yukai's perfect mix of cuteness and horror. TCL's A Me spelled AI Me is apparently geared towards parents who've decided that having one real human child is plenty. But there's real in the family for what is essentially a robot egg baby that can ask its fleshy sibling questions he is not prepared to answer. What is living? It looks like TCL genuinely thinks families will treat Amy like it's alive. And you may think that's creepy, but is it as creepy as the uncanny valley apparitions from Realbotics pretending to be something other than ChatGPT powered sexbots? I don't know. Ask the 12 people who have apparently purchased one. I'm sure they're great guys. CES had wacky displays aplenty, including the vertically extending rollable screen on Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 which we mentioned on Tuesday. But there are yet more weird things we can do to displays. Samsung Displays stretchable Microled Prototype, which can create sort of a 3D effect without the use of glasses, is one such display, ZDNet notes it could also be used to create tactile buttons on touch screens like say, a car's infotainment system. So we could use those instead of forcing drivers to tap through their giant dashboard's tablet settings to turn the wipers on. But if you just want a giant display, you can put anywhere. There's the Displace tv, a battery powered, fully wireless TV that combines with other units into a larger display, each of which can be stuck on the wall with four built in suction cups because sure, you might be risking your $6,000 TV falling, but it's better than drilling mounting holes and ruin this perfectly good drywall. Hey J Socks says their FlipGo Horizon adds two monitors to the side of a laptop, but I've seen this before. That's Razer's project Valerie stolen from the CES show floor in 2017. Hmm, maybe we can steal it back in a clandestine operation. For that we might consider using the XPENG Aero ht, which answers the question what if a cybertruck was that huge and obnoxious for a reason? The reason being it can spit a giant drone out of its back that can seat two people. Despite costing just under $300,000, it apparently already has 3,000 pre orders and will launch in China in 2026. Aw, what do we get? Well, there's this three wheeled solar panel equipped two seater EV from Aptera that looks like some kind of tadpole shoe hybrid. Okay, I'll admit I thought this thing looked goofy when I first saw it, but if you get a lot of sun, you may never have to charge this thing. And there's actually a surprising amount of room in the back for cargo or for sleeping. So we could go off the grid after we pull the Project Valerie heist. One getaway car we're definitely not going to be using is Amazon's autonomous toaster shuttle Zoox, mostly because of the name. I want there to be a jingle for that. Take a ride in a Zoox, Zoox, Zoox, Zoox. And when we're on the run, we'll probably need our sponsor Saily, the ESIM service that keeps you connected even if you're recreating the classic adventure novel around the world in 80 days. Which is much easier to do than it was in 1872 because airplanes, but also because Downloading a single Esim for your whole multi country trip is easy and affordable with Saily's regional and global plans. And you just know that standing in line at multiple airport shops for a local SIM or trying to find someone outside who won't scam you is gonna take a day or two altogether. And you only have 80 Saily ESIM plans are compatible with iOS and Android devices, and if yours isn't compatible, you'll get a full refund with chat support available 24. 7. Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily ESIM data plans. Just download the Saily app and use code techlinked at checkout. I could introduce the Quick bits now, but guess what? We've already been doing Quick bits this whole time. You should see your face right now. They were like oh, console accessory makers do be acting a fool right now. Hyperkin announced a new version of one of its Xbox and PC controllers with a clearly PlayStation DualSense inspired design called the Competitor Look. It's like when you wrap a Coke label around a can of Pepsi because you want to drink a Pepsi but you want to feel like you're drinking a Coke. Right? We understand this. Hyperkin also debuted a new Guitar Hero controller for the Nintendo Wii, which came out 18 years ago. Turns out it's actually the same product Hyperkin released in 2009, but with completely refreshed brand new internals and it had to apologize to fans for the confusion. What is fans of Guitar Hero on Wii? I feel like they should check out some newer peripherals like the Autokibo, a Linux PC with actually okay, it's not a peripheral, it's a PC, a Linux PC with built in ergonomic keyboard, trackpad and mouse modules that automatically shoot out like Wolverine's claws when the onboard camera detects certain motions from your hand. You can customize its speed and sensitivity so it doesn't shear your fingertips off, as that may compromise your ability to remain perfectly ergonomically productive. Moving your hand to your mouse and back is quick, but those seconds add up. But if you love keeping yourself as busy as possible, there's the Mecha Comet, a handheld Linux computer with modular attachments for adding game controls, a keyboard, sensor arrays. Hey, if you can dream it and you have vast amounts of patience and free time, you can build it. If you prefer a wacky device that someone else built for you, though, oukitel showed off two of them at CES. The WP200 Pro is an Android phone with a chunkier than average camera module because it contains a pop out device that can be used either as a smartwatch or a. A Bluetooth earpiece. Okay, see this CES should just be entirely this stuff. This is what I'm talking about. Ukitel also showed off the Titan, a fantastically chunky phone with a massive 33,000 milliamp hour battery that can power a 1200 lumen camping light on the back or a 120Hz projector on the top. Throw that in the back of the Aptera. We're going glamping. Hmm. We may need more solar power though. We could use Anker's solar panel equipped beach umbrella, but that might attract too much attention. I'll grab the ecoflow power hat with built in solar panels instead. But once you have that, well, then. Then you pretty much have to complete the look with Anker's solar powered cloak. I'm sorry, you wanted to put solar panels in clothing that people wear in the year 2024 and you went with cloak? Hey, they're coming back. What now? You should always take everything you hear about these wacky CES concept products with a grain of salt. But you won't need any actual salt for that with perhaps my favorite weird thing from ces, the Kirin electric salt spoon. It's designed to make foods taste saltier by sending a weak electric current through your food, drawing sodium ions out so it tastes saltier. And you don't have to increase your salt intake for that to work, though. You have to complete the circuit by holding the bite in your mouth for a few seconds and make sure you hold it in perfect triangle formation. The food will taste better not only because it's saltier, but also because you feel relief that you didn't die. Just light electrocution. Follow these instructions closely or you could end up pregnant. Instead, I want you to end up back here again on Monday for more tech news. And we'll be back to three episodes a week because doing one every day is. Well, I don't recommend it.