The AI Podcast: CES 2026 Holo-Waifu Nightmare – Kira's Desk Watch

Date: January 8, 2026
Host: Jayden Schafer

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jayden Schafer dives into the weirdest and most innovative AI-powered products launched at CES 2026. The focus is on the intersection of AI, novelty consumer tech, and the sometimes bizarre directions companies are taking. Jayden offers both humorous and critical insights on products ranging from holographic AI companions to musical lollipops, examining their practicality, novelty, and the societal implications they present.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Razer’s AI Anime Desk Companion (“Holo-Waifu/Kira’s Desk Watch”)

• [02:22] Jayden describes Razer's holographic anime companion: a glass-tube device with a projected anime avatar that sits on your desk, watches, and talks to you.
  • “Essentially…it has a hologram inside of it, of an anime character. Like, an anime person… all of a sudden, it’s like an alarm clock. It starts beeping and he, like, wakes up and it’s like this anime girl and she’s like, ‘Good morning. We’re going to have an awesome day. Let’s get started. You should go pick out your green shirt.’”
    (Jayden, 02:32)
• The device uses cameras and microphones to interact, offering encouragement, reminders, and banter based on user activity (e.g., helping pick out an outfit, playful feedback about snoring, business brainstorming).
• Jayden finds the surveillance aspect “creepy” but acknowledges its potential for accountability, referencing online “watch me study” trends:
  • “You’re not going to scroll through TikTok…if that camera is constantly watching you… to post later.”
    (Jayden, 06:10)
• Privacy Concerns:
  • Jayden compares this to laptop camera covers: “We have those little slides that cover the camera on our laptop cameras… so for that element, I think it’s creepy.”
    (Jayden, 07:00)

2. AI Panda Stuffy by Mind With Heart Robotics

• [08:00] Purpose: Companion robot for elderly care, equipped with touch sensors, voice recognition, and the ability to personalize interactions.
• Features emotional support functionalities and keeps caregivers informed of user wellbeing.
  • “To me, it seems sad that we have to resort to AI stuffed animals for elderly folks to keep them company if they’re struggling with loneliness…”
    (Jayden, 09:00)
• Philosophical note: Jayden empathizes with the loneliness addressed but highlights the bittersweet nature of using AI over human connection.

3. AI-Powered Ice Cube Maker

• [10:10] A $500 countertop appliance that uses AI to reduce noise during ice production.
• AI detects when the machine might get loud or freeze up and automatically initiates defrost mode to minimize sound.
  • “What the heck does that mean that AI detects when it’s about to freeze up? Do they have a thermometer in there? Do they mean the thermometer’s AI…?”
    (Jayden, 11:00)
• Jayden is skeptical of the necessity, suggesting the AI label is mostly marketing.

4. Ultrasonic Chef’s Knife by Seattle Ultrasonics

• [12:00] A $400 kitchen knife that vibrates at 30,000 times per second to slice food more easily.
  • “Somehow, and I might be a pessimist, but… if you can’t see it or hear it or feel it, is it actually vibrating or is this just a $400 knife?”
    (Jayden, 13:30)
• Supposedly, the enhanced vibration makes for easier and sharper slicing, though Jayden questions its real-world utility, especially for non-professionals.

5. Musical Lollipop by Lollipop Star

• [15:00] Candy with bone conduction technology to play music (e.g., Ice Spice, Akon, Armani White) in your head while you eat.
  • “The technology… 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.”
    (Jayden, 16:20)
• Each flavor corresponds to a different artist; music is delivered privately via vibrational conduction through the jaw/teeth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Razer’s AI Anime Companion:
  • “It’s kind of like funny and cringy and horrible all at the same time. But I think some people might actually like these. Just like a little AI person that’s sitting there watching you.”
    (Jayden, 05:45)
• On AI Ice Cube Makers:
  • “I would venture to say no AI is needed, but of course it sells. And it sounds funny. It’s $500, and it can hold 3.5 pounds of ice at a time.”
    (Jayden, 11:25)
• On Ultrasonic Knife:
  • “How much sharper could that possibly be? How much faster could it possibly cut? Is it a fun idea…? Yeah, that sounds pretty fun. But realistically, how useful is it?”
    (Jayden, 13:50)
• On Musical Lollipop:
  • “Definitely one of the most bizarre things that has been unveiled at CES so far.”
    (Jayden, 17:00)

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------| | 02:22 | Razer’s Holo-Waifu AI Companion (product overview) | | 06:10 | “Watch me study” trend and accountability | | 07:00 | Privacy concerns with desk companion | | 08:00 | AI Panda Stuffy for elderly care | | 10:10 | $500 AI Ice Cube Maker | | 12:00 | Ultrasonic Chef’s Knife | | 15:00 | Lollipop Star’s Musical Lollipop | | 16:20 | Novelty vs. usefulness in AI-powered lollipop |

Tone and Style

Jayden maintains a conversational, light-hearted, and slightly irreverent tone throughout the episode, balancing critique with humor and curiosity. The episode is both engaging and thought-provoking, blending entertainment with an undercurrent of larger questions about the future of AI in everyday (and not-so-everyday) objects.

Conclusion

This episode showcases the widening gulf between genuine AI innovation and the bizarre consumer applications surfacing at CES. Jayden’s commentary guides listeners through the pros, cons, and unintended implications of living with such technology, making this a must-listen for tech enthusiasts, skeptics, and anyone fascinated by the future of artificial intelligence in consumer life.