The Jaeden Schafer Podcast
Episode: Honor Stalker Phone: CES Gimbal Spy Evolution
Date: January 8, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Jaeden Schafer dives into the most bizarre and cutting-edge AI-powered gadgets unveiled at CES 2026. Jaeden breaks down a series of quirky, innovative, and sometimes cringeworthy technology products, offering thoughtful and humorous commentary on their usefulness, appeal, and implications for privacy and society. From anime desk companions to musical lollipops, the episode weighs in on what these inventions say about tech trends and the way we live now.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Razer's AI Anime Desk Companion

• Description: A holographic anime character in a glass tube that sits on your desk, equipped with a camera and microphone to watch and interact with you throughout your day.
• Demo Reactions:
  • The device greets users, provides clothing suggestions, and comments on behaviors (like snoring).
  • "It's like a lava lamp, but it's a hologram... of an anime person." (Jaeden, [02:00])
  • Gendered: Male users matched with female avatars, and vice versa, with the AI providing personal or motivational tips and gaming commentary.
• Host’s Take:
  • Finds the concept bizarre and potentially invasive:
    • "Personally, I think this is strange. This is not something I would be thrilled to have... just like sitting there watching me all the time." (Jaeden, [03:10])
  • Acknowledges potential productivity benefits for those seeking accountability (relates to "watch me study" social media trends).
  • Raises privacy concerns:
    • "It's why we have those little slides that cover the camera on our laptop cameras." (Jaeden, [05:00])
  • Concludes it's both "funny and cringy and horrible all at the same time" but could have some appeal.

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

• Description: A plush panda featuring sensors and "emotional AI" to provide companionship, remember user interactions, support daily routines, and relay information to caregivers.
• Intended Use: Emotional support, memory assistance, and well-being monitoring for older adults.
• Host’s Reaction:
  • Sees the compassionate intention but questions societal reliance on AI for human contact:
    • "It seems sad to me that we have to resort to AI stuffed animals for elderly folks to keep them company..." (Jaeden, [06:55])
  • Recognizes it can be useful when other options aren’t available.

3. $500 AI-Powered Ice Cube Maker

• Description: Claims to use AI to minimize noise, producing "perfect" small ice cubes for crunching.
• Technology: AI supposedly detects when machine is about to make noise and "defrosts" accordingly.
• Host’s Commentary:
  • Skeptical about the necessity of AI for such a simple appliance:
    • "Do they mean the thermometer's AI that's detecting it's getting too cold and it decreases the temperature? Like, I don't really know how much AI is needed in a device like this. An ice cube maker. I would venture to say no AI is needed." (Jaeden, [09:05])
  • Notes its specs: makes ice in 6 minutes, holds up to 3.5 pounds, and up to 60 pounds per day.

4. Seattle Ultrasonics’ Ultrasonic Chef's Knife

• Description: A $400 knife whose blade vibrates 30,000 times per second to enhance cutting performance. Vibration is undetectable to the user.
• Host’s Perspective:
  • Finds the concept intriguing but questions its effectiveness and practicality:
    • "Somehow, and I might be a pessimist, but... is it actually vibrating, or is this just a $400 knife?" (Jaeden, [11:50])
    • "How much sharper could that possibly be?... I don't see so much use for it." (Jaeden, [12:10])
  • Wonders if it’s more novelty than game-changer, especially for home cooks.

5. Lollipop Star’s Bone-Conducting Musical Lollipop

• Description: Lollipops use bone conduction to play songs inside users' heads while they eat them.
• Choices: Peach flavor/Ice Spice, blueberry/Akon, lime/Armani White.
• Technology: Delivers music via vibrations through teeth and skull bones.
• Host’s Take:
  • Finds the underlying tech fascinating but practical application questionable:
    • "The technology... 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." (Jaeden, [13:32])
  • Highlights it as one of the "most bizarre things" at the show.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Razer Anime Companion:
  • “It starts beeping and he 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.'” (Jaeden, [02:30])
  • “I think it’s kind of like funny and cringy and horrible all at the same time.” (Jaeden, [04:30])
• On Privacy:
  • “For the side of, like, you could probably be a lot more productive if it felt like someone was watching the whole time. I can see why some people might like this product.” (Jaeden, [05:15])
• On AI Panda:
  • “If there’s no other option, then perhaps this is a tool that could be useful in some sort of good way. But… it seems sad that this would be an option and there’s not, like, a person that could spend time with them.” (Jaeden, [07:15])
• On Ice Cube Maker:
  • “I would venture to say no AI is needed, but of course it sells. And it sounds funny.” (Jaeden, [09:30])
• On Ultrasonic Knife:
  • “If you can’t see it or hear it or feel it, like, is it actually vibrating or is this just a $400 knife?” (Jaeden, [11:50])
• On Musical Lollipop:
  • “The technology that sounds so fascinating…The usefulness of that, beyond being a novelty, I just—I question.” (Jaeden, [13:32])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:00] — Razer AI Anime Desk Companion reviewed
• [06:30] — AI Emotional Support Panda for elderly
• [08:30] — $500 AI Ice Cube Maker discussion
• [10:55] — Seattle Ultrasonics Chef’s Knife examined
• [13:05] — Lollipop Star’s Musical Lollipop
• [14:10] — Jaeden wraps up with thoughts on the future of such novelty tech

Tone & Style

The episode is an entertaining mix of skepticism, humor, and genuine curiosity. Jaeden maintains a conversational, relatable tone, mixing personal anecdotes with tech analysis: bluntly questioning the hype, but always explaining what makes each gadget interesting—even if ridiculous.

Summary

This CES 2026 review episode from Jaeden Schafer delivers sharp, amusing, and sometimes critical commentary on some of the weirdest AI-infused products hitting the market—from desk-bound anime companions and “emotional support” pandas to ultrasonic knives and bone-conducting lollipops. Jaeden pulls back the curtain on tech spectacle, inviting listeners to both laugh at and reflect on where these odd inventions fit into our lives and culture.