CES 2025: Embracing the Quirky Side of Innovation!

Amid the ongoing complaints from a slew of tech commentators, you would be excused for believing the gadget scene is the dullest realm imaginable. Even more monotone than cricket. Numerous critics can hardly endure a minute before lamenting how a gleaming new smartphone or television they’ve received for assessment is hardly different from its former version. You might even feel exhausted by the relentless tech cycle as your environment becomes increasingly filled with a collection of identical black slabs. Where is the excitement? Where is the playfulness? Apparently at CES 2025, which showcased the delightful reminder that technology and gadgets can be strange, mad, fantastic and far from tedious.

This, after all, was the event that brought the world’s attention to Mirumi. It’s a tiny robot that attaches to your bag and is “created to emulate people’s joyous encounters with spotting a human infant”. Despite resembling the bizarre offspring of an owl, a minuscule sloth, and a Muppet. At the very least, it will serve as an icebreaker when it creepily pivots its head to observe anyone nearby. I imagine such conversations will likely initiate with: “Are you aware that you have a peculiar fuzzy creature attached to your bag?” But hey: NOT TEDIOUS!

Cool(ing) gadgets

Also far from tedious: Nekojita FuFu. When I was a child, we were told that robots in the future would resemble metallic humans and prepare a cup of tea for you. A decade ago, that idealistic picture had evolved into horrifying robots hurling concrete blocks at your head. Nekojita FuFu represents a regression in nearly every aspect – it can’t even move by itself. However, it can assist you with one element of the tea process, by gripping onto your mug and cooling a hot drink with its breath.

As per its creator, who must have an exhilarating lifestyle, Nekojita FuFu was developed from a necessity to address their struggle with becoming dizzy and breathless while blowing on hot baby food. I was unaware that a hot beverage/dizziness crisis existed. Typically, I let a drink sit for several minutes to cool, but now I feel like I’m missing out. Idea: can you also place a Nekojita FuFu on a freshly made cheese toastie, so its molten insides don’t scorch your mouth? I certainly hope so. Regardless: ALSO NOT TEDIOUS!

Purr-fect gadgets

The not-boring-o-meter at CES 2025 was enhanced by devices and technology that did not involve robots. LG’s AeroCatTower made another appearance, getting people ready for a future merging an air purifier, cat bed, cat weighing scales, and likely, a cat insult tool for when your kitty realizes you purchased it a new bed to reduce cat odors and prevent it from being an overweight tabby.

Additionally, there were unusual interpretations of standard technology, like a human-sized hologram system for those moments when your social circle decides that merely seeing faces on screens isn’t adequate for virtual conversations. Or the Swippitt phone ‘toaster’, which gifts your device a new battery pack when it pops up, thankfully avoiding a slather of peanut butter.

Also showcased was a massive Acer gaming tablet that led me to question if certain companies cannot recognize when columns are humorous. Moreover, Anker’s Solix Solar merged a beach umbrella with solar charging, although I can’t foresee that being a best-seller in the UK.

Nonetheless: NOT DULL. Unlike the anticipation of three months of dreary gloom that’s likely to occur where I reside this summer. Nevertheless, perhaps Nekojita FuFu will be available in the wild by that time, shielding me from tongue burns as I sip tea and soup during endless days of ‘unseasonable’ chill.