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The largest technology exposition worldwide made its return to Las Vegas this week, showcasing a plethora of the latest, most dazzling, and highly advanced artificial-intelligence-enabled devices and tools directly from Silicon Valley and beyond. During the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), endless displays of gaming apparatus, televisions featuring stretchable displays or suction-cup backs, along with robots designed for various needs (we particularly like the adorable cat-shaped one that perches on your coffee cup to cool your beverage) filled the Las Vegas Convention Center. There were also numerous advancements aimed at enhancing health, safety, and environmental sustainability.
As a highlight recap of the week’s celebrations, we’ve selected eight of the most inventive, creative, and potentially beneficial gadgets from the event, ranging from a tongue-tricking spoon to a wearable memory support.
A tongue-tricking spoon
Attendees at CES were enthusiastically electrifying their tongues at a booth showcasing the Kirin Electric Salt Spoon, which utilizes small electrodes on a spoon to enhance the salty taste of food. This innovation, developed by the Japanese brewery company Kirin Holdings in collaboration with research from Meiji University, aims to address the issue of “excessive salt consumption,” as stated in a press statement. Diners can select one of four intensity levels, and the battery-operated spoon’s electrode delivers a mild, non-painful current that concentrates sodium ions, allowing the tongue to perceive foods as saltier and richer in umami flavor. While this might sound unusual, research has consistently shown that electricity can deceive the taste buds in this way. (Refer to Smithsonian’s 2019 article regarding electrode-integrated chopsticks and virtual lollipops.) Unfortunately, you’ll need to visit Japan to acquire the $125 Electric Salt Spoon, although Kirin aspires to introduce it internationally in the near future.
Needle-free injections
Fear of needles is remarkably prevalent—approximately two-thirds of children and one-fourth of adults dread injections. In one survey, 27 percent of hospital personnel admitted to avoiding the flu shot due to their phobia. To tackle this challenge, the Dutch firm FlowBeams has introduced the intriguingly named BoldJet, a device that uses laser technology to heat liquids, launching high-speed “liquid microjets” through the skin. Although “laser” and “high speed” might not be inherently comforting, the fineness of the microjets makes the experience less uncomfortable compared to a traditional injection. Moreover, this system minimizes biological waste and eliminates the risk of accidental needle sticks. BoldJet was honored with a 2025 Innovation Award at CES. “The innovative method presented by BoldJet from FlowBeams addresses a vital aspect of the healthcare industry,” stated FlowBeams CEO Lea Milovich in a press statement. “Our goals for BoldJet will fundamentally transform our approach toward patient care and the safety of healthcare workers while making a positive impact on our planet.”
A bug-watching camera
Nowadays, we are increasingly aware of the importance of pollinating insects—without bees, our food supply faces jeopardy. Many garden enthusiasts have started cultivating “pollinator gardens” filled with blooms designed to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollen distributors. The new Petal serves as an ideal addition to such gardens; it’s a vibrant orange camera mounted on a plant-like stem that employs A.I. to recognize and monitor insects and observe other living beings, such as budding seeds. If you haven’t established a garden yet, you can also purchase the company’s Wonder Blocks, a customizable planter-and-bug-hotel arrangement. The Petal is set to launch this spring.
At-home fertility assessments
The health application firm Vivoo is determined to assist hopeful parents in gaining better control over their fertility with a new set of at-home assessments tracking ovulation, follicle-stimulating hormone (a marker of egg reserve), vaginal pH, and pregnancy through urine test strips. While comparable tests are already extensively accessible, Vivoo’s offerings synchronize with their app for deeper insights into fertility trends. Although some specialists question the accuracy of home fertility assessments, which don’t encapsulate the full spectrum of factors a physician would monitor, these products are likely to gain popularity as the nation faces a growing shortage of OB-GYNs. Tests are currently available for preorder at $15.99.
A smart lipstick enhances makeup accessibility
The Brazilian cosmetics firm Boticário showcased its prototype A.I.-driven lipstick, designed to make application easier for individuals with
visual disabilities or restrictions in upper body mobility. A device detects the user’s lip contour, the user selects a hue, and a robotic arm applies the cosmetic. The enterprise has previously created ergonomic makeup brushes aimed at individuals with coordination or grip strength challenges. As purchasers age and awareness of disabilities grows, the New York Times has characterized inclusive cosmetics as “the ultimate frontier in makeup diversity.”
Crafting coffee from vapor
Envision savoring fresh coffee every morning without needing to pour water into the coffee machine. This is the almost magical feat that the Kara Pod accomplishes, converting ambient moisture into 13 cups of water daily. The appliance is equipped with an ultraviolet filter to purify the water and employs plant-derived coffee pods for brewing. The Kara Pod expands upon the company Kara Water’s earlier offerings, which consist of air-to-water devices designed for household use. Company founder Cody Soodeen expressed his intention to develop a groundbreaking source of clean drinking water after experiencing life in a home with a polluted well; his design for the technology was motivated by the Namibian desert beetle, which gathers moisture from the atmosphere on its exterior. The Kara Pod is slated for release later this year at a price of $299.
A memory aid on demand
Many of us occasionally struggle to recall specifics from conversations or find ourselves forgetting directions shortly after they’ve been shared. Individuals with ADHD or ailments like Alzheimer’s face even greater difficulties with listening and memory retention. The Bee Pioneer intends to serve as a type of external cognitive aid, featuring a smartwatch-style bracelet that records and transcribes discussions. (The founders assert that it does not save audio recordings of the conversations, only the transcriptions.) Users can then refer to the transcript to refresh their memories later and utilize the app’s A.I. for digital notifications (e.g., “your spouse asked you to take out the trash at 8 a.m.”). Although many earlier A.I. wearables have failed, supporters are optimistic that the Bee’s simplified objectives and affordable price will carve out a niche for it. The Bee is presently available for $49. Basic recordings and reminders are complimentary, with additional features accessible for $12/month.
Earbuds that influence your surroundings
Promising developments have emerged regarding brain implants that enable users to control physical objects with their mind, yet these necessitate surgical procedures. The NAQI Neural Earbuds present a comparable prospect without requiring a hospital visit, utilizing subtle facial and eye movements to manipulate computers, wheelchairs, and various technologies. Thanks to gyroscopic technology, a user can, for instance, turn a lamp off and on by clenching their jaw or adjust the television’s volume by tilting their head. The earbuds received a 2025 CES Innovation Award. “Our goal is to empower individuals by leveraging NAQI’s capabilities and to lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and innovative future,” stated CEO and founder Mark Godsy in a declaration last year. The earbuds are expected to be available for purchase later this year.
This page was generated automatically, to view the article in its initial location you can follow the link below:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/the-eight-coolest-inventions-from-the-2025-consumer-electronics-show-180985808/
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