LAS VEGAS — At CES, a substantial amount of technology is unveiled with consumer enhancement in mind—be it through AI-driven devices that streamline daily tasks, products designed to alleviate loneliness, or applications that promote mental and physical well-being. Nonetheless, not all innovations are deemed beneficial by a panel comprising self-proclaimed experts in dystopian technology. This year, they highlighted certain gadgets as the “Worst in Show,” a title no manufacturer aspires to earn, designated for items that are the “least repairable, least private, and least sustainable” on display.
Liz Chamberlain, director of sustainability at iFixit, expressed concerns about the increase of products embedded with surveillance technology. She noted that while some features may be appealing, they often lead to troubling invasions of privacy. “Now we’ve got microphones and cameras in our washing machines, refrigerators, and that really is an industry-wide problem,” she said.
In this fourth edition of the contest, the inaugural title for “least repairable” went to the Ultrahuman Rare Luxury Smart Ring, an item priced at $2,200. Kyle Wiens, the CEO of iFixit, criticized the ring for its “sleek” design but pointed out that it harbors a significant flaw: its battery only lasts for 500 charges and is impossible to replace without destructively opening the device. “Luxury items may be fleeting, but two years of use for $2,200 is a new low,” he remarked. Ultrahuman did not provide a comment regarding the criticism.
Another gadget that drew scrutiny was Bosch’s AI-powered “Revol” crib, which monitors infant vital signs using various sensors. It gently rocks the baby to sleep and can alert parents if obstructive items are detected. Cindy Cohn, the Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, criticized the crib for exploiting parental anxieties while amassing excessive data about children via built-in surveillance tools. However, a Bosch representative countered that all data collected is secured, emphasizing that caregivers oversee data transmission, including an offline mode for added privacy.
With AI becoming commonplace at CES, some products still drew criticism for being unsustainable. Stacey Higginbotham of Consumer Reports condemned SoundHound AI’s In-Car Commerce Ecosystem for contributing to both energy waste and distracted driving. The system allows occupants to order takeout directly through the car’s infotainment, a concept she deemed excessive. Despite the criticism, SoundHound’s CEO described the launch as groundbreaking and anticipates broad future applications for the technology.
TP-Link’s Archer BE900 router was labeled as “least secure,” highlighting significant vulnerabilities tied to its Chinese production. Paul Roberts, founder of The Security Ledger, explained that due to Chinese law, TP-Link is obliged to report security flaws to the government before informing the public, posing a national security risk. In response, TP-Link Systems defended its operations, clarifying its U.S. headquarters and denying any obligation to report security issues to China.
Additionally, Samsung’s Bespoke AI Washing Machine topped the “who asked for this?” category; Nathan Proctor of U.S. PIRG criticized its unnecessary features that complicate repairs and inflate costs. Samsung, however, remains bullish on their innovative approach, with Jong-Hee Han celebrating the new integrations as setting standards for future smart home products.
Finally, the title of the worst overall product was attributed to the LG “AI Home Inside 2.0 Refrigerator with ThinkQ.” Gay Gordon-Byrne, executive director of The Repair Association, slammed the refrigerator for its flashy features that come at a cost—shorter software support, higher energy usage, and costly repairs that diminish its utility. In contrast, a spokesperson for LG rejected these claims and expressed confidence that consumers will appreciate the new technology once it hits the market. “We believe consumers who are looking to elevate their kitchen experience will appreciate its innovative features, convenience, and performance,” they stated, maintaining that their advancements deserve recognition rather than criticism.
