CES (previously the Consumer Electronics Show) is the largest tech conference of the yr. It helps set the stage for all of the fantastic devices we will see over the following 12 months. However, amongst all of the quadcopters, questionably benevolent robots and units with fancy versatile screens, there’s a whole lot of small issues that go into making CES a one-of-a-kind occasion. To spotlight among the silly, silly and often healthful issues we encountered on the present this yr, we humbly current the very unofficial Dumb Fun awards for CES 2025.
Cutest digger – Komatsu PC01E-2
Komatsu’s PC01E-2 seems like a kids’s playground toy, besides that it truly works and is basically goddam cute. You nearly wish to stroll over and pinch that little bucket till it turns pink. But it’s not all fun and video games as a result of this little digger is supposed to assist excavate issues — even in tight areas. In reality, it’s sufficiently small to slot in most elevators, so in the event you run right into a state of affairs the place you might want to get some digging accomplished, say, on the roof, Komatsu’s bought you.
Most prone to be vaporware – FX Super One
We typically attempt to be optimistic about new tech. But ever since Faraday Future introduced its first idea automotive again in 2016, the corporate has made lower than 20 vehicles in whole. And for the huge accomplishment of manufacturing lower than two dozen automobiles, Faraday Future’s founder and CEO went and gave themselves raises. Now at CES 2025, the corporate is attempting to make a comeback with its new line of FX EVs, besides that it could not even be bothered to color them. That particular camouflage automakers use is normally meant to assist disguise a automobile’s design BEFORE it will get introduced, not make it appear like a half-finished product at its personal press occasion. That mentioned, calling it 50 p.c accomplished might be method too beneficiant. So whereas there’s at all times an opportunity an organization turns it round, don’t be stunned in the event you by no means see a FX Super One on the street.
If you ever want somebody to sacrifice their sartorial magnificence for a narrative, he’s your man. And but, even with a floppy photovoltaic-equipped, mess of a head decoration, there’s nonetheless little doubt he’s probably the most dapper Dan.
Everyone is at all times nervous about when our robotic overlords are going to return and conquer us. Except it’s the people we must always most likely be nervous about probably the most. That’s as a result of throughout a demo for Unitree’s robotic, its homo sapien operator fumbled the controller, ensuing within the robotic principally tackling our very personal Karissa Bell. Human or robotic, that’s just not OK.
Most lovely – Mirumi
Originally this record was meant to focus on fascinating issues we noticed at CES that did not get a whole lot of reward (or hate) elsewhere, however then the Mirumi went and received an award. But I don’t care. This robotic is designed to do one factor, maintain onto your arm and stare cutely at issues as you stroll round. It’s principally a puffball with eyes and a clingyness that may’t be denied. And I’ll shield and cherish it with my life.
Look, taking good care of your pores and skin is necessary. It’s the most important organ in your physique in spite of everything! But if conventional moisturizers, lotions and exfoliants aren’t sufficient for you, I’m not satisfied Shark’s purple mild masks is the reply. If I’m at house and my vital different comes out of the lavatory wanting like goddam Doctor Doom, I’m not getting in mattress. I’m working out the door and calling Reed Richards for assist.
Chillest sales space: AARP
The AARP describes itself as “the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.” So as a substitute of encouraging folks to hustle round from sales space to sales space whereas testing all of the new-fangled devices throughout CES, the AARP went and determined to put in a whole-ass pickleball court docket proper on the present flooring. Naturally, attendees each younger and previous stepped as much as the web and causally batted balls again and forth with everybody seemingly having a soothing time within the midst of the largest tech conference of the yr. Good on ya’ll.
Company with probably the most FOMO – Jackrabbit
Las Vegas is an affront to Mother Nature. It’s an unwalkable metropolis in the midst of the desert full of all method of temptations and sufficient neon lighting to soften your mind. So when an organization doesn’t really feel like flying in to attend CES, we get it. But that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to attempt to weasel your method into the highlight by sending electronic mail pitches about being “perfect for CES, but smart enough to skip it.” Either cease fence sitting and endure with the remainder of us or shut up. So hey Jackrabbit, you say you’re fantastic not being at CES. That’s cool, we really feel the identical method.
You know what sounds secure? An electrical moped that turns right into a quadcopter, however provided that you place the propellers and arms your self. The base mannequin additionally solely has about 25 minutes of flight time whereas firm claims there are a variety of built-in security options, there’s additionally a built-in parachute. Don’t get me mistaken, I’m not saying we will’t have air taxis and such sooner or later. But this factor doesn’t encourage confidence. However, if in case you have extra guts and than sense, please give it a strive and tell us the way it goes.
Not each laptop half must be about pumping out larger framerates and MSI proved that this yr by making a CPU cooler with a built-in turntable. What’s the purpose you ask? Well take a look at that completely happy little dragon sitting atop its throne. Just take a look at him. But actually, it could possibly be something you need up there that makes you cheerful. The solely unhappy half is that this water block is merely an idea and MSI has no precise plans to place it on sale. What a bummer.
We couldn’t determine which one was extra outrageous, so we ended up with a tie for class. For Dell, its new unified branding is essentially fantastic. After all, nobody actually cares about strains like Latitude, Inspiron and Optiplex. But killing off the XPS identify, which is the one Dell sub-brand that has actually ever meant one thing, is a step too far. Meanwhile, in an try and woo youthful consumers who may not have an affinity for its basic black laptops, Lenovo went and made a ThinkPad with no carbon fiber or a Trackpoint nub. That’s downright sacrilegious. Admittedly, in the event you’re youthful than 50 you may not care, however any nerd who grew up utilizing rotary telephones might be pissed.
Horniest sales space: Handy
CES is house to all types of intercourse tech, however even amongst all of the vibrators and numerous toys, the Handy sales space someway managed to be hornier than another. That’s as a result of along with having a collection of kinky devices on show, the corporate had company lining as much as spin a wheel for the possibility to take house a prize of their very own. And if folks eagerly awaiting an opportunity to remove a pleasure system to allow them to get their rocks off isn’t attractive, I don’t know what’s. Just perhaps maintain it in your pants till you get house.