At the sprawling spectacle of CES, a cacophony of innovation captures the imagination—gadgets crafted to elevate human experience. They promise enhancement through AI efficiency, companionship to combat solitude, and even mechanisms to fortify mental and physical wellness. Yet, beneath this veneer of progress lurks a more insidious reality, painted by the critiques of self-proclaimed dystopia experts. Enter the “Worst in Show,” a label no manufacturer covets, singling out the most egregious offenders: those products deemed the least repairable, privacy-invading, and environmentally sustainable.
“The prevalence of surveillance capabilities within these technologies is alarming,” cautioned Liz Chamberlain, the sustainability chief at iFixit, speaking to The Associated Press. “Innovative as they may be, they’ve crept microphones and cameras into our everyday appliances—think washing machines and refrigerators—raising substantial industry-wide concerns.”
This year’s Fourth Annual Dystopian Contest unveiled its dubious winners on Thursday.
A smart ring that costs as much as a vacation?
At the forefront of the infamy, the Ultrahuman Rare Luxury Smart Ring was dubbed the “least repairable” product by iFixit’s CEO, Kyle Wiens. Available in chic hues like dune and desert sand, this accessory demands a staggering $2,200. However, beneath its sleek exterior lies a glaring defect: it offers merely 500 charges before succumbing to obsolescence, with battery replacement necessitating complete annihilation of the device itself. “For a luxury item, two years of use in exchange for $2,200 is an unprecedented low,” Wiens lamented.
As of now, Ultrahuman has remained tight-lipped, providing no comments to queries lodged by reporters.
An AI-powered cradle of concern?
Meanwhile, Bosch’s “Revol” smart crib has evoked parental trepidation, laden with sensors, cameras, and AI capabilities that allegedly monitor an infant’s vital signs—facilitating gentle rocking and alerting caregivers when something poses a risk to breathability. Yet, EFF Executive Director Cindy Cohn has voiced skepticism, asserting it preys on anxieties and collects excessive data through its multitude of surveillance technologies. “Parents are not seeking pervasive observation; they want assurance and security for their children,” she emphasized.
In defense of the crib, a Bosch representative reassured that all data acquisition is encrypted and securely stored, with caregivers retaining authority over data transmission, including an offline functionality should privacy be a priority.
Waste on wheels?
Yet amidst the festival of futuristic forms, Stacey Higginbotham, a policy Fellow at Consumer Reports, earmarked SoundHound AI’s In-Car Commerce Ecosystem as lacking sustainability. “This system amplifies energy consumption and promotes wasteful dining habits while distracting drivers, all without adding substantial value,” she critiqued, securing its position as “least sustainable.”
This technology enables car occupants to order food directly from the vehicle’s infotainment interface—a convenience greeted with skepticism, as SoundHound AI’s hierarchy has touted it as a monumental advancement in commerce.
A gateway for hackers?
TP-Link’s Archer BE900 router reigned as the “least secure” device within the tech showcase, raising alarm bells due to apparent vulnerabilities to cyber threats, as noted by Paul Roberts, founder of The Security Ledger. “Under Chinese law, TP-Link must report security flaws to the government before disclosing them to the public, endangering national security,” he stated. Despite these revelations, TP-Link showcased the router without addressing its inherent flaws, producing a stark contrast to industry expectations.
In rebuttal, TP-Link Systems asserted its U.S.-based operations do not comply with the outlined security reporting, boasting a robust supply chain and security posture with claims of competitive parity in industry security outcomes.
Unsolicited innovations?
In a peculiar twist, Samsung’s Bespoke AI Washing Machine garnered the bizarre accolade of “who asked for this?” Among critics, Nathan Proctor of U.S. PIRG voiced exasperation over its ostentatious features, including the ability to make phone calls—features that only inflate the appliance’s cost and fragility plus complicate repairs.
Samsung remained reticent in response to the clamor, although during a separate conference, Vice Chairman Jong-Hee Han expressed pride in the company’s technological stewardship, emphasizing a commitment to personalized experiences powered by AI.
The ultimate folly?
Lastly, the LG “AI Home Inside 2.0 Refrigerator,” parading “extravagant features” including global connectivity, faced the ire of many, landing the title of worst product overall as delineated by Gay Gordon-Byrne of The Repair Association. He cautioned that such features come with dire consequences, such as diminished software support, heightened energy consumption, and costly repairs, creating a breeding ground for wastefulness.
LG has yet to provide commentary on these allegations, leaving a cloud of uncertainty hanging over its latest offering.
