‘Worst in Show’ CES Products Include AI Refrigerators, AI Companions and AI Doorbells
‘Worst in Show’ CES Products Include AI Refrigerators, AI Companions and AI Doorbells
Publish Date: 2026-01-08 15:02:00
Source Domain: www.usnews.com
- Samsung’s “Bespoke AI Family Hub” refrigerator won the overall “Worst in Show” award at CES for complicated, unnecessary AI features, causing reliability concerns.
- Amazon’s new Ring doorbell camera system features, including AI surveillance, were recognized for doubling down on privacy invasion.
- Lepro’s AI companion “Ami” designed to track eye movements and emotional signals of remote workers won the “People’s Choice” as the worst product.
- Lollipop Star, a candy with built-in music player, received an award for environmental waste due to its non-reusable nature.
- Merach’s internet-connected treadmill, featuring an AI chatbot fitness coach, won for security concerns due to the collection of biometric data and unclear privacy policies.
- Bosch’s “Personal AI Barista” espresso machine and e-bike app were also recognized for adding unwelcome subscriptions and invasive anti-theft measures.
- The “Worst in Show” contest aims to highlight product trends perceived negatively, influenced by groups such as Consumer Reports, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and right-to-repair advocates.
