‘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 15:07:00
Source Domain: wtop.com
- Artificial Intelligence in Unnecessary Products: Samsung’s “Bespoke AI Family Hub” refrigerator, which uses AI to track groceries and advertise replacements, won the “Worst in Show” title from consumer and privacy advocates for adding unnecessary AI to a simple appliance.
- Privacy Concerns with Amazon’s Ring Cameras: Amazon’s new Ring doorbell features, including an “AI Unusual Event Alert” and mobile surveillance towers, won the “Worst in Show” for privacy due to concerns over excessive surveillance and facial recognition.
- AI Companion Device Raises Red Flags: Lepro’s AI companion called Ami, which is marketed as a “soulmate” and tracks users’ eye movements, won the “People’s Choice” for its invasive surveillance-like features.
- Environmental Waste from Candy Tech: Lollipop Star, a musical lollipop that plays music through bone induction technology, received a “Worst in Show” for environmental issues due to its disposable nature and production of toxic chemicals.
- Security Concerns with AI-Powered Treadmill: Merach’s internet-connected treadmill, which uses an AI chatbot to adjust speed and incline, won the “Worst in Show” for security due to its collection of biometric data and an inadequate privacy policy.
- Bosch’s Intrusive Technologies: Bosch received two “Worst in Show” awards: one for adding voice assistants and subscriptions to its “Personal AI Barista” coffee machine, and another for its anti-theft feature on an e-bike app that flags parts if they appear on a database of stolen products.
