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Wacky Wonders: The Bizarre Gadgets Unveiled at CES 2025 

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas has just concluded in the second week of January 2025, offering a fascinating glimpse into the technology trends set to shape the consumer electronics landscape in the upcoming year. This year’s event prominently featured advancements in AI, health tech, green innovations, futuristic mobility, wearables, and much more. 

Beyond the groundbreaking innovations presented by major tech companies, CES 2025 also highlighted a range of unconventional inventions that sparked curiosity and wonder. While many of these quirky gadgets captured the public’s attention, only a select few are poised to make it to market and achieve lasting success. This article explores some of the most unique and wacky gadgets that stood out at this year’s CES, celebrating technology’s playful and imaginative side. 

LG AeroCatTower 

Imagine a world where your air purifier also serves as a cosy bed for your pet—sounds unusual, right? Korean electronics giant LG has made this a reality with its AeroCatTower. This stylish air purifier offers more than just clean air. It includes a comfortable scoop-shaped seat with a weight-monitoring sensor and a built-in heater, ensuring your pet’s ultimate comfort. The dual-platform design thoughtfully accommodates multiple cats and can assist older felines in reaching their cosy perch. 

Beyond providing a luxurious resting spot, the AeroCatTower leverages smart technology to enhance both your cat’s well-being and your daily life. With ThinQ integration, all your cat’s health data, including weight and sleep patterns, can be conveniently accessed directly on your smartphone. Furthermore, the clever sensors can detect when a pet is resting independently. When a cat is present, the air purifier automatically reduces its operation to minimize noise and create a peaceful environment for a nap. While LG has yet to announce the pricing or release date of the AeroCatTower, its unique blend of functionality and convenience is sure to pique the interest of cat owners.  

EcoFlow Power Hat 

If you think you’ve seen everything in portable chargers, think again. Introducing the EcoFlow Power Hat—a solar-powered hat capable of simultaneously charging up to two devices. This innovative hat features small solar panels integrated into the brim, which absorb sunlight to power your portable gadgets while on the go. 

The brim is thoughtfully segmented, with each section housing Monocrystalline Silicon cells that offer an impressive 24 percent efficiency. A compact plastic box on the underside features an LED light to indicate when the hat is actively generating a charge. With USB-A and USB-C ports included, you can easily charge two devices at once. 

But there’s more to love about the EcoFlow Power Hat. It conveniently folds into quarters for easy storage and comes in two adjustable sizes to ensure a comfortable fit. And don’t let the presence of solar panels concern you about weight—this hat is surprisingly light, weighing just 370 grams. Priced at US$129 (approximately £105), it can fully charge a smartphone with a 4000 mAh battery in approximately 3 to 4 hours. This innovative and eco-friendly gadget could revolutionise the experience for outdoor enthusiasts—be it hiking, camping, or simply enjoying time away from a power outlet. 

Electric Salt Spoon 

You might think a spoon is just for scooping up food, but Kirin Holdings, a renowned Japanese beverage company, has unveiled an innovative electronic spoon that can enhance the saltiness of your food. According to the company, this spoon uses a mild electric current to concentrate sodium ion molecules in your meals, intensifying the umami and salt flavours in low-sodium dishes.   

The Kirin Electric Salt Spoon consists of the spoon itself and a detachable handle containing all the electronic components. The handle features buttons that adjust between four different saltiness levels. While the concept is fascinating, the spoon’s bulky design, resulting from the incorporated batteries and electronics, may compromise comfort during use.  

The Kirin Electric Salt Spoon is currently available in Japan for 19,800 yen (approximately £102), but it has not yet been launched in the US market. Designed for individuals seeking to reduce their sodium intake while enjoying flavorful meals, the spoon’s success in the global market largely depends on consumer acceptance of its relatively high price point. 

Nekojita FuFu 

Have you ever wondered if some inventions are truly necessary? The Nekojita FuFu, a portable cat-shaped robot designed to cool down hot food and drinks, might make you question that. Developed by Yukai Engineering, a Tokyo-based robotics startup, this quirky device caters to individuals with heat-sensitive tongues—a surprisingly common condition affecting nearly 47 percent of the Japanese population, according to an online survey. 

The name “Nekojita” derives from a Japanese term that translates to “cat tongue,” which describes those with a low tolerance for hot foods. The “FuFu” component refers to the sound associated with blowing air to cool items. The robot functions with an internal fan powered by a rechargeable battery and utilizes a specialised algorithm known as the “Fu-ing System” to mimic the act of human breathing. 

Offering a range of blowing modes, the robot provides a customized cooling experience. With a price tag of US$25 (approximately £20), this unique cat-shaped robot is expected to be released in Japan around mid-2025. Although its necessity may be debated, the Nekojita FuFu exemplifies how inventive technology can solve everyday challenges. 

Distilled 

These were just a few quirky and captivating gadgets that stole the show at CES 2025. As we move ahead, it remains to be seen whether these wacky creations will successfully transition from the spotlight of the event to the realities of the market or fade into the background as mere one-time novelties.  

Nidhi Singh