CES 2026 Unveils Most Controversial Products
This year’s CES tech show highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in everyday gadgets. However, some innovations, like AI in refrigerators, were criticized and ended up snagging the “Worst in Show” title.
On Thursday, the annual competition revealed its unfortunate winners, where things deemed invasive or impractical received the spotlight. Noteworthy mentions included an AI companion designed to combat loneliness, a musical lollipop, and some fresh AI capabilities for Amazon’s doorbell cameras.
The Fridge That Talks Back
Samsung’s “Bespoke AI Family Hub” fridge garnered the overall “Worst in Show” award from consumer and privacy advocates. Users can supposedly interact with it verbally, instructing it to manage its door. However, during a demonstration in Las Vegas, it struggled to understand commands amidst background noise—something that kind of undermines its main function: keeping food cold. Gay Gordon-Byrne from the Digital Right to Repair Coalition remarked that the fridge made everything “an order of magnitude more difficult,” especially with its added features meant to track food supplies and suggest replacements.
In response, Samsung noted that a trade show environment differs vastly from a home setting and asserted that their AI technology is designed for convenience and enjoyment. They emphasized their commitment to security and privacy in the fridge’s AI features.
The Judges Behind the Decisions
The selection panel comprises independent members without ties to CES or its organizing bodies. They evaluate products based on how egregiously flawed they are, their potential societal impact, and how they compare to previous versions. Representative organizations include Consumer Reports and iFixit, the right-to-repair advocates.
As Elizabeth Chamberlain from iFixit explained, their aim is to nudge manufacturers towards improvement rather than shame specific companies.
Amazon’s Ring Doorbells Raise Privacy Concerns Again
Amazon’s new features for its Ring doorbell camera system were highlighted for their privacy invasiveness, earning them the “Worst in Show” award in that realm. Cindy Cohn from the Electronic Frontier Foundation criticized these additions, which featured an “AI Unusual Event Alert” for detecting unexpected occurrences, like a “pack of coyotes.” These new functions incorporate facial recognition and mobile surveillance technology.
Amazon has yet to provide a comment on these developments.
AI Companion Draws Mixed Reactions
The “People’s Choice” for the worst product went to Ami, an AI companion from China’s Lepro. Marketed as an always-on “soulmate” for remote workers, it features a screen and can track eye movements and vocal tone. Critics were alarmed by the concept of an AI surveillance tool being referred to as a “soulmate,” despite it having a physical camera shutter.
No immediate response was received from Lepro regarding these criticisms.
A Musical Lollipop? Really?
Lollipop Star caught attention with its unique musical features but was criticized for environmental waste. This candy plays music through bone induction technology while being eaten—but the devices are single-use, which prompted buyer advocates to label it a poor environmental investment.
Consumer advocate Nathan Proctor stressed the need to reduce disposable electronics, which pose various ecological risks. The manufacturer, Lava Brand, has not responded to requests for comment.
A Treadmill With Serious Security Issues
Merach’s internet-connected treadmill earned the “Worst in Show” for security due to its AI coach that adjusts workout settings based on user data. The security of personal information wasn’t guaranteed, raising red flags with privacy advocates. Merach has yet to comment on the situation.
Bosch Gets Called Out Too
Bosch received two “Worst in Show” awards: one for its espresso machine featuring an AI barista and another for a token anti-theft feature in its e-bike app. Critic Cory Doctorow pointed out potential risks associated with requiring customers to use specific digital components, even if Bosch’s policies aren’t currently limiting repairs.
Bosch defended its practices, claiming that the scrutiny doesn’t accurately reflect the consumer-focused options it provides, emphasizing trust and security in their systems.
The ongoing dialogue about technology and its integration into daily life continues to raise questions—a reality highlighted at this year’s CES.
