Dubious AI Uses at CES 2026

At CES 2026, AI has been integrated into a wide array of products, often in ways that seem unnecessary or dubious. Examples include Glyde’s smart hair clippers, which offer real-time feedback and style advice, and SleepQ’s “AI-upgraded pharmacotherapy,” which uses biometric data to optimize pill-taking times. Other products like Deglace’s vacuum cleaner and Fraimic’s E Ink picture frame add AI features that seem more like marketing gimmicks than genuine innovations. These examples highlight a trend of companies branding ordinary gadgets with AI features that may not significantly enhance their functionality. This matters because it raises questions about the meaningful application of AI technology and consumer trust in AI-integrated products.

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 has become a showcase for the integration of artificial intelligence in almost every conceivable gadget. From hair clippers to vacuums, companies are embedding AI into products that traditionally functioned perfectly well without it. This trend raises questions about the necessity and authenticity of AI in these products. The Glyde smart hair clippers, for instance, claim to help amateur hairdressers achieve the perfect fade with an AI coach providing feedback in real-time. While this sounds innovative, it also raises doubts about whether such AI integration genuinely enhances the product or simply adds an unnecessary layer of complexity.

In the realm of health and wellness, the SleepQ booth at CES is promoting AI-upgraded pharmacotherapy, which uses biometric data to optimize the timing of taking sleeping pills. While the idea of fine-tuning medication schedules is intriguing, it also highlights the potential for over-reliance on AI in areas that require careful consideration and human judgment. Similarly, the Deglace vacuum cleaner uses AI to optimize suction and predict maintenance needs, but one might wonder if this is more about selling proprietary parts than genuinely improving the user experience. The promise of modular upgrades is appealing, but it remains to be seen if these claims will be fulfilled.

Digital picture frames like Fraimic are also jumping on the AI bandwagon, allowing users to generate images using AI models. While the frame itself boasts impressive features such as a long-lasting E Ink panel, the addition of AI-generated images seems more like a gimmick than a necessary enhancement. This trend of AI integration into every aspect of consumer electronics raises concerns about whether these products truly benefit from AI or if the term is being used as a marketing buzzword. The allure of AI is undeniable, but its application must be meaningful and not just for the sake of novelty.

AI’s presence at CES 2026 reflects a broader trend in the tech industry where the line between genuine innovation and unnecessary complexity is increasingly blurred. The AI Barmen, an automatic cocktail machine, and the Luka AI Cube, a chatbot for kids, exemplify this trend. While these products offer novel features, they also highlight the potential risks and ethical considerations of AI integration, especially when it comes to privacy and data security. As AI continues to permeate consumer electronics, it is crucial to critically assess its role and ensure that it genuinely enhances the user experience rather than complicates it. This matters because the unchecked proliferation of AI in everyday products could lead to a future where technology is more intrusive than helpful, and where consumers are left questioning the true value of AI in their lives.

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