The Best from CES 2025

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) once again delivered an electrifying showcase of innovation, creativity, and futuristic technology. This year's event in Las Vegas gave us a glimpse into what's next for industries ranging from consumer tech to healthcare and sustainability. While many new things were debuted, it is hard to know whether any of it will ever hit store shelves. Here's a roundup of the standout trends and products that stole the spotlight.

Generative AI Goes Mainstream

CES 2025 confirmed that generative AI is not just a buzzword but a pivotal force driving the tech landscape. There were more quality of life upgrades and practical case uses for working alongside artificial intelligence (think real-time language translation), perhaps to the point where it almost becomes unnoticeable. President of Hisense Americas David Gold highlighted this when he said, "When AI is done right, you don't notice it - it just makes living better." One standout was an AI personal assistant capable of adapting to your emotions and seamlessly managing your digital life, combining empathy with efficiency.

Smarter Smart Homes From ultra-efficient home energy systems to AI-driven security solutions, CES 2025 was all about making our homes more intuitive, emphasizing integration and sustainability. One highlight was a modular smart kitchen system that monitors food waste, suggests recipes, and even orders groceries based on your dietary habits. Another product, reminiscent of Rosie the Robot from The Jetsons, the SwitchBot Multitasking Household Robot K20 Plus Pro is a modular robot vacuum that turns into a roving air purifier, pet monitor, and more. For an updated aesthetic feel in your home, try the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro; it is designed to sync its psychedelic display with whatever music you're playing through its built-in speaker. With room-filling sound and vibrant visuals, it is a synesthetic delight that looks as cool as it sounds.

Health Tech Revolution This year saw a focus on personalized healthcare. Wearables now monitor more than just steps: they track hydration, stress levels, and even early signs of illness. One groundbreaking feature was a non-invasive glucose monitoring smartwatch - potentially a game-changer for those with diabetes. Mental health tech also shone with apps designed to detect mood shifts and recommend coping strategies. If you're trying to watch your sodium intake, consider the Kirin Electric Salt Spoon; priced at $125, it is intended to give you that salty taste without any of the actual sodium - by zapping your tongue with a bit of electricity. A mild electric current from the detachable rechargeable handle goes through the spoon to collect and direct ions that create the illusion of saltiness. 

Immersive Entertainment Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) took another giant leap forward. Lightweight VR headsets with eye-tracking and haptic feedback promise a truly immersive experience for gamers and creators. Smart glasses have been slowly progressing at CES over recent years, and this year's Halliday's pair looks very interesting. These glasses connect wirelessly to a smartphone and a motion-sensing ring. A tiny 3.6 millimeter display above the right eye projects a green light "screen" to your eye that allows the wearer to see and navigate notifications and other crucial information in a way that looks relatively natural. Plus, there are tiny speakers in the arms. Not only are they inconspicuous, but they're also lightweight at 35 grams.

Sustainability Steals the Show Eco-friendly tech took center stage, from fully recyclable gadgets to solar-powered devices. One notable standout was a self-charging smart watch powered by body heat, reducing the need for traditional batteries. Similarly, e-waste reduction initiatives from major companies underscored a commitment to sustainability. Segway introduced their sleek new Xafari e-bike. Its biggest draw is their "Intelligent Ride System," which can adjust the power of the bike in real-time so you can tackle the biggest climbs without having to tweak any setting on the fly (or pedal harder). If you like sodas or have a SodaStream, you might want to consider the SodaTop - for $50, it screws onto a water bottle and carbonates water in 5 seconds!

The CES 2025 showcased a world where technology not only entertains but also solves real-world problems and makes life better. These innovations aren't just about the gadgets; they're about the vision of a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future. As we step into the rest of 2025, one thing is clear: the future is bright, and it is charging ahead at full speed.