CES 2024 showcased a range of innovative products, but not all of them were received with enthusiasm. A panel of consumer and privacy advocates recently announced their Worst in Show awards, recognizing the products that could potentially harm society. These controversial products encompass a variety of technologies and raise concerns about safety, overconsumption, and privacy violations.
One area of concern is automotive technology, which always receives significant attention at CES. One award went to carmaker BMW for its partnership with Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa. While the idea of having an Alexa car expert sounds convenient, there are potential dangers associated with it. The judges highlighted the risk of abusive ex-partners using the technology for tracking and abuse. They emphasized the need for car companies to prioritize the safety and privacy of their customers, especially those in vulnerable situations.
Additionally, BMW showcased augmented-reality glasses designed by Xreal, which overlay information and virtual objects onto the driver’s view. While this may seem like a helpful feature, the judges expressed concern that it could lead to distracted driving and the proliferation of vision-obscuring ads. The potential risks associated with this technology highlight the need for responsible innovation in the automotive industry.
Another controversial product highlighted by the judges is Sennheiser’s fourth-generation Momentum True Wireless ear headphones. While previous versions of these earbuds were known for their durability, the latest version is deemed disposable. The judges criticized the inclusion of three separate batteries that are likely to fail within a few years and cannot be easily replaced. They suggested that Sennheiser should prioritize making the batteries replaceable and provide repair instructions to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
In the realm of grocery shopping, Instacart’s AI-powered shopping cart received criticism for its video ads. Equipped with cameras and sensors, the cart displays real-time recommendations based on customers’ purchases. However, the judges raised concerns about the cart using historic shopping behavior to push junk foods and make grocery shopping more overwhelming and exhausting. They questioned the decision to introduce technology that may worsen advertising tactics and undermine healthy eating choices.
Cybersecurity was also a prominent issue, with China-based robot vacuum-maker Ecovacs receiving the Worst in Show award. The judges pointed out that Ecovacs’ X2 Combo integrates multiple intrusive surveillance features, including cameras, microphones, LiDAR, and voice recognition. The absence of encryption raises concerns about the potential for hacking and unauthorized access to personal data and video feeds. This highlights the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity in the development of smart home devices.
Lastly, Revolution Cooking’s macrowave, which combines a microwave with a convection oven, was deemed the worst in terms of environmental impact. The judges argued that adding electronics to already functional appliances creates unnecessary waste and consumes significant resources and energy. They urge companies to consider the environmental implications of their products and focus on sustainability.
While CES 2024 showcased many innovative products with the potential to improve lives, it is essential to critically evaluate their impacts on safety, privacy, sustainability, and ethical considerations. The Worst in Show awards draw attention to the importance of responsible innovation and the need for technology companies to prioritize the well-being of consumers and society as a whole.
