Las Vegas – Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 showcased a plethora of tech aimed at enhancing daily life. However, a panel of dystopia experts has criticized some innovations, highlighting concerns about privacy, sustainability, and repairability. The fourth annual "Worst in Show" awards, announced Thursday, pinpoint products deemed least repairable, private, and sustainable.
The awards highlight a growing trend in consumer technology: features that promise convenience often come with significant drawbacks. "We're seeing more devices with built-in surveillance technology," stated Liz Chamberlain of iFixit. "While offering cool features, these microphones and cameras raise concerns across many industries."
The "least repairable" award went to the Ultrahuman Rare Luxury Smart Ring, a $2,200 piece of jewelry. Its limited 500-charge battery, coupled with the inability to replace it without destroying the product, garnered criticism. "Luxury may fade, but two years of use for $2,200 is a new low," commented Kyle Wiens, iFixit CEO.
Bosch's "Revol" crib, boasting AI-powered monitoring features, faced scrutiny for its excessive data collection. Critics argue the crib's extensive sensors and cameras raise significant privacy concerns for infants. "Parents expect safety, not surveillance," noted Cindy Cohn, EFF Executive Director.
Elsewhere, the SoundHound AI's in-car commerce ecosystem was deemed "least sustainable" for its energy-intensive and potentially distracting features. These features, while advanced, add little practical value, according to the judges.
TP-Link's Archer BE900 router, a top-selling brand, earned the "least secure" title for its vulnerability to hacking. The company's adherence to Chinese law regarding reporting security flaws prior to public disclosure created a national security risk.
Finally, Samsung's Bespoke AI Washing Machine and LG's AI Home Inside Refrigerator were criticized for adding unnecessary features, increasing costs, and reducing overall lifespan. The focus was on the "who asked for this?" aspect of the unnecessary advanced features. The addition of features for the washing machine and fridge made them more expensive, fragile, and difficult to repair, according to the respective experts.
In summary, while CES showcases innovative products, the "Worst in Show" awards underscore the need to consider the practical, ethical, and sustainability implications of technological advancement. The awards highlight concerns about product longevity, privacy, and the potential for added features to detract from overall value.
