CES 2024, the biggest tech show of the year, is known for unveiling groundbreaking technologies that promise to enhance our lives. However, amid the sea of innovation, a panel of self-described dystopia experts has identified products that could harm society and the planet and awarded them "Worst in Show," according to the Associated Press.
Consumer and privacy advocates formed the panel, evaluating products based on their potential impact if widely adopted, uniqueness in their "bad" aspects, and whether they represented a significant regression compared to previous iterations of similar technology.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 08: Logos for CES and the Consumer Technology Association are displayed on a screen before a keynote address by Siemens CEO Dr. Roland Busch during CES 2024 at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on January 8, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs from January 9-12 and features about 4,000 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 130,000 attendees.
CES 2024: 'Worst in Show'
The "Worst in Show" awards raised concerns about products that threaten safety, encourage overconsumption, and normalize privacy violations. From easily hackable lawnmowers to earbuds with a limited lifespan, these products were scrutinized for their potential negative consequences.
One notable recipient of criticism was BMW, earning two "brickbats" for its automotive technology. The partnership with Amazon's voice assistant Alexa raised concerns about potential abuse in domestic violence situations, where the car could be exploited for tracking and abuse.
The judges stressed the need for car companies to prioritize user safety and allow buyers to turn off such features.
Another BMW product, augmented-reality glasses designed by Xreal, was labeled a "recipe for distracted driving" by a judge. The glasses, meant to overlay information and virtual objects, raised concerns about potential visual distractions and intrusive ads.
Other Worst in Show Awards
Sennheiser's fourth-generation Momentum True Wireless ear headphones were criticized for disposability, with three separate batteries likely to fail after a few years.
Consumer advocates suggested a more sustainable approach, urging the company to provide replaceable batteries and repair instructions.
Instacart's "AI-powered" shopping cart, featuring real-time recommendations based on customers' preferences, drew criticism for potentially exacerbating unhealthy eating habits by pushing junk foods based on historical shopping behavior.
The "Worst in Show" cybersecurity award went to Ecovacs, a China-based robot vacuum-maker. The new X2 Combo was singled out for combining various surveillance elements, including cameras, microphones, LiDAR, voice recognition, and computer vision, without ensuring encrypted data protection, according to the judges.
Revolution Cooking's $1,800 "macrowave," combining a microwave with a convection oven, received the environmental impact "Worst in Show" award. Such gadgets, deemed trendy but short-lived, were criticized for increasing electronic waste and environmental impact.
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