No one anticipated this – the 7 strangest devices we encountered at CES 2025.

Las Vegas offered a variety of unusual scenes.

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(Image source: Nanoleaf / Mirumi / Yukai Engineering)

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(Image source: Future)

The TechRadar team was on the ground at CES 2025: you can check out our main CES 2025 news hub for the highlights or catch up with every CES 2025 story. We saw everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays, to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for all the highlights from the CES show floor!

One of the highlights of the annual CES event is the opportunity to encounter a variety of unique and innovative products, in addition to the typical array of televisions, laptops, speakers, and conventional gadgets. CES 2025 definitely lived up to expectations with its array of surprising and unconventional launches and reveals.

In this article, we showcase some of the most astonishing sights we encountered at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. From adorable miniature robots to bizarre face masks, and innovative systems that project makeup directly onto your skin, there's a plethora of intriguing gadgets and technologies to explore.

While you might not want to get in line to buy all (or any) of these various products, they're definitely worth a look if you're interested in tech. They also all provide evidence that tech companies are still capable of innovating and surprising us, even if the best iPhones have looked very much the same for the past decide or so.

1. Mirumi automaton

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Cheers to you!

Tiny robots are nothing new to us here at at TechRadar, but you don't often see cuddly ones designed to latch on to your bag, which is what we have with the Mirumi robot from Yukai Engineering. It might just be the strangest thing we saw at CES 2025, even though it's been a particularly strong weird tech field this year.

The robot possesses a single amusing feature: it can sneak peeks at individuals walking by, courtesy of the motion sensors embedded within it. The concept appears to be akin to having a small child or a pet by your side—more of a curious companion than an object that provides any practical utility.

2. Electric Salt Shaker

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Excessive salt intake can be detrimental to your health, a fact that many may not realize. However, the flavor and zest that salt imparts to dishes often make it challenging to reduce consumption or eliminate it altogether. That's where the Electric Salt Spoon comes in—a unique gadget currently available only in Japan. This innovative tool enhances the salty taste of your meals without the need for additional seasoning.

What it does is cluster the sodium ions present in your food, leading to a higher concentration on the spoon. This results in a saltier flavor, even if no additional salt has been added. Although we haven't had the chance to try this innovative piece of cutlery ourselves, we are certainly intrigued by the concept.

3. Willo AutoFlo Enhanced

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Any initiative that motivates children to brush their teeth more frequently and for extended periods is certainly beneficial, and that's precisely the purpose of the Willo AutoFlo Plus. This innovative device automates a significant portion of the tooth-brushing routine by dispensing toothpaste and incorporating movement, ensuring that teeth are thoroughly cleaned and left sparkling.

This device also handles the rinsing for you, eliminating yet another concern, and the associated app monitors your brushing habits. Prices begin at $249 (approximately £200 / AU$400), and when you order, you can select from various brush sizes and toothpaste flavors.

4. Wonder Blocks and Blossom

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Insect enthusiasts can elevate their passion with the Wonder Blocks and Petal camera. This advanced setup draws in various bugs, butterflies, and bees, allowing you to observe them through a mobile app. Plus, it features integrated AI that can recognize the tiny creatures you’re viewing through the devices.

This system is designed to be modular, allowing you to mix and match blocks and cameras to suit your available space. Additionally, you can personalize it with your own plants and other enhancements. The Petal camera, resembling a flower, comes equipped with a solar panel that reduces the frequency of necessary recharges.

5. Kosé Augmented Reality Makeup

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Picture this: what if you could preview your makeup looks before applying any products? That's the exciting potential of Kosé's innovative Mixed Reality Makeup system. Utilizing advanced projection mapping technology, it creates virtual makeup designs on your face, allowing you to experiment with a variety of styles and find the perfect one that suits you best.

The technology goes beyond merely displaying an image; it actively analyzes and measures the facial contours it interacts with in real time, resulting in a lifelike appearance without the need for physical makeup. Currently, this innovation is exclusive to Japan, but we are optimistic that it will be introduced to international markets in the near future.

6. Nanoleaf LED Facial Therapy Mask

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A trendy appearance

This isn't a gadget you'd really want to wear out in public, but the Nanoleaf LED Light Therapy Face Mask can apparently do wonders for your complexion. As you might have figured out by the name and the image above, it uses light (both red and near-infrared) to rejuvenate your skin and treat a variety of conditions.

The mask is specifically engineered to address seven distinct skin conditions, allowing users to easily toggle between them as required. It boasts FDA approval in the United States, which enhances its legitimacy concerning skin healing and overall wellness. Priced at $149.99 in the US, this translates to roughly £120 or AU$240; however, we currently lack official information regarding its pricing and availability in other countries.

7. Nékojita FuFu (Cat Tongue FuFu)

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Maintain the chill of your beverages and snacks.

From the Yukai Engineering team, known for the Mirumi robot, comes the Nékojita FuFu. This charming little robot is made to perch beside your cup, bowl, or plate, gently puffing air onto your food and drinks to help them cool down faster, making it easier for you to enjoy them at a comfortable temperature.

This project incorporates more technology than you might expect, featuring seven unique blowing modes that are randomly cycled to give the bot a more organic and spontaneous feel. If you're impressed by its design, get ready for an upcoming crowdfunding campaign aimed at turning this charming robot into a reality.

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Can connect to the app on your phone, color and quality of the Ember mug gives that sleek professional feeling. Love it!" —Katie Price: $149.99 16. A boucle storage ottoman with a tray top, so you can spiff up your living room, hide your extra throws and pillows, and have a place to set down your after-work cocktail all at once. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Objective Promising review: "Looks so beautiful and high-end in person, my husband even said it looks super expensive [and] nice." —Erica Price: $130 17. A 2-quart air fryer that's perfect for folks who live on their own or anyone who is looking for a way to get their snacks perfectly crisp. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Objective Promising review: "I bought this to start making lunch at work, and it’s perfect. It doesn’t take up too much space, it’s super easy to use, and it’s very easy to clean." —Kia Price: $29.99 (available in three colors) 18. A car backseat organizer, because if your 2025 resolution is to finally get a handle on all the umbrellas, tissue boxes, water bottles, tote bags, and snacks floating around your back seat...the solution has arrived. Plus, if you have any little backseat passengers, the organizer has a spot to hold a tablet. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Objective Promising review: "Love this organizer! So many pockets to keep things neat and organized and at the ready! The tablet screen holder is a nice touch!" —Alex Price: $13 19. An "Introvert" scented candle to fill your home with the scent of vanilla while you experience JOMO (joy of missing out). View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Objective Promising review: "Smells amazing, and it looks like a candle you’d buy from Anthropologie for four times the price." —Mkomar200 Price: $10 20. A Nintendo Switch, because it's great for family together time...or alone time. Basically, any time you want to play some fun games. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Objective Promising review: "We like the Switch so far! I like having controller options. Obviously, the graphics get better and better with every Nintendo update. So far, we’ve purchased Mario Kart, Luigi’s Mansion, and Super Mario Odyssey. It’s something fun my husband and I like to do together. Great purchase!" —Mandy Price: $299.99

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DirectX is introducing a groundbreaking approach to PC gaming through the use of neural rendering technology.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Epic Games Microsoft has announced that neural rendering capabilities are coming to DirectX soon. Cooperative vector support, as it’s called, will lead to “cross-platform enablement of neural rendering techniques,” according to Microsoft, and it will usher in “a new paradigm in 3D graphics programming.” It sounds buzzy, but that’s not without reason. This past week, Nvidia announced its new range of RTX 50-series graphics cards, and along with them, it revealed a slate of neural rendering features. Neural shaders, as Nvidia calls them, allow developers to execute small neural networks from shader code, running them on the dedicated AI hardware available on Nvidia, AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm GPUs. Microsoft is saying that it will enable these features on all GPUs, not just those sold by Nvidia, through the DirectX API. Microsoft is achieving this by implementing cooperative vector support, which the company claims “significantly enhances the efficiency of neural rendering methods.” This feature permits matrix multiplication to be executed directly from shader code—the instructions that your GPU runs—enabling neural networks to operate independently of the GPU brand. Currently, all leading GPU manufacturers offer specialized AI hardware, and cooperative vectors will empower developers to leverage that hardware via shader code. Receive your weekly breakdown of the technology that powers PC gaming. Cross-vendor support for neural shaders is a big deal. In generations past, Nvidia maintained a closed system of middleware dubbed GameWorks that would only work on Nvidia graphics cards. The suite included features like PhysX in games like and as well as HairWorks in games like and  With broad neural rendering support through DirectX, it will hopefully encourage developers to include neural shaders without fear of locking out certain players. Nvidia has already demonstrated the capabilities of neural rendering with features such as the Neural Radiance Cache, which uses a neural network to infer light bounces in a path-traced scene, enhancing both the visual quality and performance of games that feature path tracing. Despite the recent announcement of DirectX, it will be some time before we witness neural rendering features in video games. Nvidia and Microsoft are currently in the early stages of developing these innovative rendering methods, meaning it may take a few years before we encounter a game utilizing compact neural networks via shader code. However, the possibilities are immense, and these advancements could lead to a significant evolution in rendering capabilities, especially with support from GPUs across various manufacturers.

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Fact Check: Did Dolly Parton successfully acquire TikTok to prevent its ban in the US?

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. A trending video has surfaced, asserting that Dolly Parton has successfully acquired TikTok and intends to launch a new feature called Dolly Talk within the app (Terry Wyatt/WireImage, Getty Images). BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE: TikTok’s fate in the United States is now in the hands of the Supreme Court and it's not looking good for the content creation app. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments over the law that could ban the app in the US. Notably, the law, signed by President Joe Biden in April 2024, requires TikTok to be sold off from its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or face a US ban, according to CNN. In an urgent submission to the Supreme Court, TikTok stated that if the law is not halted, it “will come into force on January 19, 2025, resulting in the shutdown of TikTok for over 170 million American users each month.” Amidst all this, a rumor has made its way online claiming that Dolly Parton has won the bid to buy TikTok. But is there any truth to this? Let's find out. Assertion: Dolly Parton successfully acquired TikTok through a winning bid. A TikTok video went viral on January 7, Tuesday, claiming that Dolly Parton won the bid to buy TikTok. It was posted by @newstomakeyoulaugh and has so far garnered more than 17K likes, according to Distractify. In a viral video, the iconic country music star famous for her beloved track 'Jolene' revealed her venture into social media. When questioned about her intentions for the platform, Dolly quipped, "Oh, sweetie, I just couldn’t let Trump have all the excitement to himself..." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Dolly Parton takes the stage during the kickoff event for CMA Fest: A Special Discussion with Dolly Parton, moderated by Rachel Smith, held at the Music City Center in Nashville on June 6, 2024 (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images). The video also suggested that Parton intended to launch a new feature in the app called Dolly Talk, which would allow users to recreate videos dressed in her signature outfits and wigs, according to the source. The video suggested that Donald Trump was reportedly "brooding" at his Palm Beach estate following his defeat in the race against Parton. Additionally, the viral TikTok video featured a message from Parton in which she expressed her heartfelt thanks to all those who have stood by her. Incorrect: The viral TikTok video is not genuine. While the viral clip makes some audacious assertions, it’s important to recognize that these claims are entirely untrue. The video is a product of AI generation and does not depict reality, as indicated by the page that shared the video, which describes itself in its bio as an "AI Comedy Creator." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Dolly Parton takes the stage at the 53rd annual CMA Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 13, 2019 (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images). Additionally, no media organizations have supported the viral assertion, and there has been no official comment from Parton or her representatives. Many fans who responded to the video also recognized it as a hoax, according to the outlet. One commenter said in the video, "It's a pity it's AI. This could have been the ideal answer," while another expressed, "Ugh. You really crushed my spirits. I was holding onto some hope." Additionally, although Trump has voiced his opposition to the ban and claims he will "rescue" TikTok, he has not indicated any desire to acquire the application. The potential ban of TikTok and its implications More than 170 million people in the US use TikTok. Lawyers for the company contend that banning the app violates the First Amendment rights of those millions of users. The argument did not sway a federal appeals court, which upheld the ban-or-sale bill in December, according to the Guardian. In April 2024, Congress notably approved the legislation with support from both parties. US lawmakers are concerned that China might disseminate propaganda via the app, although the outlet reports that they have not provided any evidence to substantiate these claims. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This image showcases the TikTok app logo prominently featured on an iPhone, captured in London on February 28, 2023 (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images). President-elect Trump, who initially advocated for the app's ban in 2020, has since changed his stance, discovering a substantial following on the platform during the 2024 presidential election. Moreover, he has filed a brief on TikTok’s behalf to stay the ban until he takes office on January 20. If the court acquiesces, Trump could grant a 90-day extension to TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to continue seeking a buyer, per MSNBC. In the event of a ban, new users will be unable to download the app from any app stores, while current users will not have the option to update it. This is due to legal restrictions that prevent any organization from supporting the download or upkeep of the TikTok application. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This image features a TikTok logo showcased on an iPhone, captured on February 28, 2023, in London (Getty Images). According to the Guardian, US lawmakers have informed Apple and Google, the operators of the two primary mobile app stores, that they need to be prepared to eliminate TikTok from their platforms by January 19. Experts suggest that TikTok's 170 million users in the US are likely to continue using the app since it is already installed on their devices. Nonetheless, as time goes on, the lack of software and security updates may render the app unusable.

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Larian Studios Hints at Exciting Developments for Baldur's Gate 3 Enthusiasts and Others

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The story of Larian Studios is an important one, and one that is all the more important due to recent “trends” in the gaming space that the studio and its CEO, Swen Vincke, have called out repeatedly. However, the key thing that most people know is that the studio was making its own RPGs and going to places like Kickstarter to get funding for them, but wanted to do something more, something grander. Eventually, they got the chance to work on a key RPG cornerstone and made Baldur’s Gate 3. The team toiled away on it via Steam Early Access, with players helping them create the perfect title, and they did one heck of a great job. The title wowed fans and critics and became a best-seller and the Game of the Year for 2023. That was a huge shock, as that year was stacked with big titles from multiple big-name publishers, and Larian Studios hadn’t “earned” that title quite yet. Ever since then, the team has been working on Baldur’s Gate 3 and fine-tuning it, improving it, and adding all sorts of new features to make the game grand. In recognition of Larian and their remarkable journey to success, a YouTube video was created that documents the team's rise from "obscurity" to becoming one of the top developers in the industry. Upon discovering this video, Swen Vincke shared his thoughts in a tweet: Got me all nostalgic – it really has been a incredible journey so far. But the story ain't over yet. Stay tuned. Going to try to skip the dark night of the soul moment though if you don't mind. https://t.co/eLSTv3CXb4— Swen Vincke @where? (@LarAtLarian) January 10, 2025 It's always gratifying to witness the recognition of people's efforts by those they were intended for, and this situation is no exception. So, what could he have meant by saying, "The story isn’t finished yet?" Firstly, regarding the project the team is still developing, there's one final significant update on the horizon. This will mark the conclusion of the major changes, and while fans will be eager to experience the new features, they will also feel a sense of melancholy knowing that this will be the last round of updates. The other side of this coin is that Larian Studios has made it clear that it’s moving on from the Baldur’s Gate franchise and instead moving in a new direction with an all-new game. That declaration, mixed with some other statements from before, make it clear that the team is shifting to this new game. While that will be sad for some, it’ll also breed excitement, as gamers will get to wonder what Larian Studios has in mind for them with its next RPG adventure and how grand it’ll be compared to what they released in 2023. Only time will tell.

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