Over the last few days, we've been experiencing the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) through youtube and TikTok — miles away from the bright lights of Vegas, and tucked under a blanket on the icy east coast. It's less exciting, but boy is it cost-effective.

While the absurdly large televisions and questionable AI-integrated appliances are obviously the bread and butter of this gadget-heavy trade show, we've been pleased with the oddball developments that make us question our connection to reality.

Below, you'll find eight strange devices that we've deemed worthy of your attention — if only to make you raise an eyebrow or crack a smile.

Swippitt battery hub

This machine works alongside a proprietary case to allow you to swap out batteries in just a few seconds, instead of dragging around an external charger. The biggest issue? You're going to spend over $500 for the system.

@zdnet_official Swippitt’s charging hub replaces your phone case battery in seconds! #ces #techtok #fyp ♬ original sound - ZDNET

TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper smart phone and e-reader

A single button press on this smart phone quickly converts the device from a full-color screen with a high refresh rate to a monochrome e-ink-like display. If nothing else, that'll certainly help keep you going with up to seven days of battery life in the "Max Ink" mode.

@verge The TCL 60 XE has a full-color 6.8-inch display by default, but if you flip a slider on the side of the device, you enter Max Ink Mode, aimed to go easy on the eyes with reduced glare and an E Ink-like monochrome mode. It’ll start at $199, going on sale first in Canada in May 2025, with US availability later in the year. #tcl #eink #ces #ces2025 #tech #techtok ♬ original sound - The Verge

Mixed reality makeup

Want all of the ease and sloppy execution of a TikTok filter in real life? Well, this system lets you try out a bunch of makeup projected onto your face before you bother actually doing any of the hard work.

@thatgrltrish Trying out AR #makeuptech ! I cant decide my fav look lol #ces2025 #weirdtech #artech ♬ Vogue - Noizu

Aria robot 'companion'

If you don't have any friends, and you're completely incapable of learning lessons from sci-fi stories warning us against the concept of building human-adjacent robots, you can use Aira for some "companionship."

@cnetdotcom It's still early in the week at CES and we've already encounter a few robots that make us question a few things. #ces #ces2025 #robotics #companionbots #robotok #robotsofces ♬ original sound - CNET

Stretchable, bendable Samsung displays

Samsung showed off some extra-thin displays that can be stretched into the third dimension, bent and even rolled up.

@verge Samsung shows off every stretchable, rollable, pin-able screen they have at CES 2025. #samsung #ces #screen #tech #techtok ♬ original sound - The Verge

Chamelo color-changing glasses

Tired of seeing the world through rose-colored glasses? Just tap to turn these smart glasses into a different shade. Too bad they cost hundreds more than our drug store shades.

@verge Chamelo’s color-changing glasses are back at CES and, this year, they can handle prescription. Users can switch between four colors; cool clear, blue, purple, and ruby. They can also adjust levels of tint. #sunglasses #fashion #ces #tech #techtok ♬ original sound - The Verge

Electric salt spoon

Most food need some salt to taste right, but that can be a real problem for those of us on low-sodium diets. This electric spoon simulates the sensation of saltiness with an electrical current without actually adding any salt. It's reportedly a fairly mild effect, but we can see the appeal for those who deeply miss a properly seasoned meal.

@smarthomesolver A spoon that shocks your tongue… ⚡️ #CES2025 #CES #tech #smarthome #kitchen #techtok #gadgets #home ♬ original sound - Reed - Smart Home Solver

Robotic steam blower

While this adorable robotic cat is less creepy than the companion robot above, it does fall into the "should this really exist" category. If your problem can be solved by simply letting a few minutes pass, it probably doesn't need a high-tech solution.

@cnetdotcom When things get too hot to handle, there’s FuFu. #ces2025 #ces #tech #nekojitafufu #fufu #cesunveiled @Bridget Carey ♬ original sound - CNET

[Image: Trisha Hershberger, CNET]