CES, the annual tech conference, is known for showcasing not only anticipated innovations but also experimental gadgets. While not all of these make it to market, they certainly stand out for their unique and often unusual designs. Here are five of the most intriguing prototypes from CES 2025.
1. Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable
Lenovo's rollable laptop has made a return with a refined design. The screen expands from 14 to 16.7 inches by simply pulling out a hidden section. This allows the laptop to be more compact while on the move and provides extra screen real estate when needed. The OLED panel boasts a brightness of 400 nits and includes widgets for the extended display, which can be used to display documents or as a secondary screen.
Weighing in at 1.7 kg with a thickness of 19.9mm, it is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. It also has a Thunderbolt 4 port, audio jack, Wi-Fi 7, and a 5-megapixel webcam with a privacy shutter. The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable is priced at $3500, and sales will begin in Spring 2025.
2. LG AeroCat Tower
LG presented an air purifier with a built-in heated cat bed. There's also a second platform for another pet or as a step for older cats. The device automatically adjusts its cleaning power based on whether the cat is present. It tracks the cat's weight and sleep patterns via a companion app. The price and launch date for this cat-friendly gadget are still under wraps.
3. Withings Smart Mirror Scanner
Withings has unveiled the Omnia, a floor mirror with smart features. Using sensors, it can diagnose health, scan your body with data like weight, heart, and lung conditions. It also gathers information from other wearable devices.
The data is displayed on a touch screen that overlays the reflection. It includes a built-in voice assistant and telehealth capabilities, enabling doctors to connect remotely. This prototype is currently undergoing clinical trials, and a release date is not yet available.
4. Anker Wearable Solar Panels
Anker has introduced a concept for the world's first wearable solar panel. This is a jacket-like garment with perovskite solar cells and blue lighting, capable of generating 30W and has a USB-C port for charging devices. The release date for this "cyberpunk apparel" is to be announced.
5. Character Livehouse
A new startup showcased a mini-camera featuring holographic 3D characters, displaying animated avatars on a 1200p screen with RGB lighting. It can show popular anime and game characters or user-uploaded 3D avatars. These characters can interact with the user through AI, dancing and talking.
The device has a touch display, gesture controls, and camera/mic to sense the user's presence. It claims to "gently wake" the owner up in the morning. This virtual companion is currently on Kickstarter for $400-$500.
