Splurge-Worthy Tech from CES 2025 You Probably Don’t Need

BY MUFARO MHARIWA
Jan 22
7 min read

CES is known as the showcase for new tech and design. From major announcements by tech companies to the unveiling of their latest offerings, it’s the place where innovation takes centre stage. Over time, though, CES has also earned a reputation for being where ridiculous meets reality—where you’ll find everything from concept tech that may never actually come to life, to strange but real gadgets that probably shouldn't have seen the light of day. This year was no different.

Let’s explore some of the craziest tech you don’t need, but might just find yourself wanting anyway.

SwitchBot K20+ Pro

Robot vacuums have been around for a while now, and each year, they continue to get better. However, they’re still limited in some ways. For one, they can’t navigate stairs, so they’re usually restricted to a single floor. And they require a bit of prep on your part, like clearing socks, wires, and papers that could get in the way. So, when we hear about new robot vacuums or improved versions, we expect those issues to be addressed. But CES 2025 had other plans. This year, it seems they decided to add a few extra features before tackling the basics.

Introducing the SwitchBot K20+ Pro. If you’re not fussed about the problems that could make your robot vacuum more efficient, but you want a vacuum that can also double as your personal assistant, then look no further. Yes, it’ll clean your home, but can other vacuums purify your air? Didn’t think so. The SwitchBot K20+ Pro can do just that, while also acting as a maid. It can deliver snacks and small items weighing up to 8kg. You can even add attachments to transform it into a home security machine, equipped with a camera and motion detectors. So, in the morning, it’s your cleaning vacuum, and by night, it’s your security patrol. But what about in the afternoon, when you’re just chilling? Well, it can also function as an iPad stand that follows you around, so you can catch up on your show when you pop to the bathroom or lounge on the couch without ever having to move the device.

The SwitchBot K20+ Pro is expected to be available later this year, though the price is still unknown. But given all the functions it offers, you can bet it won’t come cheap.

Kirin Sodium Spoon

While unconventional, the concept is surprisingly practical. A spoon that makes your food salty? Hear me out—and hear Kirin out, actually. We all know that too much of anything is bad for you, and salt is no exception. Excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems. However, some foods are low in sodium and need a generous sprinkle of salt to enhance their flavour. The Kirin Sodium Spoon addresses both of these issues at once.

This spoon uses electrical stimulation to trick your brain into perceiving a salty taste, without any salt being involved. These electric pulses stimulate your taste buds, mimicking the flavour of salt. Already popular in Japan, the Kirin Sodium Spoon will be available globally sometime this year, though its price is still unknown.

Haus.me 3D Printed House

3D printers took the world by storm when they first emerged. We’ve seen everything from 3D-printed shoes to car manufacturers printing lightweight parts for vehicles. Now, houses are being printed too. But before you start imagining a house that’s printed in one go, let me clarify—it’s made from 3D-printed parts, not printed as a whole structure.

Although unconventional, 3D-printed houses present a lot of advantages. In the unfortunate event of a natural disaster, this could serve as a temporary home. The Haus.me house is energy-efficient and eco-friendly, powered by solar energy. Additionally, its construction is remarkably quick, making it a great option when time is of the essence. The Haus.me house will be available at a starting price of $200,000 (approx. R3,602,000), which includes some furniture.

LiquidView Digital Window

Imagine waking up to a stunning city skyline or serene countryside view, no matter where you live.t. You open the curtains and are greeted by a stunning view. However, for some, the reality is a dull brick wall. Enter the LiquidView Digital Window. This digital window offers realistic views of cities and skylines from around the world, allowing you to wake up in New York one morning, take a nap, and wake up in Venice later. It sounds incredible, but at a price of $25,000 (approximately R450,240), this might be one of those tech gadgets you don’t really need.

Shinobi Shock-Absorbing Floor Tiles

For the clumsy or those with two left feet, this one’s for you. Whether you’re prone to tripping, are a little older and not as steady as you used to be, or have a house full of kids running around, the floor doesn’t have to be as unforgiving. Shinobi has unveiled shock-absorbing tiles that reduce the impact of a fall, lowering the risk of injury. While the material is softer than traditional tiles, it’s made from durable components that are easy to install. These tiles come in at $50 (around R900) per square foot.

Gardyn Studio Indoor Garden

The idea of gardening is beautiful—watching a tiny seed blossom into a full-grown plant with lovely scents. In reality, though, there are pests to deal with, and sometimes, we forget to water our plants. The Gardyn Studio Indoor Garden makes this whole process easier. This indoor garden uses AI to monitor your plants’ growth and sends you notifications via an app. Even better, it can water the plants for you, meaning you’ll essentially have a self-sustaining garden with no effort on your part. It’s priced at $899 (around R16,000).

Unknown Planet Technology Stringless Guitar

Learning to play an instrument is on many people’s bucket lists. Personally, I find the guitar a bit of a nuisance—maybe it’s my lack of skill, but strumming hurts my fingers, and I have no clue how to use a pick. The Stringless Guitar by Unknown Planet is perfect for those who feel the same way, or even for seasoned players looking for a fresh twist. This lightweight guitar lets you create music without strumming strings, using haptic touch instead. It’s priced starting at $3,000 (around R54,000).

LG StanbyMe Go 2

LG introduced the StanbyMe Go a few years ago as a portable TV you could take anywhere. While the original left much to be desired, the StanbyMe Go 2 is an improvement with better portability and longer battery life. But a portable TV? It’s a bit of a head-scratcher. Why not just use a tablet or watch on your phone?

This gadget, however, isn’t necessarily aimed at everyday consumers. Businesses and trade stands are its real target audience. Think of the TVs displaying menus in fast food restaurants or startups showcasing products at mall kiosks—this device could be a great fit. With a built-in battery lasting three hours per charge and wireless connectivity, it’s still far from perfect but proves its value in the right setting. The 27-inch screen is priced at $999 (around R18,000).

LG AeroCatTower

Regular TVs, portable TVs, fridges, smartphones, headphones... LG seems to have dabbled in everything. But a cat tower? Now that’s a plot twist. How does a tech company venture into the pet world, especially with something as niche as a cat tower? Simple. By adding tech to something that usually doesn’t have or need it.

Enter the LG AeroCatTower. This isn’t just any cat tower; it’s a heated one that doubles as an air purifier. Your feline friend can stay cosy while enjoying the freshest air they surely deserve. And it doesn’t stop there, you can monitor your cat’s health through the built-in scale.

All of this luxury for your kitty comes at a price: $1,200 (around R21,500).

LG UltraGear OLED

LG isn’t stopping anytime soon. If pets aren’t your thing because you’re too busy gaming, don’t worry, they’ve got you covered.

The LG UltraGear OLED is a 42-inch monitor packed with everything you’d expect from a high-end gaming setup: a high refresh rate, 4K resolution, and an OLED display for stunning visuals. But the real party trick? A bendable screen. You can flex the screen to fit your gaming environment or sitting position, giving you an immersive experience tailored just for you. All this tech magic is yours for $1,500 (around R27,000).

Xeo Pod Gaming Chair

A great gaming chair offers comfort and customisation with plenty of cushioning. But what turns a gaming chair from great to incredible? Surround sound speakers and vibrational feedback.

The Xeo Pod Gaming Chair takes immersion to the next level. Feel the game’s action ripple through your body with its vibration system, and let the built-in surround sound speakers pull you into another world. It’s a unique in-game experience designed for serious gamers who want more than just a comfy seat. The Xeo Pod is priced at $2,500 (approximately R45,000).

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6

Choosing the right laptop often feels like a trade-off; do you go for portability or a larger screen? Lenovo says, why not both?

The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 introduces a rollable display that transforms a compact 14-inch laptop into a spacious 16-inch one. This vertical extension provides extra screen space when you need it, without compromising on its lightweight design. It’s a clever solution for professionals and creatives who want versatility without lugging around extra weight.

The price for the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 will be announced later this year.

Final Words: Great, But Do You Need It?

While you might not need a robot that brings snacks, a spoon that fakes salt, or a gaming chair that doubles as an earthquake simulator, you have to admit—it’s hard not to want them. These quirky creations remind us that innovation isn’t always about necessity; sometimes, it’s about pushing boundaries and having a little fun along the way