The 7 Weirdest Gadgets We’ve Seen at CES 2026: From a Musical Popsicle to Headphones with Eyes
The annual CES (Consumer Electronics Show) event in Las Vegas once again proved to be a playground for futuristic and unusual technology announcements. The 2026 edition didn’t disappoint, offering a blend of the innovative and the downright quirky, as TechRadar captured through the eyes of their editor-at-large, Lance Ulanoff.
Exploring CES 2026’s Most Unconventional Tech Gadgets
TechRadar’s coverage is both thorough and evocative, highlighting seven standout gadgets that combine inventiveness with oddball charm. From edible music players to AI companions and headphone designs that defy norms, these gadgets challenge traditional definitions of utility and aesthetic appeal.
A Musical Popsicle: Merging Treats with Tunes
The Lollipop Star, an edible music player, is perhaps the most surprising invention spotlighted. This gadget plays a licensed song directly to the user as they enjoy a popsicle. For $8.99, it’s a novel fusion of confectionary and tech, activated by pressing a button at the stem. While the volume may have its quirks, it’s a fun and imaginative concept that stretches the boundaries of portable music and snack time entertainment. Lance Ulanoff’s firsthand testing added candid insights that brought the gadget’s eccentricities to life.
Poketomo: Your AI Companion Robot
Sharp’s Poketomo AI companion stands out as a distinctly humanizing application of artificial intelligence. Designed to engage the user conversationally during everyday moments, this device is a promising glimpse into AI’s emotional and social roles. Currently popular in Japan, it signals how regional niches can influence tech adoption before potentially hitting global markets.
How TechRadar’s Reporting Blends Information and Personality
The article’s approachable and conversational tone helps demystify complex technology while maintaining reader engagement. Its clear structure, moving from individual product deep-dives to broader CES themes, makes it an accessible overview for tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. The inclusion of links to TikTok clips and live tests enriches the reading experience by offering multimedia context.
One minor gap is the article’s focus primarily on the quirkiness of the gadgets; while this angle is entertaining, a little more exploration of practical implications or potential market impact could offer a fuller picture. For instance, the real-world usability or sustainability of such novel ideas remains largely unexplored, and that could foster deeper discussion about the trajectory of consumer tech innovation.
Highlighting Innovation Amid the Weird
Among the quirks, the featured gadgets still showcase the inventive spirit at the heart of CES, like headphones with eyes—merging aesthetics with functionality—and the AI mixologist that suggests future intersections of service and smart tech. Such examples attest to the growing blend of technology with daily lifestyle, entertainment, and personalization.
Ultimately, this TechRadar article celebrates the joy of discovery at CES 2026 without losing sight of the human stories behind the tech. It’s a refreshing take on the tech show, capturing the surprises and the smiles along with the specs and features.