CES lays the foundation of the next year in technology every January. Companies showcase their best ideas, get into fights for the spotlight, and vie for investor support. CES 2026 did not deviate from this model, with packed exhibit halls, booths lit up by lights, and hundreds of product announcements that claimed to “change the world forever”
When the hype died down, a very familiar trend began to develop; not every product that sparkled at CES comes with a useful application in the real world. A significant number of these products are marketed aggressively with terms such as ‘AI’, ‘smart automation’, and ‘personalization’, however, these declarations do not provide additional value to an individual’s everyday activities.
This article explores the overhyped tech at CES 2026: products and technologies that raised several questions about their utility, ability to protect personal privacy, sustainability, viability in the long term, and what they truly were.
1. Smart Refrigerators & Smart Displays
At CES 2026, smart refrigerators were showcased prominently once more. Smart refrigerators have integrated cameras, a voice assistant, a food-tracking application using AI, a recommendation engine for groceries, and advertising opportunities. Companies are marketing these products to help consumers manage their grocery shopping, reduce food waste, and seamlessly incorporate smart home technology into the functions of a refrigerator.
In reality, every function mentioned previously is already carried out using apps by consumers on their smartphones; thus, there is very little value to these appliances. For example, AI recommendations provided by smart refrigerators are based upon very limited data sets, and the use of TV-like screens will only add to the complexity and cost of smart refrigerators as well as their potential repair and maintenance issues.
Why it is overhyped: Adds expensive AI features to a basic appliance without improving everyday usability.
2. AI Coffee Machines and “Conversational” Baristas
Due to the advances in AI, there have been several products introduced that rely on artificial intelligence to enhance the experience of coffee consumption; AI-driven mobile coffee makers at CES 2026 featured the integration of conversational baristas, the ability to learn an individual’s taste preferences, and the ability to suggest mixes and allow for subscriptions. Many of these products boasted of having the capacity to provide emotional responses or a daily conversational prompt.
While impressive secondhand, there was little value in these items when compared to what simple programmable coffee makers offer. While AI layers provide additional complexity to the manufacturing of these products, the add-ons also come at significant price points and add unnecessary data to what is a relatively uncomplicated task.
Why it is overhyped: Over-engineers a simple process that consumers already understand and control easily.
3. Electronic Music Lollipops and Disposable Tech Gadgets
At CES 2026 consumers were also treated to an electronic lollipop capable of playing music as well as vibrating and capturing sounds through the jaw. The novelty of this product generated a great deal of social media buzz, but it raised a lot of questions about the value of creating disposable, single-use electronics, their impact on e-waste, and their very limited capacity to provide entertainment and only to provide entertainment once. The marketing appeal of the music lollipop quickly faded out after the last piece of candy was consumed.
Why it is overhyped: A gimmick built for attention, not longevity or meaningful use.
4. AI Toothbrushes and Hyper-Connected Health Devices
Smart toothbrushes at CES 2026 offered AI-enabled brushing assessments, tracking of gum health and cloud-based reports that are accessible via mobile apps. Some even allow the sharing of data between devices and dental or health platforms.
Despite the apparent usefulness of this technology, however, many sceptics believe it is unnecessary for brushing, given that many of the features essentially replicate the function of existing timers and sensors and raise questions regarding the privacy of users’ data without significant benefits.
Why it is overhyped: Collects vast amounts of data for minimal gain regarding basic personal care.
5. AI-Enhanced Surveillance Cameras and Smart Doorbells
In terms of surveillance technology, CES 2026 saw many products that were heavily focused on AI technologies, including facial recognition, behaviour prediction, package evaluation, and automated alerts, all presented as being the ultimate solutions for home security.
Critics have quickly risen to speak out against this type of technology. Privacy advocates point out that the current trend towards using these devices increases the level of surveillance in people’s homes rather than increasing their security, and that many of the AI alert systems have had challenges with accuracy, resulting in false alarms and increased dependency on cloud services and subscription services.
Why it is overhyped: Emphasis on expanding the scope of surveillance rather than improving general security.
6. AI Companion and “Digital Soulmate” Devices
One of the most controversial types of technology seen at the CES was the AI companions. These are devices that have been designed to offer a semblance of an emotional connection with the user. They offer the ability to converse with the user, provide affirmation, recall memories, and provide personalised responses based on previous use by the user.
The critics say that while these devices are sold as being supportive or therapeutic, they actually cross the ethical line and lack an emotional connection. They failed to provide true emotional depth and created issues such as dependency, loneliness, and the potential for data exploitation.
Why it is overhyped: As they promise an emotional connection without delivering any genuine human value.
7. Subscription-Locked Smart Bikes and Fitness Ecosystems
Electric bikes and fitness hardware exhibited at CES 2026 have advanced sensors, AI performance tracking, and the ability to do software upgrades, but the majority of these capabilities are available only via monthly subscription fees. Some of the systems would prevent access to basic features unless the user remained subscribed.
This model has frustrated consumers and has caused additional frustration for repair advocates. The subscription model takes away the users’ ability to control the ownership of their product, yet increases their ownership cost over time for features that previously came standard.
Why it is overhyped: It uses software restrictions to monetize hardware rather than improve performance.
8. Conversational AI Treadmills and Smart Gyms
The development of fitness equipment that is equipped with built-in conversational AI has captured the interest of many consumers due to its ability to coach users, respond to voice commands, and provide real-time adjustments to workouts.
However, most testers found that the AI coaching did not motivate them and was instead distracting. Furthermore, the majority of users found that the AI coaching offered repetitive and generic advice and questioned why a treadmill would require a large language model when there are already wearable apps available that provide the same level of coaching.
Why it is overhyped: Adds AI where simpler fitness tools already work effectively.
9. AI Toilets and Bathroom Automation Systems
Surprising Intelligent Lavatories At CES 2026, a smart lavatory was defined as an AI lavatory (toilet) that could analyse human waste and provide hydration as well as provide health data syncing through
With a futuristic feel, the idea of Intelligent Lavatories was nevertheless not well-received by consumers due to privacy concerns for the type of sensitive information collected from these AI devices.
Why it is overhyped: Invades privacy for insights most users neither want nor need.
10. Home Robots Not Ready for Daily Life
CES 2026 featured many home robots primarily telling consumers that they could clean up, organise, keep an eye on your house or help you with daily tasks. The demonstrations showed some impressive capabilities under controlled conditions.
However, when put to practical applications, home robots lacked reliable performance since they all had limitations, including navigation difficulties and the inability to perform tasks consistently. Ultimately, most of these devices were still years away from being functional as everyday household tools for consumers due to the continued experimentation with these devices and associated high costs.
