Gaming Powerhouse: HP Omen Mac 16
CES 2025: HP, Omen, and Intel partnered to create the Omen Mac 16, a gaming laptop packed with top-of-the-line specs. It boasts Intel’s most powerful and power-efficient CPU to date, the Intel Core Ultra 275 HX, featuring 24 cores (8 performance, 16 efficiency) for desktop-level performance, even on battery. Graphics are handled by Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 50 series laptop GPUs, with configurations up to the mind-blowing 5090.
Beyond raw power, the Mac 16 includes innovative features like a self-cleaning fan co-engineered with Intel. This reduces maintenance and improves long-term performance. The fan operates in reverse when the laptop is idle, dislodging dust, and then returns to normal operation during use.
The Omen AI software is another highlight. Leveraging the Intel processor and AI capabilities, this software optimizes game settings based on your device’s specs, maximizing frame rates with a single click. While currently supporting a limited number of games, the library is expanding.
LG’s Versatile LED Lamp Projector
LG showcased an intriguing LED lamp that doubles as a projector. This RGB lamp provides ambient lighting and features a built-in Bluetooth speaker. However, its most impressive feature is the integrated 120-inch projector.
This inconspicuous lamp transforms into a projector, eliminating the need for bulky devices. Its tiltable design allows for convenient ceiling projection, ideal for bedroom viewing. While currently a concept, its potential is undeniable.
TCL NXTWEAR G
TCL unveiled two exciting eyewear products. The Next TCL NXTWEAR G offer a 140-inch virtual display right in front of your eyes. Utilizing dual Sony Full HD micro-OLED panels, these glasses connect via USB-C and are compatible with various devices, including laptops, gaming consoles, and smartphones. They even have built-in speakers.
TCL also showcased the second generation of their Ray Neo AR glasses. These augmented reality glasses feature built-in AI, providing contextual information about the user’s surroundings. The AR display allows users to see the real world while overlaying digital information. The AI integration enables hands-free interaction for tasks like identifying objects, navigating, and taking notes.
Enhancing Flavor: The Electric Salt Spoon
The electric salt spoon is a fascinating innovation designed to enhance the perception of saltiness without increasing sodium intake. Using a mild electric current, the spoon stimulates taste receptors on the tongue, spreading salt molecules more effectively. This amplifies the salty flavor, potentially reducing the amount of salt needed in food.
The spoon features a metal strip that conducts the current and an indicator to show its effectiveness. The current is designed to be imperceptible and safe.
Monitoring Health: The Omnia Mirror
The Omnia mirror, showcased at the Withings booth, offers a comprehensive health monitoring solution. This full-length mirror and scale combination greets users and provides personalized health insights. It tracks various metrics, including weight, BMI, sleep quality, blood oxygen levels, and more.
By analyzing trends over time, Omnia can help users develop personalized health plans and even schedule doctor’s appointments if it detects concerning patterns. While the full Omnia system isn’t yet available, Withings offers a range of individual products with similar health-tracking capabilities and a comparable app experience.
LG Signature Smart Instaview
LG presented a remarkable smart microwave with a screen on the door. Inside, three cameras provide different views: a selfie camera (perhaps for social media?), a camera to monitor food progress, and a camera underneath for a top-down view of the oven range. This last camera allows for easy sharing of cooking demonstrations or recipes. The microwave also functions as a tablet, offering access to recipes, weather information, and even entertainment.
The smart range accompanying the microwave also features a built-in camera. This allows users to monitor their cooking from the microwave screen. The range’s camera, combined with AI, can identify food placed inside, and with user input on the desired cooking method, automatically sets the optimal temperature and cooking time.
Lenovo’s Expandable Laptop Display
Lenovo showcased a laptop with an innovative rollable and expandable screen. With the press of a button, the screen expands vertically, increasing its size. The thin OLED display retracts and stores beneath the keyboard. The screen also responds to gesture controls, adjusting its size with hand movements. The software dynamically adapts to the current screen size.
Roborock Saros Z70
Roborock revealed a smart vacuum with a robotic arm. This allows the vacuum to pick up small obstacles like socks or t-shirts, moving them out of the way to continue cleaning.
The vacuum uses cameras to identify objects and currently works with a limited set of items.
Honorable Mentions
- Samsung‘s Frame TV Installation: Samsung’s installation featuring the Frame TV was impressive.
- Samsung’s MicroLED TV: The bezel-less MicroLED TV was stunning.
- Nvidia’s RTX 50 Series Graphics Cards: The RTX 5090 and especially the 5070, with its price-to-performance ratio, are exciting developments for PC gaming.
- Submerged PC Cooling: A PC submerged in a cooling solution looked intriguing.
- SwitchBot’s Smart Home Robots: SwitchBot showcased robots capable of various tasks, including security, humidification, and more.
- Portable Charger with MiFi: A portable charger with built-in MiFi offers convenient internet access while traveling.
- Kodak’s Retro Camera: Kodak displayed a retro-styled camera.