Consumer advocacy groups have slammed several products unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, highlighting what they consider to be wasteful, invasive, and unsustainable technology. The annual “Worst in Show” contest, judged by organizations like Consumer Reports, Back Market, and iFixit, aims to spotlight products that prioritize unnecessary features over functionality and repairability.
The Rise of Over-Engineered Gadgets
This year’s awards reflect a growing trend: the proliferation of AI-driven devices that often complicate everyday tasks without providing genuine value. The judges selected the most overengineered, unrepairable, and unsustainable technology disasters at the show, raising questions about whether consumers are being misled by excessive “smart” features.
Samsung’s AI Fridge: A Case Study in Unnecessary Complexity
Topping the list was Samsung’s Bespoke AI Family Hub, an internet-connected refrigerator with voice-activated door opening. Critics argue that adding AI to a basic appliance introduces unnecessary points of failure, privacy concerns (built-in advertising), and usability issues.
“The one thing a refrigerator should do is keep things cold,” notes Gordon-Byrne of the Right to Repair organization, emphasizing the absurdity of overcomplicating a simple device.
The fridge’s voice controls struggle in noisy environments, and the inclusion of cameras raises surveillance concerns. Elizabeth Chamberlain of iFixit pointed out that “most people are not asking for voice-controlled refrigerator door opening,” underscoring the disconnect between consumer needs and manufacturer innovation.
Amazon Ring: Surveillance Concerns Escalate
Amazon’s Ring doorbell system also made the list, criticized for its increasingly invasive AI-powered surveillance features, including facial recognition. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) warned that the growing range of tools risks becoming excessively intrusive, not just for Ring users but for entire neighborhoods.
“Your neighbors’ cameras probably know who you are and know when you’re coming home,” Chamberlain explained, highlighting the potential for widespread tracking and data collection.
Disposable Tech: The Lollipop Star Debacle
The contest also singled out the Lollipop Star, an electronic lollipop with bone-conduction technology. The device won the Environmental Impact award for its unsustainable design: disposable batteries that last only an hour, single-use plastic, and unnecessary electronics.
“It’s got two batteries in it, a speaker, a little board. It’s a lot of electronics for something that’s only gonna last an hour,” Chamberlain observed, demonstrating the sheer wastefulness of the product.
A Growing Movement for Repairability and Sustainability
The Worst in Show contest, running since at least 2023, serves as a counterpoint to CES’s often uncritical embrace of new technology. By calling out products that undermine privacy, security, sustainability, and repairability, the judges hope to encourage manufacturers to prioritize consumer needs over flashy features. The contest is independent from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) that runs CES, ensuring unbiased criticism.
The trend is clear: as AI becomes more prevalent, so does the need for critical evaluation. Consumers must question whether innovation truly serves them or if it simply adds complexity and waste to everyday life.
