Highlights from C.E.S. 2025  

The Consumer Electronics Show (C.E.S.) is one of most high-profile international consumer technology events. Taking place in Las Vegas annually in early January, C.E.S. showcases new concepts, breakthrough technologies and products that are designed to shape the future direction around all of our technology use. Not surprisingly, this years’ edition had a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (A.I) and continued on this trend through introducing new technologies supporting its integration. Among the stand out items from this years’ event were;  

NAQI Neural Earbud 

The NAQI Neural Earbud  is an innovative product which can detect subtle facial and head movements — such as blinks or jaw clenches — and then translates these into digital signals. This form of technology enables users to control devices without touch, voice, screens, or cameras – effectively, offering hands-free control. 

The Good 

 They have the potential to empower individuals with limited mobility to operate devices like wheelchairs , computers, and smart home systems. The have a non-invasive interface which provides a safe method to interact with technology with minimal movement.  

The Not so Good 

The learning curve around use may take time to master all of the various neural controls effectively. When it’s available to purchase, the cost is likely to fall in to the ‘premium’ category.  

Autokeybo 

The AutoKeyBo is a new form of keyboard and computer control unveiled at C.E.S. It contains its own storage and built in camera and with a hand gesture, users can switch between a standard keyboard mode and a touchpad, where the keys slide into the device revealing the touchpad underneath.  

The Good 

This design could benefit users who require separate input devices through accessing with limited or a small range of hand movement. These controls are shown in this short 

 Video Clip from the designer. 

The inclusion of a hard drive, opens up the potential for this device to have its own operating system. With connection to a screen, this would enable the device to act as a stand-alone computer.  

The Not So Good 

 The reliance on hand gestures alone to swap between different modes may pose a challenge for some individuals with a limited hand fluidity. Furthermore, commentators at C.E.S. who tried out the product, highlighted intermittent delays and unintentional interactions between the user and the keyboard.  

Improvement 

Incorporating alternative activation methods, such as a switch input socket or voice commands, could enhance the range of ‘operational accessibility’. 

XanderGlasses Connect 

Xanderglasses are a wearable assistive technology designed to support individuals with hearing difficulties or for those who may find it challenging in situations, to understand speech. The glasses translate speech to text in real-time and project captions for the user to a small screen built in to the frame of the glasses.   

The Good 

 The real-time captioning and translation features could benefit individuals with hearing impairments, those who struggle with conversation in crowded or noisy company, or those who may require translation of another language. They include captioning of environmental sounds. Translation support available for 26 languages.  

The Not So Good 

 Given its reliance on A.I. for text translations, users may find results inconsistent until such a time as environmental and the variability of a persons’ voice are fully trained in to use.   

MouthPad^  

Developed by Augmental , the MouthPad^ is a device that is worn in the mouth which enables hands-free control of digital devices using tongue and head gestures. Custom-fitted for comfort and made with dental-grade materials, it offers Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with all common operating systems as a wireless mouse.  

The Good 

 The MouthPad^ could potentially (this device is still in development) provide individuals with a unique method for computer and phone control.  The device with its positioning in the mouth, can be hidden from view enabling discrete control options. Bluetooth interaction enables wireless control which at some stage, could potentially become a suitable method for controlling powered chairs with minimal movement required by the user.  

The Not So Good 

 Trial and fitting will requires the support of a specialist dental intervention. Users will face a learning curve to mastering tongue and head gestures. From their demo clips, these devices looks to have a rather ‘large’ presence in the mouth.  

Summary and final thoughts 

 C.E.S. again highlighted several new and innovative products. One final noteworthy product from the event which received a lot of attention took the form of a robot vacuum with an additional ‘hook’ for picking up items – See Roborock vacuum