Amid the sea of cutting-edge gadgets, a few innovations stood out, not for their utility, but for their sheer eccentricity
The age of technology is not just here, it is roaring. The 21st century stands as the only era in human history where artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, and chatbots are not only real but rapidly evolving. The world is now casually debating whether Small Language Models or Large Language Models, also referred to as SMLs and LMLs respectively, are the future of machine learning, and in many ways, it feels like we have already touched the pinnacle of innovation.
From smartphones to televisions, almost everything has been upgraded to “smart.” Yet, with all this brilliance, there has also been a steady rise in inventions so bizarre, so out-of-left-field, that they leave people wondering, if they really needed them?
This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas from January 7 to 10, was a perfect showcase of just how strange tech can get. Amid the sea of cutting-edge gadgets, a few innovations stood out, not for their utility, but for their sheer eccentricity.
Here are five of the weirdest technologies that left everyone scratching their heads.
The Electric Salt Spoon
For those craving to have a salty taste in their mouths, without having to consume kilograms of salt, there is a perfect device that creates the illusion of salt on the palate. Japanese brewer Kirin has invented a device or rather a spoon, called Electrical Salt Spoon, which uses a low electrical charge to create an illusion of salt.
Launched on May 20, 2024 in Japan, this quirky spoon is here to make low-sodium meals taste like they have been sprinkled with a little magic. A mild electric current concentrates sodium ions on the palate, cranking up the salty and umami flavours without adding a grain of salt.
Initially released in a limited batch of 200 units, this high-tech utensil has four intensity settings, letting users choose just how salty they want their food to taste. A light indicator turns white when it is activated, to let users know it is doing its duty.
Priced at JPY 19,800 (USD 140), it is designed to fit into a daily dining routine, turning bland meals into bursts of flavour. The spoon had a limited run in Japanese stores this June, and it even stole the spotlight at the CES, snagging awards in the Digital Health and Accessibility & Age Tech categories.
Also Read: 5 Tech Savvy Travel Gadgets
Banana Phone
There was a time when people carried around bright, colourful phones, but then came a phone that truly stood out. Shaped like a fruit, the Banana Phone is a Bluetooth handset designed to look exactly like a banana. Fun, quirky, and unmistakable, it brought a playful twist to everyday calls.
Nicknamed the ‘Banana Phone’ for its bright yellow colour and curved design, the Nokia 8110 4G is more than just a quirky throwback. Launched globally at Mobile World Congress 2018 and later released in India by HMD Global, this 4G-enabled feature phone runs on KaiOS just like the Jio Phone comes with apps like Gmail, Outlook, and even the classic Snake game.
With a physical keypad and iconic slide-to-answer feature, it adds a retro twist to modern functionality. The Banana Phone also doubles as a Bluetooth handset and speaker, connecting to your smartphone for calls, voice commands, volume control, and more. It features an LED indicator, and a multifunction button, and offers up to 10 hours of talk time on a single micro USB charge. You can even use it to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. Nostalgia never looked or sounded this fun.
Also Read: Swipe, Scroll, Study? Balancing technology and discipline in schools
Hushme
By 2025, few would have imagined that a mask could be designed to allow people to overhear phone conversations in public. Yet, the 21st century has made this a reality. The device, known as Hushme, reflects the surprising advancements of modern technology.
This personal acoustic device, or ‘voice mask’, is designed to protect speech privacy during phone calls in open spaces. It works by muffling your voice and overlaying masking sounds, like wind, rain, or even iconic character voices like Darth Vader of the Star Wars fame.
Worn either as a neckband with integrated earbuds or a muzzle-like mask for more intense muffling, the Hushme is especially useful in open-plan offices where privacy is often compromised. It was even showcased at CES 2025 as the ultimate solution for private conversations in public spaces.
According to its website, Hushme successfully raised USD 71,880 on Kickstarter, with support from 284 backers. While the device was originally priced at around USD 200, Engadget reports that the current price is now USD 229.
Also Read: Breakthrough in quantum technology enables room temperature molecular sensing
Video-enabled toothbrush
As if smart TVs and smartphones were not enough, the 21st century has officially welcomed the smart toothbrush, which means that while scrubbing away for that sparkling smile, people can actually see their teeth and gums in real time, thanks to toothbrushes equipped with tiny built-in cameras. These high-tech brushes stream images and videos straight to your phone or display, giving real-time feedback on your brushing technique and hygiene.
A number of standout smart toothbrushes are making waves in the world of tech-savvy oral hygiene. The Lifelong Visual Smart Rechargeable Toothbrush, available at various e-commerce websites , features a built-in camera that connects to mobile devices, allowing users to visually monitor their brushing in real time. The Blu Kids Bluetooth Toothbrush is designed specifically for children, with a tracking system that syncs to an app and guides kids on which areas of their mouth need more attention.
Another kid-friendly option is the Grush Bluetooth Toothbrush, which gamifies the brushing experience, by capturing data while children play interactive brushing games, and enabling parents to track their habits. But way back in 2016, the Prophix by Onvi launched its first video-enabled toothbrush, which connected the iOS app via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to provide users with a live dental check during brushing. According to Onvi’s website, its new version of Prophix is expected to launch in 2026.
Also Read: Entangled photons revolutionise imaging technology
EcoFlow Power Hat
Meanwhile, in the realm of unusual technology, a new invention has emerged, a hat that can charge a phone. The EcoFlow Power Hat is a wide-brimmed, solar-powered accessory designed to keep devices charged while the wearer hikes, fishes, or simply stands in the sun like a human solar panel.
It has built-in PERC monocrystalline solar panels, USB-A and USB-C ports hidden in the brim, and can charge a phone in about 3–4 hours under full sunlight. However, there is no battery backup and shade is not included.
With UPF 50+ protection and IP65 water resistance, it is a part sunscreen, part charging station.
This quirky piece of wearable tech is priced between USD 99 to USD 129 globally, depending on the region. With its mission to blend sun-soaking style with function, the hat turns a daily stroll into a slow, fashionable charge cycle.
While humankind might be racing toward a future dominated by AI, quantum computing, and self-driving cars, it is clear that innovation does not always take a straight path. Sometimes, it curves, like a Banana Phone hums like a voice-masking muzzle or charges a phone from your hat brim. As humans juggle between what is groundbreaking and what is just plain bizarre, one thing is certain, the 21st century is not just smart it is unapologetically strange. And maybe, that is the real charm of living in the future.