The weirdest devices at CES 2023: brain headsets, smell-o-vision and more

A lot of cool technology was on display at CES 2023, which ran Jan. 5-8 in Las Vegas. I was impressed with the 8K televisions, augmented reality glasses and battery-based home backup power systems.
But there was a good amount of goofy, weird tech products there as well. Here’s a sampling.

Earable Neuroscience showed off its Frenz Brainband, “the world’s first consumer brainband to track and stimulate your brain activities for better sleep, focus and relaxation.” It might work, but wearers look ridiculous. It reminded me of something Professor X or Wonder Woman might wear.

Skyted demonstrated a facemask that allows people to have confidential and silent phone calls in public. Wearers can talk at regular volume and not be heard by people around them. The only problem is that people using it look like Batman villain Bane.

Panasonic subsidiary Shiftall had a similar device at the show called Mutalk.

A couple of companies are trying to resurrect the concept of “smell-o-vision.”
Aromajoin unveiled a necklace-type scent control device that can provide a more realistic immersion experience for video by reproducing smells. Some of the available scents include fresh grapefruit, campfire smoke, freshly baked bread and burning rubber, TechCrunch reported.
Similarly, OVR Technology showed a headset with a dispenser for aromas that can be mixed, creating various scents. The company is marketing the product as a sort of digital spa. The wearable device is compatible with virtual reality headsets.

Two companies at CES 2023 focused on making women’s high-heeled shoes more comfortable. They seemed out of place at the show but did have a tech focus.
Alia Technologies, doing business as Enrico Cuini, introduced its proprietary ALIA (Active Lift in Alignment) support technology at the show.
GAIT-TECH introduced a biomechanical device that can be built into the insole of high heels during the manufacturing stage. The device redistributes pressure on the ground, cushioning the impact, making high heels more comfortable.

Finally, Acer has created a combination desk and stationary bike. The eKinekt BD 3 bike desk lets users exercise as they work. It also uses the rider’s pedaling to power the machine and charge devices, such as a notebook computer or smartphone.
With this bike desk, work isn’t a rat race so much as a hamster wheel.

CES 2023 attracted more than 115,000 industry professionals who came to see over 3,200 exhibitors. Among the attendees were 4,800 media representatives from 69 countries.

Photos: Frenz Brainband (Earable), Skyted facemask (Skyted), Mutalk facemask (Shiftall), OVR Technology aroma headset (OVR Technology), and eKinekt BD 3 bike desk (Acer).