The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 is off to a roaring start, delivering an avalanche of new tech. From revamped chip designs to quirky robots, here’s a breakdown of the first day’s biggest announcements and quirkiest moments.
Chips Lead the Charge: Intel, AMD, and the Battle for Gaming Dominance
The titans of the PC world brought their A-game. Intel revealed its latest Arrow Lake chips, promising faster processing and AI-enhanced gaming capabilities. These chips are set to power laptops and desktops by major manufacturers within the next quarter.
AMD, not one to be outdone, introduced the Ryzen Z2 chip. This powerhouse is tailor-made for gaming handhelds. Speculation ran wild about its inclusion in Valve’s next Steam Deck, but Valve was quick to shut down the rumors. Still, the Z2 is expected to make waves in portable gaming devices soon.
Dell also made headlines, albeit controversially, with a shift in its branding strategy. The company announced the retirement of its familiar XPS, Inspiron, and Latitude lines. Moving forward, we’ll see Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Max—names that mimic Apple’s simplified approach. Reactions from tech insiders have been mixed, with some calling it a misstep.
Gaming Handhelds Go Big—Literally
Acer grabbed attention with its Nitro Blaze 11, an 11-inch gaming handheld built to rival Valve’s Steam Deck. With detachable controllers and a kickstand, it’s like a pumped-up version of the Nintendo Switch. The oversized design may not appeal to everyone, but it certainly made a bold statement.
Samsung’s All-Around Showcase: Laptops, TVs, and a Familiar Robot
Samsung’s presence at CES was multifaceted. It unveiled the Galaxy Book5 Pro, equipped with Intel’s Arrow Lake chips, and showcased its latest advancements in home entertainment. The new 8K Neo QLED TVs promise dazzling visuals, while the updated Frame Pro models aim to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal.
However, the real buzz surrounded Samsung’s quirky Ballie robot. Shaped like a ball, this personal assistant is expected to hit the market later this year. It may not be the most practical gadget, but it’s hard to deny its charm.
Smarter Robovacs for Everyday Life
Robot vacuum cleaners saw some fascinating innovations. Dreame introduced the X50, which can scale door thresholds as tall as 6cm, a feature that could resolve one of the biggest annoyances in robovac usage.
Roborock, on the other hand, presented the Saros Z70, complete with a robotic arm. This clever addition allows the vacuum to move objects out of its way, making it a dream for parents dealing with cluttered floors.
AI Glasses and Smile-Inducing Robots
Halliday’s AI Glasses became a surprise hit, offering a wearable assistant that can answer questions and provide helpful reminders. For those overwhelmed by information overload, this gadget feels like a much-needed brain break.
On the whimsical side, Yukai Engineering showcased the Mirumi robot. Designed to cheer people up, this furry companion simply stares at you until you crack a smile. It’s quirky, sure, but some attendees found it endearing.
Quirky Wellness Tech and Saliva Monitors
Two companies made waves with stress-monitoring gadgets. CortiSense and Hormometer both introduced devices that analyze cortisol levels in saliva to gauge stress. While spitting on a gadget might seem odd, the potential to track stress levels conveniently intrigued many attendees.
Big Names and Big Announcements: Sony and NVIDIA
Sony’s presentation focused more on partnerships and media than cutting-edge consumer tech. The company revealed the pricing for its electric car made with Honda and dropped a release date for The Last of Us Season 2. Fans of the hit series were thrilled, but others felt underwhelmed by the lack of tech-related surprises.
NVIDIA, predictably, leaned into AI in its keynote. CEO Jensen Huang spent much of his time discussing AI advancements before unveiling new GPUs. While these announcements catered to hardcore tech enthusiasts, the steep pricing left some attendees feeling sticker shock.
CES 2025 Day One proved to be a mix of groundbreaking tech, quirky gadgets, and polarizing announcements. With plenty more to come, it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable year for the world’s biggest tech showcase.
