{"id":836213,"date":"2026-09-04T13:04:21","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T13:04:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/836213\/"},"modified":"2026-09-04T13:04:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T13:04:21","slug":"all-the-weirdest-wildest-tech-we-found-at-ifa-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/836213\/","title":{"rendered":"All the Weirdest, Wildest Tech We Found at IFA 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day one of IFA is underway, but we got an early preview of all the tech on display at the Berlin expo, and we\u2019re bringing it to you live as it happens<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Among the expected launches \u2014 robot vacuums<\/a>, pool cleaners<\/a>, foldable phones<\/a> and headphones<\/a> \u2014 are the more peculiar releases. Some have us scratching our heads, wondering who thinks of this stuff, while others have us wondering when we can get our hands on it. <\/p>\n

In short: these are all the products that made us go, \u201c\u2026Huh,\u201d because when tech companies throw everything they\u2019ve got at IFA<\/a>, things can get pretty weird. <\/p>\n

Below you\u2019ll find the strangest\u00a0tech<\/a>\u00a0we spotted on the IFA expo floor so far, including a snapshot of what it\u2019s\u00a0supposed\u00a0to do and how useful we think it will be when it hits the market.<\/p>\n

Govee\u2019s mood-reading skylight<\/p>\n

\"GoveeGovee\u2019s giant mood light was on display at IFA.David Watsky\/CNET<\/p>\n

Govee has long been at the forefront of strange home lighting creations, from literal curtains of light<\/a> to spread across your garage to table lamps that look more like alien artifacts. Now Govee is showing off one of its oddest products yet: a dome-like ceiling light designed to mimic the sky and be \u201cmood-responsive.\u201d<\/p>\n

In this case, mood-responsive means you can use Govee\u2019s AI to talk about your mood or how you\u2019re feeling, and the Govee app will suggest ceiling light color schemes to match. But the light can also create a specific blue wavelength designed to evoke blue skies and natural daylight.<\/p>\n

\"GoveeGovee\u2019s mood-interpreting light may not be as far-fetched as you think.Govee<\/p>\n

Too weird to work? Not as weird as you may think. I\u2019ve tested Govee\u2019s AI before<\/a>, and you really can generate lighting patterns based on your mood or random musings. But Govee already has so many lighting scenes in its app that I didn\u2019t find it very practical \u2014 though definitely fun. I wonder how well it will work with a full ceiling light.<\/p>\n

A gigantic tofu maker<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Nuvell plant protein maker is about the size of an espresso machine.David Watsky\/CNET<\/p>\n

If your two problems are not eating enough plant protein and having too much counter space, the Nuvell is here. This massive bean cooker and compressor is the size of an espresso machine and churns out blocks of tofu in as little as 30 minutes. It can make other vegan proteins depending on the legume you stick inside.<\/p>\n

\"blockPlant protein made in the comfort of your kitchen.David Watsky\/CNET<\/p>\n

I asked the rep on duty whether the Nuvell could make cheese if you poured cow\u2019s milk in. She claimed it could, but didn\u2019t seem too confident.<\/p>\n

Too weird to work? While it wasn\u2019t operational at IFA, we assume the Nuvell does what it\u2019s supposed to, since turning soybeans into tofu isn\u2019t rocket science. The real question is whether it\u2019s worth the space on your counter for this one-trick pony of a kitchen appliance.<\/p>\n

A food processor for your cat<\/p>\n

\"RikaNeakasa launched Rika, an automatic cat feeder that mixes wet food, fresh to order.<\/p>\n

Neakasa makes some pretty high-tech accessories for cats. We\u2019re familiar with its self-cleaning litter boxes and automatic feeders. Until now, it didn\u2019t have an answer for owners who feed their cats wet grub. The Shenzhen-based brand is taking its auto-feeder to the next level with Rika, a self-contained wet-food maker that prepares meals on demand (or whenever you schedule them) and serves them to your feline friend at mealtime. <\/p>\n

The Rika houses a compartment for freeze-dried food and a water reservoir. It rehydrates and mixes the cat food for a more gourmet autonomous cat-feeding experience. The feeder holds food for up to 7 days and can be fully controlled by the app. <\/p>\n

Too weird to work? No way. As strange as it may sound, this one makes great sense for busy or forgetful owners of cats that prefer wet food. While it\u2019s not advertised as such, we can\u2019t see why this system wouldn\u2019t work for small dogs, too. Other auto-wet food feeders use refrigeration to keep preloaded meals cold, but this is the first one we\u2019ve seen that whips them up in real time.<\/p>\n

A tiny robot vacuum\u2026 for your bed<\/p>\n

\"bedYep \u2014 a whole robot vacuum, just for the bed.Creatulize<\/p>\n

Creatulize came to IFA to show off the smallest robot vacuum in all of Berlin. The X1 Pro is the brand\u2019s second-gen bed robot vacuum, designed to clean your bedding and mattress. <\/p>\n

Using precision mode, the vac moves slowly and steadily across a mattress, sucking up dust, mites, hair and whatever else lurks. It can clean a king-size in about 20 minutes and has an easy-to-empty debris canister. Special sensors keep it from tumbling off the bed. When it hits an edge, it stops, turns and keeps on keepin\u2019 on.<\/p>\n

\"whiteThat\u2019s one itty-bitty robot vac.David Watsky\/CNET<\/p>\n

Too weird to work? Mattress vacuums are becoming a thing, based on the idea that dirty mattresses exacerbate allergies. Nobody wants a dusty mattress, but whether or not you need a dedicated vacuum for it is up for debate. We\u2019ll be testing the X1 Pro to find out.<\/p>\n

Midea\u2019s AC unit that follows you around (sort of)<\/p>\n

\"MideaMidea\u2019s new voice-controlled air conditioner follows you around the room with a stream of cool.David Watsky\/CNET<\/p>\n

One of the highlights we saw \u2013 and felt \u2013 was an air conditioner unit that sends custom cool air to you wherever you are. Midea\u2019s new system uses spatial imaging and sensors to track your position in the room and deliver a stream of cool air your way. That means a cooler you and less energy wasted.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Midea\u2019s smart AC works with the brand\u2019s other air-quality appliances, including the humidifier. The two work in harmony through Midea\u2019s smart sync to keep your home\u2019s air at your desired temperature and humidity, no matter what Mother Nature has planned.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also voice-activated, so you can turn it on or off, or activate the \u201cmmWave sensor system\u201d without getting up or even opening your phone.<\/p>\n

Too weird to work? While the AC wasn\u2019t officially up and running at IFA, Dyson launched a similar freestanding fan<\/a> and air purifier that tracks humans in the room and spits fresh, cool air their way. We\u2019re still testing that one in our lab, but would be surprised if the technology doesn\u2019t live up to at least some of its promise.<\/p>\n

SwitchBot\u2019s AI shirt pin, the MindClip<\/p>\n

\"ASwitchBot\u2019s AI clip sort of\u2026 spies on everyone around you.SwitchBot<\/p>\n

If you thought AI was already in everything, just wait: SwitchBot is announcing the launch of its AI shirt device<\/a>, the MindClip, at IFA. It\u2019s made to clip onto your shirt pocket, collar, nearby strap or even belt. Once in place, it, well, essentially listens to everything that happens within a 3-meter radius for up to 20 hours and saves it for you.<\/p>\n

The MindClip can recognize people by their voices<\/a> and summarize conversations or events, ostensibly to help you with planning after a busy day. As far as AI goes, it\u2019s no spying Meta glasses<\/a>, but it is fairly invasive, especially for strangers you may be chatting with.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Too weird to work? This isn\u2019t the first time we\u2019ve seen an AI pin<\/a>, although it is the smallest and least distracting version I\u2019ve spotted. The problem is that none of them really took off, and some companies even pivoted to an entirely different product<\/a>. So yes, it\u2019s too weird to work for now, but maybe the rumored AI capabilities in Apple\u2019s AirPods<\/a> will be an exception.<\/p>\n

The AI-powered companion doll from Lovense<\/p>\n

\"LovenseLovense\u2019s updated AI companion doll also made an appearance at IFA.Lovense<\/p>\n

Singaporean intimacy and sex toy company Lovense has brought the latest version of its AI \u201ccompanion doll\u201d<\/a> to IFA, aiming to make it more lifelike than ever before. In addition to talking, remembering past facts and adjusting its personality, the silicone doll can blink, smile and look when called by its custom name. Users can also chat with the doll at a distance via a phone app and set up roleplay scenarios<\/a>, if they prefer.<\/p>\n

Too weird to work? Yes, the age of AI sex dolls is here. But it\u2019s such an eclectic \u2014 and expensive (between $4,000 and $8,000) \u2014 proposition, this one is only for those with very specific tastes and a, ahh, particular relationship with AI<\/a>. For others, Lovense also debuted several more conventional, AI-free toys.<\/p>\n

A Eufy sensor that asks if you fell down<\/p>\n

\"Eufy'sEufy\u2019s new sensor has a very, very specific purpose in the home.Eufy<\/p>\n

When today\u2019s home sensors<\/a> can do nearly anything from recognizing when dogs bark to knowing when someone is tampering with a mailbox, it may sound strange to make a sensor specifically to say, \u201cOops, it looks like you fell down!\u201d But that\u2019s just what Anker\u2019s Eufy brand has done.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s method behind this madness. The wall sensor uses a combo of algorithms and presence sensing with mmWave technology, no cameras necessary. It\u2019s made to help those aging in place or living in rest homes without creating privacy concerns. The sensor even supports two-way audio, so family members or nurses can check in if they get an alert about a potential fall.<\/p>\n

Quick note: As Anker consolidates its brand names, Eufy products are staying with us, but the Eufy name may not be around forever, so keep that in mind when shopping.<\/p>\n

Too weird to work? In this case, not at all. I\u2019ve already seen mmWave technology tap into Wi-Fi signals<\/a> to help those aging in place<\/a>, although Eufy\u2019s sensor is the first I\u2019ve seen that focuses on falls and enables two-way audio for a quick checkup. It\u2019s a strong use of the technology.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\tBest DIY Home Security Systems of 2026: Install Them Yourself<\/a><\/p>\n

Dodge installation fees and take security into your own hands with these super smart security kits.<\/p>\n

A smartphone for your pet<\/p>\n

\"AThe Petphone certainly makes a lot of claims about AI pet powers.Petpogo<\/p>\n

Ucloudlink has brought the newest version of its award-winning PetPhone<\/a> to IFA this year, showing a world where cats and dogs have their own smartphone, too. Sort of.<\/p>\n

The Petpogo PetPhone is technically a smart pet collar, and we\u2019ve reviewed many of those<\/a>. But this version comes with two-way audio<\/a> to talk to your pet with an app and AI features<\/a> that interpret behavior and motion so pets can theoretically initiate a call themselves, as well as emotion analysis of barks, meows and other actions. It also supports more traditional capabilities like tracking and geofencing<\/a>, and it alerts pet parents to out-of-routine behaviors.<\/p>\n

Too weird to work? No AI features can accurately interpret specific barks or meows into moods and feelings. That\u2019s (currently) nonsense. And trying to get your pet to \u201ccall\u201d you with specific behaviors sounds dubious at best. So most of the innovations here are too weird, but the underlying collar functionality looks usable.<\/p>\n

These headphones that turn into a Bluetooth speaker<\/p>\n

\"ATDM\u2019s Bluetooth speaker headphone hybrid is confusing.TDM<\/p>\n

TDM is showing off its unique Neo headphones<\/a>, with a literal twist. In normal mode, they look like a typical pair of wireless headphones. But twist and collapse the earcups, and they form into a small Bluetooth speaker<\/a> with up to 8 hours of music playback. The dual-device comes with an aux port, a USB-C charging port and a carrying case.<\/p>\n

Too weird to work? When was the last time you saw someone with headphones<\/a> and thought, \u201cWhat a pleasant, private music experience that person is having, I wish there was a way for them to share it with all the people nearby?\u201d Nope. No one likes it when you play music out loud in public spaces, especially when the same device could let you listen privately. I\u2019m calling these headphones too weird to work.<\/p>\n

A soundwave-creating smart bed<\/p>\n

\"Amada'sAmada\u2019s acoustic mattress claims many different applications.Amada<\/p>\n

Amada brought a fascinating mattress<\/a> to IFA called the Soundwave Smart Mattress. Yes, it connects to a phone app. And yes, it really does produce sound waves or at least a \u201cvibroacoustic experience\u201d with vibration modes for presleep relaxation, meditation, focus and recharging. I\u2019m not sure how vibration is supposed to help with those things, but CNET health expert Anna Gragert told me vibration therapy does have applications for recovery and disease treatment<\/a>. The bed is made of polyurethane foam and polyester fabric, with a four-pin power connector.<\/p>\n

Too weird to work? Well, Magic Fingers did have their day in hotel rooms across the US, but that day ended pretty fast. I don\u2019t know if a bed with good vibrations is what the average home is looking for, but if you\u2019ve tried it and it works for you, this could be a shakingly good upgrade.<\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s note:\u00a0David Watsky\u2019s travel costs for the IFA conference were covered by IFA.\u00a0The judgments and opinions of CNET are our own<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Tyler\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTyler Lacoma\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEditor \/ Home Security and Smart Home\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTyler has worked on, lived with and tested all types of smart home and security technology for over a dozen years, explaining the latest features, privacy tricks, and top recommendations.
\n
\nWith degrees in Business Management, Literature and Technical Writing, Tyler takes every opportunity to play with the latest AI technology, push smart devices to their limits and occasionally throw cameras off his roof, all to find the best devices to trust in your life. He always checks with the renters (and pets) in his life to see what smart products can work for everyone, in every living situation.
\n
\nLiving in beautiful Bend, Oregon gives Tyler plenty of opportunities to test the latest tech in every kind of weather and temperature. But when not at work, he can be found hiking the trails, trying out a new food recipe for his loved ones, keeping up on his favorite reading, or gaming with good friends.
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSee full bio\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"David\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDavid Watsky\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tManaging Editor \/ Home and Kitchen\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDavid lives in Brooklyn where he’s spent more than a decade covering all things edible, including meal kit services, food subscriptions, kitchen tools and cooking tips.
\n
\nDavid earned his BA from Northeastern and has toiled in nearly every aspect of the food business, including as a line cook in Rhode Island where he once made a steak sandwich for Lamar Odom.
\n
\nRight now he’s likely somewhere stress-testing a blender or tinkering with a toaster. Anything with sesame is his all-time favorite food this week.
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSee full bio\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Day one of IFA is underway, but we got an early preview of all the tech on display…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":836214,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[74],"class_list":["post-836213","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/836213","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=836213"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/836213\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/836214"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=836213"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=836213"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=836213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}