While there were scores of new products presented at this year's CES, there are a few specific examples that have made us look twice. So let's get into the weirdest and wackiest products we saw at CES 2023.

1. Withings U-Scan

screenshot of withings u scan taken from withings official website
Image Credit: Withings

There's a lot that can be found within our urine, which is why our doctors often ask us for samples to rule out certain conditions or infections. But this can be a frustratingly lengthy process, and can often incur costs. So, what's the other option? Enter the U-Scan.

At CES 2023 in Las Vegas, Withings, a French smart tech company, revealed its U-Scan. This nifty device can scan your urine at home to monitor your body's metabolites and provide insightful metrics on your health. Yes, you heard that right. You can conduct urine scans at home and receive results without the need for a third party.

Within the device is 12 test pods that can scan for various biomarkers. This product is entirely non-invasive and comes with replaceable cartridges for repeated analysis. But you don't need to change the cartridge every time. In fact, just one cartridge can be used for up to three months.

And if you're concerned about having to hold the U-Scan during use, worry not. You can attach the device to your toilet for a hands-free experience.

2. GAIT-TECH Smart Insoles

woman wearing black stilettos sitting on steps

We all know what it's like to walk around all day in a pair of painful shoes. And when it comes to high heels, things can get very uncomfortable very quickly.

This is why GAIT-TECH's smart insoles are an unusual yet interesting addition to CES 2023. GAIT-TECH, an Italian company, has developed an insole that can absorb walking impact and spread pressure across the foot so that some stress is taken off the ball. The insole comes pre-inserted within a stiletto, avoiding any awkward slippage while walking.

Using a smart insole to better distribute pressure and absorb impact can prevent the long-term damage often caused by wearing high heels on a regular basis.

3. Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder

bird buddy product photo screenshot on bird buddy website
Image Credit: Bird Buddy

Who would've thought we'd be seeing smart bird feeders any time soon? Leave it to Bird Buddy to surprise us all.

If you have an interest in the birds that come and go from your garden, Bird Buddy can make it much easier for you to get a good look at the different birds that visit.

Bird Buddy's smart feeders aren't just slick in design. They come equipped with cameras and microphones to film any bird that stops off for a snack. Bird Buddy feeders can recognize over 1,000 bird species, and can even notify you when a bird lands to eat. You can also purchase a bunch of add-ons for your Bird Buddy smart feeder, including a solar charging panel, water fountain, and wall mount.

4. Color-Changing BMW iX

bmw ix flow product photo website screenshot
Image Credit: BMW

A color-changing car? Now we're stepping into sci-fi.

One of the most notable products displayed at this year's CES was BMW's color-changing iX Flow. This car uses e-ink, a form of electronic display (which you may have seen in readers like the Amazon Kindle), to give riders the ability to change the external vehicle color with the tap of a button.

On the vehicle's external body is an electrophoretic film containing tiny microcapsules that contain variously colored particles that change upon the application of an electric field. When the rider selects a color option, the electric field is sent through the film, giving way to a color change.

5. Rollkers Personal Mobility Device

rollkers website device photo screenshot
Image Credit: Rollkers

In our modern fast-paced world, getting from place to place in good time can be challenging. What's more many people suffer from mobility issues that can make walking that much more difficult. This is where Rollkers' personal mobility devices could come in handy.

At a glance, Rollkers' mobility devices look like minimalist roller skates. But there's something interesting about this accessory. They can be walked on regularly like any shoe, while also speeding up your average pace.

Using lithium-ion batteries, the Rollkers personal mobility device can increase your walking pace to up to seven miles per hour while allowing you to maintain a natural walking style. The left and right feet synchronize with each other to maintain a smooth pace, and their lightweight structure makes it easy to transport them in your bag. If this nifty accessory becomes popular, we may all be enjoying speedier walks in the near future.

6. NOWATCH Wellbeing Tracker

nowatch website product display photo screenshot
Image Credit: NOWATCH

Smartwatches are now very popular globally. But the NOWATCH takes the smartwatch and gives it an interesting twist.

The most unusual thing about the NOWATCH is that it doesn't have an interactive display. Rather, it is an entirely faceless watch. But what's the point of this unusual product?

The key focus of the NOWATCH is reconnecting. As stated on the NOWATCH company website, the NOWATCH is designed for you to "come home to yourself". This device can monitor your bodily metrics, allowing you to keep track of your natural biological behaviors without technological distraction. Your blood oxygen levels, movement, breath rate, temperature, heart rate, and skin conductance can all be determined using the NOWATCH.

The NOWATCH can also send the wearer gentle nudges via vibrations when they need to be notified of a health metric. The current retailing price is $363, and you can choose from a range of gemstones to replace what would be a display upon purchase.

7. Zero Distance WeHead Device

Communicating with loved ones from afar can sometimes feel pretty jarring. And, these days, many of us rely on video calls to keep in touch with those we care about.

With the WeHead, this distance could be made less of an issue. On first impressions, the WeHead is by no means unusual in appearance. This device consists of various screens that can resemble face-to-face interactions. The combination of screens is designed to resemble a human head, allowing for more intimacy in long-distance conversations.

While the WeHead is certainly a little weird to look at, it may prove very useful for those who have to conduct virtual meetings regularly or keep in touch with loved ones via video call.

8. L'Oreal

l'oreal brow magic product page image screenshot
Image Credit: L'oreal

If you're into makeup, you likely know how frustrating the brow-shaping process can be. Shading and symmetry are both things that makeup wearers consider when styling their eyebrows, and this can often be a time-consuming process. But can this be made any easier?

Well, L'Oreal may provide a solution here. At the show, L'Oreal unveiled the Brow Magic eyebrow printer. This device uses 2,400 tiny nozzles to produce an incredible 1,200 drops of product per inch. This can give users a sleek, precise eyebrow shape in a matter of seconds, taking out all the fuss that comes with styling eyebrows manually.

The Brow Magic device uses L’Oréal’s Modiface AR technology to map the user's face and can even make cosmetic recommendations based on this scan.

9. BLOK Smart Cutting Board

Ever thought "I wish this cutting board had smart capabilities"? Regardless of your answer, this is now a reality. At this year's CES, BLOK showcased its smart cutting board; a wooden cutting board that connects to a touchscreen interface. This screen allows you to watch live online culinary tutorials as you cook a meal so that you can learn how to cook healthy and tasty meals at home.

screenshot of blok smart board from website
Image Credit: BLOK

This board is by no means cheap. With a current retail price of $699, it's definitely something of an investment for those who want to use innovative tech to improve their culinary skills.

CES 2023 Unveiled Some Weird and Wonderful Tech

At CES 2023, innovation came to life with an array of intriguing new consumer tech products. The unusual devices listed above remind us that there is still much to come in the tech industry that can enhance our lives, regardless of how unusual it may seem.