During CES 2023, a wealth of new hardware, gadgets, and technology was unveiled. Some of these innovations will make it to market, but many will become vaporware and never see the light of day. Over the past week, we have been publishing many of the mainstream unveils and showcases at the event. However, iFixit has set up their own Show Award ceremony for the worst gadgets they found at the Consumer Electronics Show this year. Check out the video below to see which gadgets and technologies won the Worst in Show Awards at CES 2023 according to iFixit.
iFixit’s Worst in Show Awards
The Worst in Show Awards is a unique initiative by iFixit to highlight the least impressive gadgets showcased at CES. The awards focus on products that are the least private, least secure, least repairable, and least sustainable. This year, iFixit teamed up with Repair.org, PIRG, SecuRepairs, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Consumer Reports, and JerryRigEverything to present these awards.
When buying technology, “One thing that everybody needs to ask themselves…is this company selling something to me, or are they selling me to other people?” – Cindy Cohn, Executive Director, Electronic Frontier Foundation.
“At the Consumer Electronics Show, tech companies announce their upcoming products. The Worst in Show Awards draws attention to the least private, least secure, least repairable, and least sustainable gadgets announced. To present these awards, iFixit is teaming up with Repair.org, PIRG, SecuRepairs, the EFF, Consumer Reports, and JerryRigEverything.”
Criteria for the Worst in Show Awards
The criteria for the Worst in Show Awards are stringent and focus on several key aspects:
1. Privacy: Products that fail to protect user data or have invasive data collection practices.
2. Security: Gadgets that are vulnerable to hacking or have poor security measures.
3. Repairability: Devices that are difficult or impossible to repair, leading to electronic waste.
4. Sustainability: Products that are not environmentally friendly or contribute to significant waste.
For example, a gadget that requires proprietary tools for repair or has components glued together would score poorly on repairability. Similarly, a device that collects excessive user data without proper security measures would be flagged for privacy and security concerns.
The awards serve as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant about the products they purchase and to consider the long-term implications of their technology choices. By highlighting these issues, iFixit and its partners aim to encourage better practices in the tech industry.
Notable Mentions
While the Worst in Show Awards focus on the negative aspects, it’s also worth mentioning some of the products that narrowly missed the list but still raised concerns. For instance, several smart home devices showcased at CES 2023 had questionable data privacy practices. These devices often collect a significant amount of personal data, which can be a concern if not properly secured.
Another example is the rise of single-use gadgets that contribute to electronic waste. These products are often marketed as convenient solutions but have a short lifespan and are difficult to recycle. The tech industry needs to address these issues to create more sustainable and user-friendly products.
The Worst in Show Awards at CES 2023 by iFixit and its partners highlight the importance of privacy, security, repairability, and sustainability in consumer electronics. As consumers, it’s crucial to be aware of these factors and make informed decisions when purchasing new technology.
Source: iFixit
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