Top 5 innovations that stole the show at CES 2025
Every year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) gives us a glimpse into the future, unveiling groundbreaking technologies and products that push the boundaries of innovation. CES 2025, which took place in Las Vegas from 7 January to 11 January, did not disappoint. Here are five of the coolest products unveiled at the event
Lenovo unveils world's first rollable laptop
We bet that many of those who work on laptops have often wished for slightly larger screens. Sometimes it feels like the screen real estate is not enough.
Well, wish no more! Lenovo has launched a laptop with a rollable screen, fulfilling a promise long anticipated by tech enthusiasts. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 rollable AI laptop offers a display that expands with the press of a button.
The laptop features a 14-inch OLED display that can extend to 16.7 inches. By pressing a button on the keyboard, users can roll the screen upwards, creating a taller display. The screen unfolds from beneath the keyboard, powered by a motor that takes a few seconds to complete the transformation. When the screen is extended, Windows 11 immediately adjusts to the new resolution. Users can also trigger the screen extension by using a hand gesture in front of the webcam.
This unique rollable design is ideal for working on documents, coding, or viewing content created for vertical screens. Lenovo has also developed software that allows the lower portion of the extended screen to function as a virtual second display, effectively creating two separate workspaces within one device.
According to a Forbes hands-on report, the rollable laptop has impressive stability. Despite initial concerns about balance due to the taller screen, the device remained firmly planted on the desk, even with vigorous typing. The laptop will be available in June this year, for a price tag of $3,500.
Honda Zero series futuristic EVs to hit the roads soon
Honda has revealed its new battery-electric vehicles, the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon, set for production in 2026.
The Honda 0 SUV features a retro-inspired design with fold-down tables in the rear cargo area, while the Honda 0 Saloon has sleek lines and unique headlights resembling the 1980s Lamborghini Countach. Both cars showcase innovative interiors with a wide dashboard screen.
According to a report from The Verge, these vehicles will also debut Honda's new Asimo OS, named after the company's retired humanoid robot. The system promises "ultra-personal optimisation" and will support Level 3 automated driving, allowing drivers to disengage under certain conditions.
Honda also announced a partnership with Japanese semiconductor manufacturer Renesas to create a new system-on-a-chip, reducing the number of electronic control units in future vehicles. This move aims to streamline systems for better performance.
LeafyPod aims to keep your indoor plants alive with AI support
Struggling to keep your houseplants alive? Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes, but there are many ways plants can suffer. A new smart planter, revealed at CES 2025, aims to help plant lovers by giving plants a way to tell you what they need.
It is an AI-powered planter designed to teach you how to care for your plants. The smart planter connects to a mobile app, letting your Marble Pothos or other leafy friends "ask" for water, sunlight, or better humidity when needed.
Once you download the LeafyPod app, you select the type of plant you have. The planter then learns how your plant and its soil respond to watering, reports CNET. After a few uses, LeafyPod creates a custom watering schedule and sends alerts if the plant needs more light or should be moved due to temperature changes.
The built-in water reservoir can hold enough water for four weeks, so even when you are chilling on a long vacation, your plant stays healthy.
The LeafyPod, first launched on Kickstarter, is now available for preorder. It is currently priced at $140 and is expected to ship this April, according to its website.
Anker launches the umbrella you did not know you needed
Ever worried about your phone dying during a day at the beach? Anker has the perfect solution. The company unveiled the Solix Solar Beach Umbrella, a product designed to generate solar power and provide shade, transforming beach days into high-tech adventures.
This umbrella features advanced perovskite solar cells, which can produce up to 100W of power through XT-60 and USB-C connections. With this impressive power output, users can charge a range of electronic devices without worrying about running out of battery. Anker's new Solix EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler, a battery-powered cooler, can also be powered by the umbrella for extended use under sunny skies.
According to an Engadget report, its perovskite solar cells perform 30% better in bright sunlight and are twice as efficient in low light compared to traditional silicon cells. This helps the umbrella gather solar energy even when the sunshine is not strong.
The Solix Solar Beach Umbrella is tough enough for harsh weather, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. While Anker has yet to reveal the official price, the company plans to release the umbrella in the spring or summer of 2025.
Aptera aims to revolutionise green mobility
What if your car charges itself while you drive? The future of green technology in vehicles is here. Aptera Motors, a California-based startup, revealed its solar electric vehicle (sEV), a three-wheeled design that promises to change the future of transportation.
The sEV features advanced solar technology that provides up to 64 kilometres (40 miles) of range per day from sunlight alone. In sunny regions, this can add up to 10,000 kilometres (6,200 miles) annually, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
The vehicle's solar panels are placed on the hood, roof, dash, and rear hatch, while its lightweight carbon fibre design enhances energy efficiency by minimising weight and drag. According to a report from CNET, with a maximum range of 640 kilometres (400 miles) on a single charge and the ability to fully recharge in under an hour, the sEV is built for everyday commuting.
Aptera's production-ready sEV has already gained nearly 50,000 reservations. While solar-powered cars have been a long-held dream, Aptera's approach represents a major leap forward. However, challenges remain in scaling production and educating consumers about solar mobility