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rollable OLED displays that expand to multiple times their initial dimensions, to domestic robots that struggle to fold laundry at the proficiency of a toddler. Yet beyond the conventional array of ever-slimmer TVs and “smart” refrigerators that nobody asked for resides a distinctly odd collection of products. These items either impress you with their inventiveness or leave you baffled by their absurdity. It’s a delicate balance, and I’ll leave it to you to determine which category these products fall into.

In reality, many of the ideas on this list will never materialize. Some are a transparent attempt to capture the attention of media outlets (guilty!), some are prototypes of items that may ultimately reach the market with significantly altered features, while others can be pre-ordered right now. You need not wait to purchase some of the finest CES gadgets. But these are the most bizarre, each in its unique way.

“Blue Eye Samurai” is a groundbreaking, captivating adult animated saga available for streaming on Netflix. It fuses samurai action, identity conflicts, and breathtaking visuals into a truly bingeable experience. The animation is brought to life by the husband-and-wife duo of Michael Green and Amber Noizumi, crafted with stunning hybrid animation by the French studio Blue Spirit. Currently, the show consists of one season with eight episodes, but it has been renewed for a second season, anticipated to debut sometime in 2026.

The narrative centers on Mizu, a half-Japanese ronin on a quest for revenge set in Edo-period Japan. Her journey consists not only of battles against foes but also of overcoming her internal struggles. “Blue Eye Samurai” has been met with tremendous acclaim from both audiences and critics alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series enjoys an outstanding 97% critics’ rating. Reviews commend its visual splendor, engaging characters, and cinematic appeal. This near-perfect rating places “Blue Eye Samurai” among Netflix’s top series, alongside titles like Stranger Things, Squid Game, and Arcane.

Moreover, beyond impressive statistics, this series has already garnered several prestigious awards. It claimed the Primetime Emmy and Annie Awards for its animation and design. Even with just one season available, “Blue Eye Samurai” has emerged not only as a viewer favorite but also as a critically celebrated landmark in mature animated narratives.

What is Blue Eye Samurai about?

In the 17th century, Japan was a land of tranquility, stability, and isolation under the Tokugawa shogunate. The nation’s borders were shut, and xenophobia thrived in society. This serves as the backdrop for “Blue Eye Samurai.” The storyline follows Mizu, a determined blue-eyed master swordsman, who was deemed an outcast from birth due to her mixed heritage. In a world eager to render her invisible, Mizu transforms her banishment into a destiny forged by vengeance. Concealing her gender, she embarks on a bloody path toward those she holds responsible for her anguish.

Mizu’s quest leads her through beautiful landscapes and perilous alleys as she hunts for retribution. Throughout her journey, she encounters various colorful companions. Ringo, an eager yet disabled soba chef, aspires for glory. Taigen, a headstrong samurai, challenges her both in combat and spirit. Lastly, Princess Akemi realizes that her royal confinement mirrors Mizu’s societal restrictions.

At the conclusion of the first season of this remarkable show, Mizu’s journey culminates in a crucial showdown with Abijah Fowler, one of her four targets. This encounter reframes her vengeance as a complex odyssey—one of violence and self-discovery—setting the stage for the anticipated second season of “Blue Eyed Samurai.”

The story behind Mizu’s blue eyes

Beneath the clash of katanas and the jangle of colliding steel, “Blue Eye Samurai” is equally a tale of inner turmoil. Each duel Mizu faces reflects her internal struggles. A mixed-race woman with striking blue eyes that serve as a painful reminder of her shame, Mizu’s life is a continuous battle against rejection and self-hatred. Her mission to take down the men who represent her origins transcends mere revenge; it’s a deep-rooted fight with her self-identity, the yearning for acceptance, and the desire to validate her existence in a society that perceives her as a “creature of shame.”

Mizu’s internal dilemmas are complex. She conceals her gender and represses parts of her being to endure. The conflict between her true self and her necessary facade is tangible. Each violent moment throughout the series leads Mizu to question whether her vengeance will ultimately yield her peace. Will she find healing, or will the scars of her past only deepen? The series delves into the ramifications of revenge, illustrating how obsession alienates Mizu and blurs the boundary between justice and self-destruction. This refreshing narrative approach positions the animation among the 100 best shows on Netflix, prompting the audience to reflect on the genuine cost of vengeance, the allure of imperfection, and the bravery involved in self-acceptance.

LG’s latest robot, CLOiD, does much more than simply fold laundry. It is capable of communicating with various home appliances, particularly those manufactured by LG, and can take on additional household tasks — such as loading the washing machine, washing dishes, and preparing meals.

Introduced at CES 2026, LG CLOiD is a part of the company’s “Zero Labor Home” initiative, which aims to have smart machines and robots take on the routine household tasks that humans perform. The forthcoming robot won’t just fold clothes at home after it becomes available for purchase. It will also have the capability to load the washing machine, showcased in a demonstration by LG at CES. Moreover, LG revealed a new two-in-one washer/dryer appliance that can complete the laundry cycle while users are away. CLOiD will then be responsible for folding the laundry and managing other features of the smart home. A video presented by LG displayed the robot working in tandem with the air conditioning unit and lighting system to regulate the home’s temperature and illumination. Additionally, the robot can connect with a smart refrigerator to check available ingredients and heat meals using a smart oven.

Regrettably, LG has not provided any information regarding the availability of CLOiD. While the new robot might captivate consumers, no release date or pricing information has been disclosed to date.

Idris Elba is back for Season 2 of “Hijack” on Apple TV, reprising his character Sam Nelson, an expert in corporate negotiations. Directed by Jim Field Smith, the new season is set two years after the conclusion of Season 1. This time, Nelson finds himself on a packed underground train in Berlin that has been seized. As he navigates the high-pressure scenario on the train, law enforcement works to handle the crisis from above ground. Joining Elba are returning cast members Christine Adams, Archie Panjabi, and Max Beesley, along with new additions Clare-Hope Ashitey, Lisa Vicari, and Toby Jones. The premiere episode is now available for streaming, with new episodes debuting every Wednesday until March 4, 2026, for this eight-episode season. Despite receiving mixed audience feedback, the show has garnered critical praise, with Sherin Nicole from RogerEbert.com describing it as “an intensely watchable series that keeps your attention and anxiety up.” Fans can also binge the first season on Apple TV.

Apple officially ended the iPod’s production in 2022, even though the final model was launched in 2019. The termination of the iPod series signified the conclusion of standalone music players from the brand. One reason Apple ceased the iPod after two decades is that most users now enjoy music on their smartphones. Even though the iPod is no longer available, it does not imply that the market for dedicated music devices has vanished. Several companies continue to manufacture and offer iPod substitutes that you can purchase if you’re still interested in having a specific gadget for music playback. You’ll discover a range of choices, but distinguishing the quality options from the lesser ones may prove challenging.

To prevent any buyer’s remorse, we are here to assist you in making an educated choice by presenting the top iPod substitutes on the market that are favored by numerous users. Whether you wish to upgrade from your previous iPod or are seeking your very first dedicated music player to enjoy tunes as you used to, we have you covered. All the items we have reviewed boast excellent ratings and feedback from users online and excel at their primary purpose — playing music.

iPhones or Android devices might not be pleased with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) ruling on Monday, which granted the carrier permission to bind handsets to its network for a duration longer than the prior 60-day minimum. This waiver is in place as of Tuesday, meaning Verizon is only required to adhere to the CTIA’s voluntary unlocking guidelines. The CTIA recommends unlocking prepaid devices one year post-activation. Postpaid units may be unlocked once a contract concludes, which could entail settling a financing plan or early termination fee.

Verizon’s advantage could complicate the process for consumers wishing to switch carriers. Transitioning to a superior plan from AT&T, T-Mobile, or a smaller rival becomes trickier if the device remains connected to Verizon’s network. This is predicated on the subscriber’s desire to continue using the same device and having several months remaining on their carrier agreement. The new conditions of the waiver go into effect for all new phone activations the day after the FCC’s directive, or January 13. Consequently, buyers of iPhone and Android devices who acquired a phone prior to the approval of Verizon’s petition will continue to benefit from the earlier regulation.

Organizations such as Consumer Reports, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, iFixit, and others opposed Verizon’s request, contending that the 60-day unlock policy was beneficial to consumers and competition. Likewise, the cable lobbying group NCTA condemned the FCC’s ruling, claiming that unlocked devices support smartphone buyers.

a gaming laptop from a prominent manufacturer. For those aiming to eliminate all but the fundamental aspects of a portable computer, leading PC brand HP has introduced the EliteBoard, a complete PC system packed into a keyboard’s framework.

Recognized at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show Innovation Awards, the HP EliteBoard is a mobile PC tailored specifically for both shared and dedicated work environments, especially those featuring a communal pool of available screens. Simply connect the EliteBoard to any monitor, and you can commence work, with all your files and functionalities concealed within the keyboard. As of now, HP has not disclosed the price or specific release date for this innovative device, though it aims for a launch period in March 2026.