While most of CES is full of innovative products, there is a dark corner of the show majorly populated by complete and utter rip-offs. Primarily Chinese manufacturers fill this market with their “takes” on a variety of popular electronics, and this year we had a few favorites.
1) Fake Oculus Rift
Brand
It was actually impossible to even talk to the brand rep about these. She was wearing a unit and was so immersed in her virtual world she couldn’t be bothered to respond. They, um, must be as good as the real thing. Or she’s incredibly savvy at avoiding questions.
It’s also incredibly on point that this device is just called “Brand.”
2) Fake Apple Watches
Fake Apple Watches
We’ve already taken you on a deep tour of the CES Apple Watch fakery, but they clearly have to make the list of best knock-offs. Suffice to say people were very evasive when I expressed curiosity about these.
3) Fake Roomba
Fake Roomba
This rip-off Roomba certainly isn’t as lovable as the real deal, but at least it seemed like this thing worked just as well.
4) Fake Google Glass
VU:T
There are a variety of Google Glass wannabes out there, and these ones, called VU:T (some sort of abbreviation for “view tomorrow”) felt just as “meh” as the rest of them. They weren’t wireless, and had to be plugged in, and while the optics worked, they felt cheaper than a pair of knock-off Oakleys.
5) Fake Segway
Ninebot
For some reason, everyone is still trying to make the Segway happen. This Chinese company referred to their complete and utter copycat product as a “personal transportation robot” though, which is a pretty fun to blatantly clone something.
Photos via Taylor Hatmaker
