Beyond the Hype: 7 Non-AI Gadgets That Stole the Show at IFA 2025

The show floor at IFA 2025. Credit: ZDNET

While AI dominates tech headlines, IFA 2025 revealed a refreshing counter-narrative: Some of the most compelling innovations solve real-world problems through clever engineering rather than algorithms. ZDNET's Maria Diaz identified seven standout gadgets that prioritize utility over hype, demonstrating how hardware innovation continues to reshape our daily lives.

1. Philips Hue MotionAware via Bridge Pro

Philips' new Hue Bridge Pro transforms existing smart lights into wireless motion sensors using signal disruption detection. By clustering lights to monitor signal interference patterns, the system detects movement without cameras or dedicated sensors. This retrofit approach leverages 150+ compatible Hue bulbs, demonstrating how ecosystem synergy creates new capabilities from existing hardware.

2. Rokid Smart Glasses

Weighing just 1.7 ounces, Rokid's AR glasses pack a 12MP camera, spatial audio, and GPT-5 integration into sunglasses-form eyewear. Unlike bulkier competitors, their focus on wearability and real-time translation in 89 languages shows how AR can integrate into daily life beyond niche applications.

3. Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone

This robot vacuum/mop combo eliminates disposable dust bags with its revolutionary cyclonic emptying system. Its 6,400mAh battery gains 6% charge in just three minutes using GaN technology, enabling continuous cleaning of spaces up to 10,700 sq ft. The self-washing mop and edge-cleaning capabilities showcase how robotics are maturing beyond novelty status.

4. Eufy Marswalker

Solving a persistent pain point in home robotics, the Marswalker transports robot vacuums between floors using adaptive rubber tracks. Its stair-climbing ability finally enables whole-home automation without manual relocation, signaling a new phase in practical home robotics integration.

5. Olight Ostation 2

This clever charging station eliminates battery waste by automatically sorting and charging mixed AA/AAA batteries. Its contact-release mechanism prevents overcharging—a simple yet profound solution to a ubiquitous sustainability challenge in households worldwide.

6. Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro

With triple-camera color sampling, Govee's backlight system achieves near-instantaneous response to on-screen content. The precision and speed of its color matching demonstrate how ambient lighting evolves from gimmick to genuine viewing enhancement.

7. Roborock RockMow

Roborock's entry into robotic mowing brings LiDAR navigation and zoning precision from vacuums to lawn care. The flagship Z1 model's 54,000 sq ft daily capacity hints at how consumer robotics are expanding beyond indoor domains.

Maria Diaz/ZDNET

While AI grabs attention, these gadgets prove that fundamental engineering innovations—better batteries, smarter mechanics, and ecosystem thinking—continue to drive tangible improvements in consumer tech. As Diaz noted, the most impactful solutions often address mundane frustrations rather than chasing algorithmic complexity, reminding us that hardware excellence remains the foundation of meaningful technological progress.

Source: ZDNET