Captain America hates you, CES

Dear CES, Captain America is not here for your bullshit. 

As the tech journalists of the world converge en masse this week on the annual Las Vegas consumer electronics show known as CES, Chris Evans — the actor who famously stars as Captain America in the Marvel cinematic universe — tweeted a message seemingly tailored to dunk on the convention’s entire raison d’etre. Namely, that so-called “smart” gadgets are trash. 

“Dear All Technology,” wrote the embodiment of a certain kind of American fantasy, “Remember the 90’s when you just WORKED??? I don’t need a ‘smart’ feature on my TV, thermostat, lights, music, refrigerator, security cameras, and f-ing car.”

And let’s be real, he’s not wrong. Gadgets are becoming needlessly complicated to use and operate, and the very features touted at places like CES are often more hinderance than help. 

CES is perhaps most famous for its collection of largely worthless self-described smart gadgets trumpeted by the tech behemoths of the world. Can I interest you in home appliances integrated with an “AI platform?” Or how about a bulky machine to slowly fold your pants? Or maybe a $6,000 stuffed animal? You’ll definitely want to see this smart underwear that controls your smart home, too. CES has it all, along with plenty of other dumb stuff. 

The smart TVs, thermostats, lights, and refrigerators that Evans rails against are CES’s bread and butter. They also kinda suck. 

Surprisingly, even Elon Musk (who some refer to as the real-life Iron Man), chimed in. Although, as someone who fills Tesla cars with bloatware, his take on the matter is a little less unambiguous. 

But back to the Captain. 

“You’re a major pain in all of our asses,” writes Evans of the useless features plaguing his and our lives. “You’re not worth it. Signed, Everyone.”

Never stop speaking truth to power, Cap.