Govee Unveils Whimsical Pixel Light Products at CES 2025
At the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Govee has launched a captivating range of light products that emphasize entertainment rather than mere functionality. Unlike their earlier offerings such as lamps and festive lights, these latest gadgets exude a playful spirit, embracing a nostalgic, retro aesthetic reminiscent of classic pixelated designs. At the heart of this collection are unique digital displays capable of showcasing pixel art and animated GIFs, drawing parallels to the beloved Lite Brite.
The featured Pixel Light resembles a gaming device so much that one might mistakenly believe it supports gaming features. However, it serves as an expansive pixel display, allowing users to utilize the Govee app to customize its visual output.
While it lacks a touch screen—something that would have elevated the experience to a true Lite Brite feeling—it makes up for it through the app’s interface. With this DIY feature, users can sketch their designs directly on their devices, choosing from various colors, shapes, and tools. After finalizing the artwork, a simple tap on “apply” sends the masterpiece to the display.
The device also features a plethora of presets, showcasing categories like nature, sports, and food. This functionality stands out as the most practical application for the tablet, given that these images are polished and come with a variety of animated GIFs. Users can set live updates, displaying real-time data such as weather conditions, sports scores, and cryptocurrency prices. Furthermore, it can create patterns that react to music, including traditional 8-bit tunes.
Seeing a highly pixelated image paired with sweet 8-bit tunes evokes a rush of nostalgia for classic Nintendo games. Despite the product including static arcade images, its lack of animated GIF options comes off as a missed opportunity. One can only imagine the fun of displaying endless loops of iconic games like Frogger or Super Mario Bros.
The ability to upload personal images for display as pixelated art presents an intriguing, though somewhat flawed, feature. The output may not impress, yet it retains novelty for that unique touch.
Credit: Amanda Blum
An AI feature also allows users to generate images for the tablet, although results can vary significantly. Requests for characters like Rainbow Brite or Super Mario Bros. seem to baffle the AI; however, a simple request for a rainbow yields satisfactory results.
Lastly, creating a custom animated GIF is indeed possible. However, crafting one via your phone proves to be a challenging task, primarily due to the small size of the touch controls. The limited surface area makes it difficult to draw accurately, leading to a frustrating experience. While this clumsiness might be part of the intended playful charm, it detracts from the potential enjoyment of creating animated content.
The Pixel Light will be available in two dimensions: 5.75 x 7 inches and 5.75 x 10 inches. It includes mounting options for either wall or shelf display. Anticipated to launch in the summer, the retail price is estimated to fall between $100 and $200.
