Get ready for CES 2026, where the future of technology will be unveiled in Las Vegas starting January 6th. If you’re curious about what groundbreaking innovations to expect, this guide breaks down the key trends. Companies are already teasing new products, and early announcements suggest a show far more vibrant than anticipated, largely fueled by the resurgence of artificial intelligence across all sectors. This year’s event promises to be a pivotal moment, showcasing a renewed sense of ambition in the tech industry. We’ll explore the major themes that will dominate the halls of CES 2026 and what they mean for consumers. CES 2026 is poised to be a showcase of AI’s pervasive influence, with nearly every gadget imaginable set to feature some form of artificial intelligence. From major players like Samsung and LG to emerging startups, the narrative will heavily feature AI enhancements. While some AI applications might genuinely improve product functionality, many are expected to be superficial, promising more than they deliver. Tech reporters will navigate a landscape filled with AI-infused laptops, mobile devices, home appliances, and transportation systems, similar to the widespread adoption of Wi-Fi. The question of whether AI is truly necessary for devices like washing machines or refrigerators will be a recurring theme, alongside the push to integrate AI into everyday home appliances. Featured snippet paragraph: The answer is that CES 2026 will prominently feature artificial intelligence integrated into a vast array of devices, from personal gadgets to home appliances, with a strong focus on AI’s role in enhancing user experience and driving innovation across the tech landscape. The surge in smart glasses is another significant trend to watch at CES 2026. Following last year’s previews, expect an avalanche of new smart glasses from various companies, all vying to establish them as the next major post-smartphone device. The challenge lies in balancing style, utility, and affordability while integrating AI capabilities. While some companies may claim to have found the perfect formula, the reality is that a truly seamless smart glasses experience, with high-quality displays, robust battery life, and comprehensive AI features, remains the ultimate goal. The diversity in smart glasses design will continue to expand, with offerings ranging from those with advanced waveguide displays to simpler AI-focused models for photography and music. Video glasses are also evolving, incorporating XR functions to provide more computing-like experiences previously found only in bulkier headsets. By the end of CES 2026, the focus will be on the widening variety of designs rather than a single dominant blueprint, with smart glasses significantly outnumbering XR and VR headsets as the metaverse takes a backseat to AI. TV technology will once again be a focal point at CES 2026, with manufacturers pushing advanced display innovations like micro RGB and WOLED. While consumers may not grasp the technical jargon, TV makers will emphasize how these technologies enhance visual experiences, even if the differences are subtle to the untrained eye. The integration of AI into new televisions will be a key area of interest, potentially replacing older voice assistants like Google Assistant with more advanced models. The concern is that much of this AI integration might be superficial, masquerading as utility, similar to AI-powered screensavers or motion smoothing features that can detract from movie viewing. Refresh rates will also be pushed higher, with TVs boasting 120Hz, 165Hz, and even 240Hz to compete on specifications. The automotive and mobility sector will command a significant presence at CES 2026, extending beyond traditional car shows. Expect a continuous stream of electric vehicles (EVs) with impressive performance and integrated displays, alongside e-bikes and e-scooters that blur the lines with motorcycles. While flying cars and personal quadcopters might make appearances, their practicality remains questionable. A notable trend will be the return of physical, tactile controls in car interiors. After the dominance of touchscreen dashboards, car manufacturers and consumers are recognizing the benefits of physical buttons and dials for ease of use while driving. This shift aims to enhance differentiation and character in vehicles, offering a more intuitive user experience compared to navigating complex touchscreen menus. AI will also find its way into car dashboards, alongside ongoing promises for self-driving technology. The smart home ecosystem at CES 2026 will be heavily influenced by AI retrofitting, meaning it might not sound entirely groundbreaking. While voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa are receiving backend upgrades to more intelligent versions, their practical execution is still a work in progress. The need for separate modes for smart home controls and conversational AI highlights that this integration is far from seamless. A more exciting development in the smart home space will be the convergence of intelligence with robotics. This includes humanoid robots capable of performing household chores and advanced robot vacuums that can navigate stairs. These personal robots, though likely not commercially available at affordable prices soon, will offer a glimpse into the potential of achieving the sci-fi dream of domestic robotic assistance. Beyond these major trends, CES 2026 will also showcase the usual array of consumer electronics. Attendees can expect new laptops and PCs, home entertainment systems, wearables, audio devices, cameras, and a wide range of accessories. The show serves as a comprehensive preview of what the future of technology might look like, offering a spectacle of ideas and innovations that shape our understanding of what’s possible. how to prepare for CES 2026, what is AI in smart home, CES 2026 vs CES 2025, best smart glasses for everyday use, AI for beginners explained, CES 2026 news today, Samsung news, best EVs 2026, AI explained
