{"title": "Engadget Spotlights Standout Innovations from CES 2026 in Las Vegas", "body": ["More than 4,000 companies gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada, this week to present their latest inventions at CES 2026. The Engadget staff, true to form, attended extensively to report on the event. The proceedings kicked off with keynotes from major corporations, dominated by artificial intelligence terminology, ambiguous commitments, and scant concrete announcements."], ["Several firms opted to skip product reveals during their presentations in favor of extended AI discussions, opting instead to issue understated press statements afterward confirming new consumer devices. This approach aligns with the emerging financial repercussions from the AI sector's heavy demand for processing power, including rising energy costs and gadget expenses, prompting businesses to emphasize AI's essential qualities in high-profile sessions over detailing fresh offerings to audiences."], ["Engadget's coverage isn't dismissive of AI advancements, yet our reporters found greater enthusiasm in practical devices that enhance daily experiences compared to refinements in generative AI systems. Beyond the spectacle of NVIDIA's lengthy address and Lenovo's extravagant yet uninspiring performance at the Sphere venue, our group relished examining an assortment of unconventional tools, household items, playthings, and automated assistants competing for notice."], ["After days of thorough debates and enthusiastic demonstrations, the CES coverage team narrowed down numerous items viewed into top selections. Beginning with a preliminary list of about 50 options spanning various sectors, the process concluded with 15 standout choices and one overall highlight."], ["For those following our updates throughout the event, expect additional insights soon— we've already released nearly 200 pieces from the convention, but much remains to share. In the meantime, these are our selections, each presented by the team member most acquainted with it. — Aaron Souppouris, Editor-in-chief"], ["Numerous robotic displays at CES 2026 revealed compelling and practical functions. Although many machines captivated us, few manufacturers pledged imminent availability. Switchbot's Onero H1 stood out as a domestic assistant the firm plans to market this year, demonstrated by tasks like gathering laundry and placing it into a washer."], ["The demonstration was constrained, yet Switchbot asserts the robot assists with various home tasks, albeit potentially at a slower pace than people. Its endearing appearance adds appeal. Pricing details are pending, but the bot is expected to retail below $10,000. Such a cost remains prohibitive for many, yet it signals potential real-world deployment beyond the exhibition halls. — Karissa Bell, Senior reporter"], ["WheelMove provides an uncomplicated enhancement for standard wheelchairs, easing traversal over challenging terrains such as lawns and irregular soil trails. This attachment mounts to the front frame, elevating the front casters while offering motorized support across five velocity settings. Portable and boasting roughly 15 miles of range—complete with swappable batteries—it expands mobility for users into otherwise inaccessible spots. It also prevents acceleration on declines."], ["This innovation appears poised for practical release and meaningful impact. It extends current wheelchair modifications to tackle a genuine challenge without unnecessary complexity, compatible with existing models. — Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend editor"], ["Among the many televisions on view this year, LG's OLED Evo W6 particularly halted observers with its design. Reviving the firm's slim 'Wallpaper TV' concept, this version measures slimmer than a pencil in thickness and operates independently of any sound system. It employs LG's cordless transmission unit to minimize wires, leaving only the power cable visible."], ["Moreover, the OLED Evo W6 incorporates LG's newest panel advancements, delivering approximately 20 percent greater luminosity than prior iterations. Display tests showcased exceptional clarity, deep blacks, and high contrast typical of OLED excellence. Powered down, it blends seamlessly into surroundings, especially from oblique views, functioning as decorative art. — Devindra Hardawar, Senior reporter"], ["Subtle's Voicebuds distinguish themselves among earphones by integrating an AI system optimized for precise voice-to-text conversion in loud settings or soft murmurs in serene ones. Tested amid the noisy CES environment, they successfully captured multiple phrases. Limitations include dependency on online connectivity for optimal AI features and a required subscription to the companion application; offline, it defaults to a basic onboard processor."], ["Further evaluation is needed, but these buds intrigue due to the scarcity of truly beneficial AI-integrated devices. It's noteworthy that a small enterprise is challenging giants like Apple with such hardware. — Devindra Hardawar, Senior reporter"], ["The most compelling connected home products at CES avoided AI or automation gimmicks. While brands like Bosch, LG, and Samsung infused their latest home tech with those trends, IKEA debuted at the show with straightforward Matter-supported outlets, detectors, lights, and controllers at budget-friendly rates. This blend of utility and affordability echoes IKEA's hallmark, underscoring a welcome push toward accessible smart ecosystems."], ["The collection comprises 21 interoperable items, such as a $6 LED bulb, $8 outlet adapter, $6 controller, and various monitors. A $15 spherical bulb offers aesthetic appeal. At last, an attractive smart light under $50 exists. The BILREA controller excels with user-friendly operation for IKEA gear and a magnetic holder to prevent misplacement. These require a central hub, either IKEA's DIRIGERA or an existing compatible one. Availability is set for IKEA online and physical locations in January. — Amy Skorheim, Senior reporter"], ["Brands often tout soundbars with integrated bass rivaling dedicated subwoofers, but results seldom match claims, even with novel solutions. Samsung's HW-QS90H employs a Quad Bass configuration where drivers oscillate bidirectionally for superior low-frequency output than typical bars achieve solo. It retains last year's adaptable mounting feature, allowing horizontal placement or wall attachment, with sensors auto-calibrating audio. For those seeking robust sound without a bulky subwoofer, this could fulfill that desire by year's end. — Billy Steele, Deputy editor"], ["Open-ear headphones rarely achieve effective active noise reduction due to unsealed designs, yet Shokz's OpenFit Pro succeeds where others falter. The ear-hanging style keeps audio devices external for environmental awareness. When isolation is desired, its suppression mechanism effectively mutes ambient noise in settings like cafes or workplaces. The comfort of avoiding canal insertion is a bonus, alongside upgraded transducers for better audio and Dolby Atmos integration. — Billy Steele, Deputy editor"], ["Battery-operated outdoor equipment makers have gained prominence at CES, but Tone Outdoors diverges as an offshoot of aviation firm Whisper Aero. Drawing from quiet propulsion tech for aircraft, it yielded the T1 leaf blower."], ["At 52 decibels maximum, the T1 is far quieter than comparable gas-powered units, while delivering 880 CFM. It sustains longer operation, with a forthcoming harness pack for extended sessions. The key benefit is minimizing disturbance during landscaping tasks for users and bystanders alike. — Billy Steele, Deputy editor"], ["Lego continually innovates, but Smart Play marks a substantial leap. This platform upgrades traditional bricks into interactive experiences via embedded Smart Bricks containing stud-sized chips for detecting motion, hues, and closeness, plus miniature audio output to animate constructions."], ["Primarily versatile, the bricks pair with Smart Tags and figures to unlock novel interactions. Debuting with Star Wars kits, it enables scenarios like an X-Wing versus TIE fighter battle, complete with engine sounds, dialogue, and explosion effects upon impacts. Setup-free, it prioritizes play without technical distractions—simply assemble and engage. — Nathan Ingraham, Deputy editor"], ["This recognition honors both Dell's newest high-end portables and the brand's corrective actions. Following last year's controversial shift away from the XPS branding to 'Premium' despite backlash, Dell has reversed course at CES 2026, unveiling XPS 14 and 16 models that recapture the line's essence."], ["These feature refreshed enclosures with current Intel processors, stunning dual-layer OLED screens, and meticulous craftsmanship echoing past favorites. The larger XPS 16 sheds a full pound from its predecessor via refined builds. Addressing prior feedback, Dell restored physical function keys over touch alternatives and divided touch surfaces for clearer navigation."], ["Dell plans further expansion, previewing an ultra-slim XPS 13 for later release, plus slots for two additional variants soon. — Sam Rutherford, Senior reporter"], ["Updating eyeglass prescriptions often involves time-consuming appointments, but Eyebot's automated station streamlines this to mere minutes via self-service. Blending mechanical and digital elements, it swiftly determines vision needs, with results verified by certified optometrists for reliability. Hands-on trials confirmed its accuracy against recent professional exams. Its potential to broaden and cheapen eye care access surpasses the innovation alone. — Daniel Cooper, Senior reporter"], ["The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo impresses despite its bulk, eccentricity, and setup demands—ideal for gamers craving extra displays. The secondary screen aids multitasking like chats or references, even if unused during intense play. Dual high-quality OLEDs reach 1,100 nits with precise colors for multimedia editing. Abundant connectivity and up to NVIDIA RTX 5090 graphics ensure top-tier capabilities. — Sam Rutherford, Senior reporter"], ["Though unveiled in Korea, CES 2026 offered hands-on views of Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold, a 10-inch tablet folding into a 6.5-inch phone."], ["Shifting to a near 4:3 ratio from squarer priors enhances usability for media, reading, and input. Its expansive, vibrant AMOLED suits full films, with smooth unfolding and solid build. Specs mirror premium Galaxies: 200MP camera and largest foldable battery to date. Expect high cost, potentially $2,500 in the US based on Korean pricing. — Mat Smith, UK bureau chief"], ["Prototype gadgets pose evaluation challenges, as promising ideas may prove unfeasible or specialized. Lenovo's Legion Pro Rollable concept, however, offers a straightforward yet transformative idea: a laptop whose display extends laterally on command."], ["Modifying a base Legion Pro 7i, it replaces the 16-inch panel with a stretchable one reaching 23.8 inches, with intermediate options yielding 16:10, 21:9, or 24:9 ratios—perfect for immersive simulations. Fully extended, its form is somewhat awkward, but among CES prototypes, this holds strong potential for commercialization. — Sam Rutherford, Senior reporter"], ["IXI's adjustable-focus eyewear emerged as a compelling late contender, potentially revolutionizing frames stagnant since mid-century. Employing a sophisticated, sensor-free gaze monitor via efficient LEDs and detectors, it tracks ocular shifts and lens convergence to adjust a fluid crystal overlay, toggling focus in 0.2 seconds. Shifting attention resets to standard correction, mimicking advanced progressives without bulk."], ["IXI advances toward production, partnering with European optics firms and pursuing approvals for launch. — Mat Smith, UK bureau chief"], ["CES exemplifies the fleeting nature of tech fads, having propelled enduring inventions like video recorders, optical discs, thin TVs, and handheld organizers, while others fade."], ["Lego contrasts typical show debuts, upholding creative assembly amid incremental block and partnership expansions."], ["Revealed at Lego's inaugural CES event, Smart Play thoughtfully embeds tech into timeless toys. The stud-scale chip in Smart Bricks detects surroundings for enriched interactions. Launching via three Star Wars collections, broader applications are anticipated."], ["Our staff embraced it warmly, with Deputy editor Nathan Ingraham assembling kits and interviewing developers. Amid screen-time concerns, its app-free, display-less initiation encourages direct building. As our Best of Show, it exemplifies tech enhancing play without overshadowing it. — Aaron Souppouris, Editor-in-chief"]}