As CES 2026 approaches its kickoff next week, attention turns to the fresh announcements expected there. Yet, prior to exploring the latest, it's worthwhile to check the status of last year's standout selections from Engadget to gauge their progress. Known for featuring unproven concepts, CES often sees delays, but fortunately, Engadget's choices tend to avoid empty promises. Among the CES 2025 honorees still pending release, the majority are scheduled for this year. For those lagging behind, the team plans to track them down during the upcoming event.
The ASUS Zenbook A14 caught attention at CES 2025 for its slim yet sturdy build, vibrant OLED display, and versatile connectivity options. Further evaluation revealed its limitations, however. Engadget reviewer Devindra Hardawar rated this slim laptop at 78 points, criticizing its underwhelming speed and high cost. Ultimately, it fell short of serving as a strong Windows alternative to the MacBook Air as initially anticipated.
BioLite had begun accepting pre-orders for its automated residential power backup unit during CES 2025. Although deliveries didn't occur last year, the company's site now offers reservations for a $100 deposit, with base prices projected to begin at $2,000. According to BioLite, shipments are set to commence this year.
Jackery entered CES 2025 as a prominent name in home solar solutions, showcasing its XBC bent solar tiles that mimic standard roofing materials while promising over 25 percent cell efficiency. The rollout has faced delays, but Jackery now anticipates availability in the United States shortly, priced from $1,100 to $1,300 per square meter based on customization and purchase method. Engadget's inquiry prompted Jackery to hint at several CES 2026 reveals, such as progress on the Solar Mars Robot project developed recently.
Lenovo's Legion Go S handheld was introduced at CES 2025 with commitments for dual variants: one on Windows 11 and another on SteamOS from Valve. The Windows edition launched soon after the show and met typical expectations. The SteamOS version, however, proved rewarding after the delay. In his summer assessment, Engadget's Sam Rutherford commended the device for its swift operation, vivid screen, and the user-friendly nature of SteamOS.
Engadget has long favored LG's OLED televisions at CES, and the 2025 lineup upheld that tradition. The premium evo M5 series stood out with a 165Hz refresh rate ideal for gaming, enhanced upscaling for non-4K sources, and a cable-free setup for signals. Priced at $4,300, it carries a premium tag, though LG often incorporates such advancements into budget-friendly models over time. Expect further refinements in OLED capabilities from the brand this year.
Among the endearing devices on Engadget's CES 2025 highlights was the Moonbuddy, a screen-free tool from Moonbird designed to assist children with relaxation and rest. Parents can purchase it immediately, with a current promotional price of $110.42 during Moonbird's year-end discount. When Engadget inquired about CES 2026 participation, the response came from an AI assistant named Luna, stating no details were available yet and directing to email for human follow-up.
The OhSnap MCON earned praise at CES 2025 for its straightforward concept of transforming smartphones into gaming devices reminiscent of the Xperia Play. Implementing features like durable Hall effect controls extended development time, preventing a 2025 launch. Pre-orders are now open at around $210, with deliveries expected to begin this year.
Several robot vacuums at CES 2025 featured articulating arms, but Roborock's Saros Z70 left the strongest mark as its top model. It didn't secure a spot in Engadget's vacuum recommendations due to more budget-friendly alternatives, yet for cutting-edge seekers, it's currently discounted to $2,000.
Yukai Engineering's Mirumi robot uniquely captured affection among CES 2025 exhibits, simply gazing and tilting its head to evoke smiles, which sufficed for a top award. Pre-orders are live via Kickstarter, launched early December and exceeding the $4,878 target to reach $267,170 at latest count. The drive concludes January 22, leaving room for backers to join.
Technics' EAH-AZ100 earphones generated buzz at CES 2025 as the introduction of innovative magnetic fluid drivers, aiming to surpass the clarity, precision, and low-end response of the acclaimed AZ80. Months later, audio specialist Billy Steele of Engadget scored them 85, declaring them among the finest-sounding earbuds from his extensive testing history.
For cycling fans, the Urtopia Titanium Zero e-bike from CES 2025 promised real-world appeal with its lightweight frame and the Quark DM1.2 mid-drive system delivering superior torque over leading hub designs. While other Urtopia e-bikes are available online, this model awaits release. The firm intends to demonstrate it and the motor at CES 2026.
Engadget bestowed two honors on the WeWalk Smart Cane 2 at CES 2025, including overall best in show, for its purposeful AI integration amid widespread tech additions. It provides directional guidance, barrier alerts, and a GPT-driven assistant for hands-free info access, easing phone management. The website's purchase option currently leads nowhere. WeWalk confirmed to Engadget its return to CES for live demonstrations of the cane.
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