At a Glance
- CES 2026 officially opens Jan 6 but teasers have already begun in December.
- AI is being embedded in every gadget, from laptops to refrigerators.
- Smart glasses are diversifying into many designs, yet no single winner has emerged.
- Why it matters: Consumers will see AI-driven devices everywhere and must decide which new tech to adopt.
CES 2026 is officially set to open on Jan 6, yet the buzz has started weeks earlier with companies dropping teasers. The show is expected to be more packed than ever, driven by a surge in AI features and a flood of new hardware. This preview, written by Olivia Bennett Harris for News Of Philadelphia, outlines the trends shaping the biggest tech showcase of the year.
AI Everywhere
AI will be inescapable at CES 2026. Every major brand-from Samsung to Razer-will tout AI as a key selling point, though many features may be overpromised. The focus will be on how AI can make everyday gadgets smarter.
- Laptops
- Mobile devices
- Home appliances
- Transportation
Smart Glasses Explosion
Smart glasses are entering a phase of rapid diversification. Meta’s Ray-Ban Display, Xreal’s video glasses, and various camera-free models illustrate the range. No single design will dominate by the end of the show.
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Waveguide | Mono/Dual-lens screens |
| No Camera | Privacy-focused |
| AI Glasses | Photo/Video/Audio |
| XR Glasses | Video + XR functions |
TV Tech and AI
TV makers will push micro-RGB and WOLED displays, framing them as must-haves. AI integration will be heavy, with Google Gemini replacing Assistant and added AI screensavers. Higher refresh rates-120Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz-will be highlighted, and some models may push beyond.
- Fake frames for sports
- Motion smoothing for movies
- AI canvas art
Mobility and EVs
The convention will showcase more EVs, e-bikes, e-scooters, and prototype flying cars. A trend back to physical controls is evident, with buttons and dials regaining favor over touchscreens. AI will also be embedded in dashboards and self-driving promises.
- Physical buttons, dials, knobs
- AI dashboards
- Self-driving tech
Home Droids
Smart homes are being retrofitted with AI, but the upgrades feel incomplete. Google Assistant is replaced by Gemini, and Alexa+ adds new features, yet the intelligence is still nascent. Humanoid robots and advanced robot vacuums will be previewed, though not yet affordable.
- Separate voice modes
- Humanoid robots
- Stair-climbing vacuums
Consumer Tech Landscape
CES 2026 will showcase the usual lineup: laptops, PCs, TVs, speakers, wearables, audio gear, cameras, transport, accessories, and peripherals. The show remains a preview of future ideas rather than fully commercial products.
Key Takeaways
- AI will dominate every gadget at CES 2026.
- Smart glasses will diversify, but no single model will win.
- EVs and mobility tech will return to tactile controls and AI dashboards.
CES 2026 promises a surge of AI-driven gadgets, a proliferation of smart glasses, and a return to tactile car controls, all wrapped in a showcase of the latest consumer tech. The event will shape how we interact with technology in the coming years.
