CES 2026 Recap: The Tech That Shaped This Year’s Show in Las Vegas
CES 2026 wrapped up in Las Vegas after a packed week of launches, demos, and product showcases from more than 4,000 exhibitors. While artificial intelligence dominated keynote stages, the show floor told a broader story. Many of the most talked-about products focused on refinement, usability, and solving everyday problems rather than chasing spectacle.
From refreshed laptops and evolving foldables to home robots, smarter TVs, and quieter outdoor tools, CES 2026 highlighted how consumer tech continues to mature through thoughtful design and practical improvements. Here are the key tech highlights that defined the event.
Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16
PC makers arrived at CES 2026 with a clear focus on polish. Dell refreshed its XPS lineup with updated 14-inch and 16-inch models that lean into lighter designs, OLED displays, and improved keyboards. The new machines address long-standing feedback around usability while maintaining the premium build quality the XPS name is known for.
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold
Foldable phones continued to evolve, and the Galaxy Z TriFold stood out for its form factor. Unfolding from a standard smartphone into a tablet-sized display, the device offers more space for reading, typing, and watching videos. The larger aspect ratio makes the screen feel more natural for everyday tasks, signaling how foldables are moving closer to mainstream usability.
SwitchBot Onero H1
Home robots felt more grounded in reality this year. The Onero H1 from SwitchBot demonstrated basic household tasks such as picking up clothes and loading a washing machine. Unlike many concept robots at CES, this one is planned for commercial release, marking a step toward robots designed for real homes rather than controlled demos.
WheelMove Power-Assist Attachment
Accessibility-focused tech made a strong impression with simple, practical solutions. WheelMove introduced a power-assist attachment for manual wheelchairs that helps users navigate uneven terrain and control speed on slopes. By working with existing wheelchairs, the product emphasizes inclusion without forcing users to adopt entirely new systems.
LG OLED Evo W6 Wallpaper TV
Ultra-thin televisions returned to the spotlight with the OLED Evo W6 from LG. Designed to mount flush against the wall, the TV uses a wireless control box to reduce visible cables while delivering brighter visuals than previous OLED generations. Its minimalist design allows it to blend into living spaces when not in use.
Subtle Voicebuds
AI-powered hardware felt most compelling when it focused on a single task. Voicebuds from Subtle are designed to transcribe speech accurately, even in noisy environments or when users speak softly. By narrowing their scope, the earbuds showed how AI can enhance everyday interactions without overwhelming the experience.
IKEA Matter-Compatible Smart Home Devices
Smart home tech became more approachable with a new lineup from IKEA. The company introduced Matter-compatible bulbs, plugs, sensors, and remotes at accessible price points. The focus on affordability and simple setup reflects a push to make smart homes easier to adopt for a wider audience.
Samsung HW-QS90H Soundbar
Home entertainment setups leaned toward cleaner designs. The HW-QS90H soundbar focuses on delivering deeper bass without relying on an external subwoofer. Built-in sensors adjust audio output based on placement, reducing clutter while maintaining an immersive listening experience.
Shokz OpenFit Pro
Open-ear audio continued to mature with the OpenFit Pro from Shokz. The design keeps ears open to surroundings while improving sound quality and comfort. It reflects a growing demand for audio products that balance awareness with performance.
Tone Outdoors T1 Leaf Blower
Outdoor tools also saw meaningful refinement. The T1 leaf blower from Tone Outdoors delivers strong airflow while operating at significantly lower noise levels than traditional gas-powered models. The emphasis on quieter operation points to changing expectations around outdoor equipment.
Lego Smart Play
Toys blended technology with creativity in a more subtle way. Lego introduced Smart Play, a system that embeds tiny sensors and speakers into Lego bricks. Builds respond to motion and interaction without relying on screens or apps, keeping play tactile while quietly introducing interactive elements.
What CES 2026 Revealed
CES 2026 showed that consumer technology continues to advance through refinement rather than reinvention. Across categories, companies focused on usability, accessibility, and thoughtful design. As the show concluded in Las Vegas, the clearest takeaway was that meaningful innovation often comes from making familiar ideas work better in everyday life.
