CES 2026 has arrived, marking the annual showcase of emerging technologies. This Las Vegas event in early January reveals the innovations set to influence the year ahead. Attendees explore advanced displays like expansive OLED screens and diverse PC hardware demonstrations. The convention frequently unveils new processor lines alongside the laptops that incorporate them.
This edition follows tradition, with PCWorld's experienced analysts delivering real-time reports on the extravagant displays and novel tech launches. The main exhibition begins on Tuesday, January 6, though prominent keynote addresses occur on Monday, and the CES Unveiled preview features numerous products on Sunday evening. The PCWorld coverage team is on-site, ready to document the full schedule.
Review our previews on anticipated developments from leading PC chip producers and CES 2026 laptops, then save this page for ongoing updates on major reveals and standout exhibits throughout the event. The whirlwind of presentations, discussions, and sessions promises an intense experience.
At CES Unveiled, participants encounter more than just tech firms; organizations like the US Forest Service and National Waste and Recycling Foundation distribute materials and offer embracing encounters with a costumed owl to promote proper battery disposal. Discarding batteries in regular waste is hazardous and improper. Drawing from personal experience with a house fire, the emphasis on prevention is crucial. The Battery Safety Now site explains that such incidents are rising, causing property damage, vehicle fires, facility disruptions lasting weeks or months, and fatalities, but they can be avoided easily. Proper handling prevents these risks, and visitors may receive an owl embrace as an incentive.
A compact, tank-shaped robot named W1 from Zeroth features animated eyes and avoids any resemblance to fictional characters. It can transport loads up to 50 kilograms while trailing users, likely on flat surfaces without steps. Details on pricing, availability, or legal concerns were unavailable during the demonstration.
Lili introduces the Lili Screen at CES 2026, marketed as the initial monitor tailored for individuals with dyslexia. This 27-inch display offers 1440p resolution and a 75 Hz refresh rate. Its core feature involves adjustable flicker paired with customizable brightness to address dyslexia symptoms. Shipping begins in January at a price of $649. A Reddit discussion on a similar Lili product references a critical blog post questioning the approach's efficacy, though Lili is not mentioned explicitly. Thorough evaluation through practical use is recommended for this intriguing device.
CES Unveiled highlights eccentric inventions, such as the Dephy Sidekick, a leg-mounted device resembling partial bionic enhancements. It attaches to the ankles to enhance walking performance and reduce calf fatigue. Described as the pioneering ankle exoskeleton, it is lightweight and user-friendly, enabling extended, quicker movement with reduced exertion, evoking a cybernetic aesthetic below the knee.
Observations from a tester at the booth, including Lifehacker contributor Beth Skwarecki, illustrate its real-world appearance: substantial yet appealing, akin to protective gear for runners. Assessing its effectiveness requires personal trials, but as a non-medical lifestyle tool, the $4,500 starter kit targets those with mobility challenges. Representatives highlighted potential benefits and Dephy's involvement in Nike's Project Amplify, suggesting value if claims hold, pending expert reviews.
Navigating CES Unveiled reveals endless vendor setups with captivating prototypes, few directly tied to PCs but rich in intriguing items. The Cyber Fidget draws attention with its 1980s-inspired design, offering numerous interactive elements and software options. Users can create custom backgrounds via browser connection to a PC. Its solid build appeals to enthusiasts, who can modify its programming.
The product is a portable, aluminum-constructed device for manipulation and coding, equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an OLED screen, LEDs, audio components, microphone, controls, and storage expansion via micro-SD, powered by ESP32 for openness and customization. It will launch via Kickstarter in the near future.
Ozlo provided early access to their Sleepbuds ahead of CES discussions, and these earpieces excel for overnight use. Despite their standard appearance, the slim design ensures comfort for side sleepers throughout the night. They deliver ambient sounds to block disturbances like snoring or urban noise.
Initial doubts faded after testing during a stormy night in San Francisco, where they enabled restful sleep on one's side. The buds also support streaming media or audio, automatically shifting to masking noises upon detecting sleep onset. Lacking active noise reduction, their passive blocking proved effective enough to require volume adjustments for household sounds. Available now at a discounted $274.
Amid the Las Vegas attractions, a White Castle outlet stands out visually, but tech coverage resumes shortly.
Even before CES 2026 officially starts, promotional elements abound. A massive digital billboard depicts Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang overlooking visitors from an elevated platform near the upscale Forum Shops, themed around ancient Roman history, underscoring the blend of tech and spectacle. Artificial intelligence likely dominates the agenda once more, with Nvidia at the forefront. Their keynote streams live on January 5 at 1 p.m. Pacific Time.