A Glimpse Into the Future: Highlights from CES 2026

Each January, CES transforms the vibrant Strip of Las Vegas into an exhilarating tech playground—a dazzling spectacle where innovation takes center stage. It’s not just an exhibition; it’s a glimpse into the future of technology, showcasing groundbreaking ideas and practical innovations that leave attendees saying, “Wait, that exists?” This year’s CES was no exception, revealing smarter everyday gadgets and significant advancements in AI and robotics.

Unveiling the Best of CES

In a collaborative effort with the Consumer Technology Association, publications like CNET, ZDNet, Mashable, and IGN curated the Best of CES Awards, celebrating standout products across diverse categories. Our team of experts sifted through a plethora of innovations to spotlight those that left us particularly excited about the future. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing technologies unveiled at the event.

Best Laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition embodies the trend towards modularity in laptops. Its Space Frame design allows users to replace individual components easily, promoting sustainability without sacrificing performance. This flagship business laptop is designed for accessibility and longevity—an innovative solution in a world focused increasingly on reducing electronic waste.

Best Desktop PC: HP EliteBoard G1a

HP’s EliteBoard G1a redefines desktop design by reviving the keyboard PC concept seen decades ago. This compact system houses all desktop components within a sleek keyboard, offering a unique blend of practicality and nostalgia. With powerful AMD Ryzen AI 300-series processors, this innovative approach opens up new possibilities for workstation setups, potentially setting a new trend in PC design.

Best Gaming: Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept

Lenovo surprised gamers with the Legion Pro Rollable Concept, a laptop featuring a rollable OLED display. This innovative design allows for ultrawide gaming on the go, pushing the boundaries of what portable gaming can achieve. While rollable technology has been seen in enterprise settings, bringing it to consumer gaming laptops suggests an exciting trajectory for the future of gaming hardware.

Best Graphics Card: MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Lightning Z

The MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Lightning Z epitomizes power with an astonishing capacity to handle 1,000 watts of performance. Enhanced with a liquid cooling system, it ensures optimal thermal management while its impressive specifications cater to overclockers seeking the most from their hardware. With features like a built-in display for real-time stats, this graphics card is set to redefine gaming experiences.

Best Deep Computing Tech: Intel Core Ultra 300 (Panther Lake)

Intel’s Core Ultra 300 Series, known as “Panther Lake,” promises to revolutionize integrated graphics performance, introducing up to 12 Xe cores for exceptional capabilities in gaming and graphics-intensive applications. This advancement positions Intel as a leader in providing powerful computing solutions for various portable devices, shaping the future landscape of computing.

Best Monitor: Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Monitor

Dell’s UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Monitor pushes the boundaries of what monitors can achieve. With a massive 52-inch 6K display and multiple connectivity options, it’s built for multitasking enthusiasts who demand immersive experiences. Its high-contrast IPS panel delivers vibrant colors and fluid refresh rates, making it an ideal choice for professionals and gamers alike.

Best AI: Lenovo Motorola Qira

Lenovo’s Qira represents a significant leap in AI technology, serving as an intelligent assistant that seamlessly integrates across devices. By combining on-device and cloud-based processing, Qira aims to provide a personalized experience that enhances productivity and connectivity across various platforms.

Best Mobile Tech: Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold

Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold embodies the future of mobile devices, transitioning effortlessly between a standard smartphone and a 10-inch tablet. This innovative design is an impressive adaptation of folding technology, showcasing versatility and practicality that can revolutionize how we view and use mobile technology.

Best TV: Samsung S95H

The Samsung S95H stands out as one of the most impressive TVs at CES, boasting significant brightness improvements and flexible connectivity options. This OLED television not only enhances viewing experiences but also introduces features that allow it to double as digital artwork—changing the way we perceive television in our homes.

Best Audio: Samsung Music Studio 5

Samsung’s Music Studio 5 captivates with its sleek design and innovative acoustics. Featuring advanced sound technology and compatibility across the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, it’s poised to redefine audio experiences in modern home environments.

Best Robot: Boston Dynamics Atlas

Boston Dynamics showcased its latest humanoid robot, Atlas, which impressively demonstrated natural walking movements. This prototype is set to revolutionize how robots may assist in manufacturing settings, enhancing productivity and efficiency in various applications.

Best Smart Home Tech: Roborock Saros Rover

The Roborock Saros Rover introduces groundbreaking technology in home cleaning by navigating stairs autonomously. Its unique leg mechanism allows it to overcome obstacles efficiently, setting a new standard for smart home appliances.

Best Kitchen Tech: Ecoldbrew

The Ecoldbrew device allows coffee enthusiasts to create cold brews in just five minutes, combining portability and efficiency in an elegant design. This gadget could become a favorite among coffee lovers eager for convenience without compromising quality.

Best Yard/Outdoor Tech: Beatbot AquaSense X Ecosystem

Beatbot has taken outdoor maintenance to the next level with its AquaSense X, a self-emptying pool robot. This innovation not only cleans pools but also minimizes the hassle of maintenance, allowing users to enjoy their pools without extra work.

Best Wellness Tech: Peri

Peri is a wellness device designed to support those experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. This innovative tracker helps users manage their health proactively, offering insights and recommendations tailored to individual needs.

Best Age Tech: Tombot Jennie

Tombot’s Jennie is a robotic puppy designed to provide comfort to seniors in memory care facilities. Its responsiveness and engaging movements help alleviate feelings of loneliness, making it a significant innovation in compassionate care.

Best Assistive Tech: Dephy Sidekick

The Dephy Sidekick offers a revolutionary solution for mobility challenges, acting as a robotic exoskeleton to assist individuals in walking. Its lightweight and comfortable design enhances users’ ability to participate in various activities with confidence.

Best Transportation: Strutt Ev1

The Strutt Ev1 mobility scooter represents a significant advancement in personal transportation, with autonomous navigation capabilities that enhance safety and user independence. It provides an insightful glimpse into the future of mobility devices.

Best Parent Tech: Coro

Coro introduces a much-needed device for new parents, effectively monitoring breastfeeding sessions and providing valuable insights for proper infant care. This thoughtful innovation reflects a growing trend of tech solutions catering to parenting challenges.

Best Pet Tech: Satellai Collar Go

Satellai’s innovative collar allows pet owners to monitor their dog’s health proactively, detecting behavioral changes that could indicate health issues. With features like geolocation alerts, it reinforces the connection between technology and responsible pet ownership.

Best Energy Tech: Willo

Willo is paving the way for wireless power technology, showcasing the capability to deliver energy without traditional charging methods. This breakthrough could redefine how we think about charging and powering our devices in the future.

Best Startup: Allergen Alert

This innovative device from Allergen Alert holds the potential to revolutionize food safety. By enabling users to test food samples for allergens quickly, it offers a proactive means of protecting those with allergies, promising significant impacts in food consumption safety.

Best Future Tech: Lego Smart Play System

Lego is embracing technology with its Smart Play System, featuring a light and sound-equipped Smart brick that enhances interactive play. By combining traditional building with modern tech, it creates endless possibilities for creativity and engagement.

Best Weird Tech: Lepro Ami, the AI Soulmate

Lepro’s Ami introduces a unique blend of companionship and technology. Designed to interact with users in a captivating way, it raises questions about the role of AI in our personal lives—highlighting both the whimsical and profound aspects of tech in modern society.

From innovative solutions in the realm of personal gadgets to groundbreaking advancements in robotics, CES 2026 has solidified its status as a barometer for future technologies. Through these highlights, one thing is clear: the future of tech is not just bright; it’s unfolding before our very eyes.