CES 2026 Updates: Discover the Latest in TVs, Smart Glasses, Phones, and More

As we count down to the grand opening of the technology showcase in Las Vegas, a review of this week's updates reveals a bustling exhibition on the horizon.

Scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, the doors of this massive trade exhibition will welcome a multitude of journalists, analysts, and industry experts. Already, key consumer electronics giants like Samsung, LG, and Hisense are unveiling exciting innovations.

Get ready for an array of bold proposals from enterprises of all sizes. Highlights include AI innovations promising to enhance everyday experiences, transport solutions that transcend urban landscapes, and televisions that challenge existing performance and size norms.

We'll be on the lookout for standout items that may hit shelves soon after the event concludes.

Ways to Experience CES 2026

CES sessions can be viewed via various live broadcasts and keynote presentations. A complete itinerary of events is available, with certain sessions kicking off this weekend.

For detailed updates on the most significant revelations, follow ZDNET's real-time news stream. Our team of reporters present at the event and analysts following from afar will keep you informed.

The Latest Headlines (Update Regularly)

Samsung Display's Daring Innovations

Every year, no matter the event—be it CES or MWC—Samsung Display captures attention with cutting-edge screen technologies designed to excite manufacturers. This year is packed with fascinating demonstrations.

Exhibits include a Wall-E-esque robot donning an AI-integrated OLED screen, automotive displays designed like dashboards, a tiny "watch-sized screen" with triple the pixel density of a 4K TV, and robust foldable panel tests. Stay tuned as I explore Samsung's captivating booth later this week.

Transforming Text into Art with This Digital Frame

Emerging in the smart home arena is a clever e-ink frame powered by OpenAI, which crafts artwork from your words. Through the Fraimic app, users can customize with favorite art submissions, ensuring a personal touch in their living spaces.

However, this technological artwork doesn’t come cheap. The standard model is priced at $399, while the larger version sells for $999. Initial deliveries to Kickstarter supporters are expected in May, with wide availability in June.

Returning Popularity of Pebble Round 2 Watch

Eleven years post the debut of Pebble Time Round, Pebble introduces Round 2. This smart wearable appeals to both long-time users and new adopters with modern revisions.

Despite being slightly thicker than its predecessor, it boasts a 10-day battery life and optimizes a 1.3-inch e-paper display. Enhancements have been made for clearer reading of notifications and messages.

Though not intended for rigorous activity tracking, it excels in basic health metrics while maintaining aesthetic appeal. "This timepiece was crafted to offer timeless elegance rather than technical bulk," stated Pebble's CEO, Eric Migicovsky. Pre-orders are now available.

Introducing Super-Light LG Gram Laptops

LG is stepping into the future with its new Aerominum-crafted laptops—Pro 17 and Pro 16—emphasizing portability without sacrificing performance. Although pricing and launch details remain sparse, the promise of lighter PCs is clear.

In-Flight Connectivity with Starlink Wi-Fi on United

United has embraced the innovative Starlink Wi-Fi, enhancing onboard internet speeds for seamless streaming and productivity. Currently available on select flights, this advancement represents a shift in in-flight connectivity standards.

During my flight from Newark to Las Vegas, Starlink's robust speed allowed for uninterrupted browsing and downloading, hinting at positive changes for future air travel.

Resurgence of BlackBerry? A Nostalgic Turn

For fans of the BlackBerry era, Clicks presents two new intriguing accessories: a MagSafe keyboard functioning as a wireless charger and a device reminiscent of the classic BlackBerry.

The Clicks Power Keyboard, priced at $79, adapts for both portrait and landscape phone usage. Meanwhile, the Clicks Communicator, with a QWERTY keyboard and essence of yesteryear, launches later this year at $499.

Smart Glasses with Built-in eSIM: The Future of Wearables

RayNeo debuts two smart glass models: the Air 4 Pro, which connects to your devices, and the X3 Pro Project eSIM featuring its own 4G connection. This standalone feature enriches the wearable tech experience.

The X3 Pro offers a glimpse of computing independence, letting users operate without relying on their smartphones.

TCL's Nxtpaper Tablet: An Unseen Gem at CES

TCL introduces the Note A1 Nxtpaper, engaging with competitors like Kindle Scribe through its hybrid full-color LCD and 120Hz display. Offering professionals and students alike versatility, the tablet is priced at $549.

Introducing Project Luci: A New Take on Personal AI Devices

Project Luci stands out at CES as a futuristic AI pin that archives your daily life with a 12MP camera and dual microphones. Mavi, its AI, enables detailed memory retrieval. Sold at $99, it features privacy safeguards like a camera shutter and local data management.

Reviving 6K Monitors with a 3D Edge

Samsung enriches its product lineup with 6K monitors offering 3D playback without glasses. While 3D screens aren't new, Samsung's Odyssey series promises advanced realism. Whether they live up to the hype will be seen in practical trials.

2026 Televisions Focus on Micro RGB Technology

Television jargon continues to grow, with "Micro RGB" being this year's buzzword—a precise LED alignment for better light accuracy. Whether these advances will reach widespread consumer accessibility depends on future market developments.