CES 2026: The AI Transformation and Its Implications

The dawn of the New Year is marked by the world's major tech festival, which commences the first week of January. Companies from across the globe gather in Las Vegas to showcase their latest tech marvels.

AI is Ubiquitous Yet Indistinguishable

As anticipated, AI's presence at CES is expected to be significant, as it has been dominating tech trends. However, this growth begs the question of whether it's a genuine boom or merely a passing fad. Numerous companies are embedding AI components like chat interfaces, image processing, and advanced sensors into their creations.

With AI functionalities becoming commonplace, distinguishing between similar products becomes challenging. According to Anshel Sag, a principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, claiming a product is AI-driven no longer adds value. The key lies in the software's refinement and user experience.

Sag illustrates this with the example of smart glasses. Many models will be introduced at CES, touting features like voice command search and real-time translation. However, these need to compete with Meta, whose popular smart glasses have set a standard with their polished user experience.

Beyond the Wearables Realm

Currently, AI powers devices such as smartwatches and glasses, but its reach is expanding to other domains including earbuds, headphones, and smart apparel.

In the health technology sector, AI is anticipated to enhance devices that track biometric data, finding its way into items like rings and wristbands. Additionally, novel applications are emerging in household items, including toilets, bath mats, and bras.

AI will continue to infiltrate smart home gadgets. Familiar AI-enhanced items such as vacuums and security cameras will be accompanied by unexpected devices like refrigerators and garage doors, offering listening and visual capabilities.

The smart home landscape awaits developments from a company teasing the launch of personal tech such as audio players and note-taking pens, albeit expected to hit the market later on.

The Automotive Angle

CES remains a pivotal platform for automotive innovations, with vehicles serving as showcases for how in-car experiences evolve with AI. Currently, AI in cars can tune radios and locate charging stations, but future enhancements promise much more.

This technology exhibition officially begins with media previews on January 5, with the expo opening the following day. Significant announcements are expected at the start of the event, which concludes at week's end.