The Vergecast Live at CES 2026: Examining the Role of a Clumsy Robot

The landscape of this year's CES was a departure from its traditional focus. Typically a showcase of gleaming high-tech TVs and luxurious new automobiles, CES 2026 instead pivoted to a different narrative. The heart of Las Vegas buzzed with fresh interpretations of older tech and showcased a wealth of remarkable devices whose true potential is on hold until software innovations catch up.

In this special Vergecast episode, brought to life at the Brooklyn Bowl in Vegas, hosts David and Nilay navigate the standout themes of the event. Immense gratitude to everyone who attended, stayed for mingling, and enjoyed some friendly bowling—we truly cherished the time we spent together! Here, we delve into the peculiar world of unstable robots, explore the reasons behind every brand's sudden diversification, see the resurgence of quirky PC concepts, discuss battery advancements, and more.

Breaking Down the Trends

Individual gadgets typically define CES, and this year was no exception. From the moment we stepped into the convention halls, a dazzling array of devices greeted us. Some innovations appear destined for greatness, while others seem less fortunate. As we decode the broader implications of these developments, we reveal what matters to tech companies and visualize potential shifts in our daily lives over the coming year. While it's still early days, 2026 hints at a lot of potential transformations, yet several insights are already emerging.

For those eager to dig deeper into the discussions covered in this episode, as well as to explore our extensive CES reporting, here's a gateway to plenty of resources to begin with:

A Closer Look at CES

CES represents much more than just a parade of the latest gadgets. It acts as a barometer of industry priorities and offers glimpses into how technological advancements might reshape our world. Despite the eclectic mix of promising tech, the recurrent theme was waiting for software to bring out the full potential of these impressive new devices.