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NVIDIA and Intel had their moment in the spotlight, and now it's AMD's turn. The chipmaker is kicking off CES 2026 on Monday night, where it'll cover its latest AI developments and perhaps show off its newest Ryzen chips. It's the kickoff keynote of CES 2026, and CEO Dr. Lisa Su is expected to outline how AMD's hardware will power the AI revolution - and what the company can offer partners and consumers that those aforementioned rivals can't.We'll tell you how to tune in to the livestream and what else you can expect to see.How to watch AMD's keynote liveDr. Su will deliver a keynote speech from the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian on Monday, January 5 at 9:30PM ET (6:30PM PT). You can watch the event live on the CES YouTube channel (we've embedded the livestream below).Engadget will also be liveblogging the AMD keynote in real-time.What to expect from AMD at CES 2026While AMD says it's keeping its product details under wraps, we can expect "updates on AI solutions, from cloud to enterprise, edge and devices."It's also likely that AMD will unveil its new versions of the Ryzen chips during its keynote on Monday, as Su will talk about the "advancements driven by Ryzen CPUs." That could include the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, which is expected to have better single-threaded performance than its predecessors. Additionally, we can expect to see the Ryzen 9000G series, which is potentially built with AMD's Zen 5 architecture.Regarding AI, AMD could further discuss its new FSR Redstone technology, which it previously previewed on December 10. AMD's upscaling tech aims to close the gap on NVIDIA's DLSS 4, which was announced during CES 2025.Su's presentation caps off CES's press day, so she'll be taking the stage in the hours after rivals NVIDIA and Intel present their chipmaking and AI plans to the world. As a reminder of how cross-linked these companies have become: OpenAI has pledged billions of dollars of hardware orders to AMD, while rival NVIDIA has invested billions in OpenAI - and taken a stake worth billions in Intel, too.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/amd-at-ces-2026-live-updates-from-ceo-lisa-sus-keynote-presentation-190012370.html?src=rss

Waymo is getting a good look at the competition as Uber revealed the design of its robotaxi that's due to launch in San Francisco later this year. The upcoming robotaxi is a result of a partnership announced in July between Uber, Lucid and Nuro. The plan is still to deploy at least 20,000 Lucid EVs that will use the Nuro Driver autonomous driving tech and be available through the Uber platform.It's important to note that the robotaxi reveal will be a "production intent design," so there may be some modifications to the version that will eventually hit the streets. However, the partnership started on-road testing last month in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Nuro using more than 100 robotaxi prototypes supervised by autonomous vehicle operators.The robotaxi, which is a modified Lucid Gravity, will feature a multi-pronged sensor system, including high-res cameras, lidar sensors, and radar. The design also incorporates a halo mounted onto the EV's roof, which will increase sensor visibility and double as a display that uses LEDs to display helpful info to passengers.As for the interior, Uber designed the "in-vehicle rider experience," which can accommodate six passengers and luggage space. Inside, the robotaxi will have a display that lets you activate heated seats, adjust climate controls and throw on music, while also offering options for emergencies, like contacting support or requesting the robotaxi to pull over. Even though the passenger isn't behind the wheel, the robotaxi's interactive screen will show its planned path in real-time and all the decisions it makes while driving, like interacting with pedestrians, traffic lights or lane changes.The partnership said the design is still awaiting final validation, but that the robotaxi production is slated to start at Lucid's factory in Arizona later this year. Before its official launch in late 2026, Uber's robotaxi will be on display at CES 2026.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/uber-reveals-the-design-of-its-robotaxi-at-ces-2026-230056302.html?src=rss

Acer just announced the Predator Helios 16S AI gaming laptop at CES 2026. This computer is filled with both bells and whistles, making it a decent choice for modern gamers.To that end, the laptop can be equipped with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor. This is Intel's upcoming flagship mobile processor that has previously been known as Panther Lake. The Helios 16S AI can also be outfitted with up to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU.AcerIt comes with a 16-inch WQXGA OLED display that offers true HDR imaging support. The laptop can be loaded with up to 64GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage. The connectivity here is on point, with support for Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth. Everything is housed in an 18.9mm slim metal chassis. It looks pretty solid.We don't have any pricing, and the company might still be calculating that, given that ongoing RAM shortage. Acer says they'll disclose that closer to launch.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/acers-predator-helios-neo-16s-ai-laptop-can-be-outfitted-with-intels-new-core-ultra-9-386h-cpu-230048825.html?src=rss

In addition to huge TVs, compact projectors, Trifolds and more, Samsung announced a new family of laptops at CES called the Galaxy Book 6 series. The company says it's focused on what matters and on what you, hopefully, want in your next laptop. That means Intel's latest chips, a cleaner design and battery life that lasts longer than a day. They're really thin, too.Timed alongside Intel's CES announcements, the whole Galaxy Book 6 series features new Panther Lake chips, optimized by Samsung for three new laptops: The Galaxy Book 6 Ultra, Galaxy Book 6 Pro and Galaxy Book 6.The 16-inch Galaxy Book 6 Ultra can be equipped with up to Core Ultra X9 processors and promises significant performance improvements, with a new 5th-generation MPU, Intel Arc graphics and NVIDIA's RTX 50 series GPUs (with RTX 5070 and 5060 options). That package leads Samsung to promise up to 1.6x greater CPU power and 1.7x improved graphics performance compared to the last Galaxy Book series. (It's worth noting that Samsung skipped an Ultra configuration of the Galaxy Book 5 series.)All the laptops feature improved heat-management architecture, with a wider vapor chamber and re-engineered fans. At the same time, the Ultra features a new dual-path fan to cool the GPU even more efficiently and swiftly.Mat Smith for EngadgetThe Galaxy Book 6 Pro will come in 14- and 16-inch versions, with up to Core Ultra X7 processors and Intel Arc graphics. Both the Book 6 Ultra and Pro have improved AMOLED 2X (2,880 x 1,800) displays with touch, reaching up to 1000 nits of peak brightness - twice the brightness of the Book 5 Pro. Both models support adaptive refresh rates too, going up to 120Hz.The Book 6 Ultra has a more typical laptop shape, while the Book 6 Pro has a teardrop profile, made famous by the MacBook Air. Even if there's some Apple inspiration, the Samsung laptops look great. Samsung has removed many unnecessary design elements. Although the Book 6 Ultra clings onto a USB-A port, it now (finally) has a full-size SD card reader, the lack of which was a major oversight on previous laptops.Mat Smith for EngadgetSamsung has also tweaked the keyboard layout, though it's too early to say whether it offers a significant improvement to the typing experience. It has added haptic trackpads to the Galaxy Book series for the first time too, although I found the one on my demo unit a little too hair-trigger sensitive to my touch. Thankfully, that's something that can be addressed in the settings.As you might notice from the photos, there are upward-firing speakers on either side of the keyboard. The Book 6 Ultra has six built-in speakers (four woofers, two tweeters) and has apparently balanced them symmetrically to reduce noise distortion.Both laptops are slimmer than their predecessors, too. The Galaxy Book 6 Ultra is 15.4mm thick, while the Book 6 Pro is a svelte 11.9mm. Inside, Samsung has also enhanced heat management, including a wider vapour chamber and re-engineered fans, to ensure optimal performance during intensive tasks - apparently another priority for the Book 6 Series. Likewise, battery enclosures and placements have been re-engineered, and Samsung claims the new Book 6 Ultra and Pro can each deliver up to 30 hours of video playback. The Book 6 Ultra has the extra benefit of faster charging, reaching 63% in 30 minutes.It wouldn't be a laptop launch in 2026 without AI features. Alongside the Book 6 series, Samsung highlighted a tool that uses AI to help create cut-outs of images for copy-and-pasting across devices, as well as a Note Assist feature to help collate and summarize your notes.As is often the case at CES, Samsung hasn't yet shared pricing or release dates for the Galaxy Book 6 series, so expect to hear more in the coming months.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/samsungs-galaxy-book-6-series-ces-2026-intel-panther-lake-230010324.html?src=rss

MSI has presented its refreshed Prestige lineup of business laptops, as well as its next-generation Raider, Stealth and Crosshair gaming models at this year's CES. The Raider 16 Max HX is a 300w laptop, which the company says its its most powerful gaming model yet. It can supply 175w to its GeForce RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 GPU, while feeding 125w to its Intel Core Ultra 200HX processor at the same time under full-load conditions. To be able to handle that kind of power, MSI equipped it with a new cooling system consisting of three fans, six heat pipes, five exhaust vents and phase-change thermal compound. The Raider 16 Max also has a quick-access bottom panel that gives users an easy way to upgrade their storage and memory.Meanwhile, the new Stealth 16 AI+ laptop's selling point seems to be its portability. It's just 16.6mm thin, weighs under two kilograms, comes equipped with RTX 50 series GPU and has dual memory and SSD slots. MSI has also introduced the new Crosshair 16 Max HX and Crosshair 16 HX laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra 200HX processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs at the event. Buyers can pay extra for an optional QHD+ 165Hz OLED display if they want sharper visuals, as well.In addition to its new gaming laptops, MSI has introduced its all-new Prestige 14 and Prestige 16 business laptops at CES. They're slimmer with a more rounded silhouette compared to their predecessors, and they're encased in full aluminum. The laptops are powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and are equipped with an 81Wh battery that can offer over 30 hours of video playback in 1080p. MSI has debuted the new Modern 14S and 16S series powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors for everyday users, as well. Plus, the company has unveiled a Glacier Blue edition of its handheld gaming console, the Claw 8AI+, that's powered by the Intel Core Ultra 200V processor with Arc Xe2 graphics.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/msi-unveils-new-gaming-and-prestige-business-laptops-at-ces-2026-230000027.html?src=rss

Acer has a handful of laptop updates at this year's CES show. The headlining item is the addition of the Acer Swift 16 AI to the company's flagship line. This laptop has what the company says is currently the world's largest haptic touchpad at 5.5mm by 109.7mm, and it can support up to MPP 2.5 stylus inputs. The screen is a 16-inch 3K OLED WQXGA+ touch display with HDR, a 120 Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. On the inside, the Swift 16 AI can be kitted with up to an Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor with built-in Intel Arc B390 graphics. The whole package is in a 14.9mm thin chassis and the machine weighs 1.55kg (about 3.4 lbs).Closeup of the trackpad on the Acer Swift 16 AI laptopAcer (modified)Another notable element in the company's CES announcements is Acer Swift Edge 14 AI, one of two new lightweight laptops revealed at the event. The Swift Edge 14 AI measures just 13.95mm thick and weighs 0.99kg (about 2.2 lbs). It is powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 386H. The max spec 14-inch screen has a 3KWQXGA+ OLED touch display with 120 Hz refresh rate.Both machines can have up to 32GB of RAM and are part of the Copilot+ PC program. Storage in the Swift 16 AI maxes out at 2TB while the Swift Edge 14 AI be up to 1TB.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/acer-goes-big-on-the-haptic-trackpad-for-ces-with-the-swift-16-ai-laptop-230000750.html?src=rss

This year HP is making an important change by taking its name off its gaming hardware entirely and letting its HyperX branding take center stage. At CES 2026, the company is celebrating this transition in a big way with Omen Max 16, which is being heralded as the world's most powerful gaming laptop with fully internal cooling.Now the last part of that claim is a bit of a cop out, but considering that most gamers probably don't want to lug around a notebook with hoses coming out the back, it's an understandable qualifier. Plus, with a total platform power of 300 watts that includes support for the latest chips from Intel and AMD and up to an NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU, this thing certainly won't be lacking in speed. Under the hood, the Max 16 features a third cooling fan to prevent throttling under sustained workloads along with HP's Fan Cleaner tech that reverses the direction of the laptop's fans to prevent dust from building up inside.As for its design, the Max 16 doesn't stray too far from HyperX's signature matte black color scheme, though I do appreciate that the company kept a handful of accents like the RGB lightbar mounted on the laptop's front lip. The notebook also features a per-key RGB backlit keyboard with a 1,000Hz polling rate, which should all but eliminate any issues with ghosting or rollover during hectic facerolling sessions.However, one quirk about the system I noticed when checking it out first hand is that even with above average brightness of 500 nits for its 2.5K OLED display, the screen also comes with an unusually glossy coating. The benefit of this is that colors appear super saturated. The downside is that especially in well-lit rooms with a lot of sunlight, there's more glare and reflections than you might expect.Another nice improvement about the Max 16 that might go unnoticed if you only look at its spec sheet is that despite having a TPP of 300 watts, its power brick is relatively compact. It wasn't all that long ago that a laptop with this kind of performance might have required dual power cables in order to supply the notebook with the amount of juice it needs. That said, weighing between 6.1 and 6.5 pounds depending on the exact configuration, the Max 16 still isn't the kind of laptop you're going to want to carry around on a frequent basis.Regardless, if you're in the market for what is essentially an old-school desktop replacement laptop without moving up to even larger 18-inch machines, HyperX's latest flagship gaming laptop should be a strong contender that won't be lacking in speed.One change for 2026 is that HP is taking its name off of its gaming systems and letting the HyperX brand take center stage. Sam Rutherford for EngadgetUnfortunately, HP doesn't have concrete info about how much the HyperX Omen Max 16 will cost or when it will go on sale. However, we should know more when it becomes available sometime later this spring. And finally, if you're looking for something slightly smaller or a more affordable system (we don't have official pricing, but the Max 16 won't come cheap), HP is also updating the Omen 15 and Omen 16 with fresh components and new HyperX branding for 2026 as well.

A viral Reddit post purportedly from an employee of a "major food delivery app" may actually be an AI-generated hoax, The Verge reports. The post itself, and an image of an employee ID card the poster, u/trowaway_whistleblow, shared with The Verge, where both flagged as being likely AI-generated when run through online AI detectors and AI assistants like Gemini and Claude.Given the inflammatory nature of the post, it's not hard to see why it received over 80,000 upvotes in the four days it's been up in r/confession. The post includes a series of striking claims about the unnamed food delivery company, like that its "Priority Delivery" option doesn't actually change delivery speeds, that it sorts delivery drivers based on their level of desperation and that it steals tips from drivers. The post doesn't name a specific company, but there's enough real world evidence of driver mistreatment - including misleading pay structures that subsidize driver's base pay with tips - that it sounds true.

TCL introduced the next entry in its flagship line of televisions during CES. The X11L SQD-Mini LED Series is available for pre-order now in three sizes. But like much of the gear on show in Las Vegas this week, it doesn't come cheap. The 75-inch model of the X11L costs $7,000, the 85-inch option is $8,000 and the 98-inch model goes for $10,000.That's more than double the costs of the QD-Mini LED TV the brand unveiled at last year's CES.The most notable addition in TCL's latest screen is the company's new Deep Color System. This tech leverages Super Quantum Dots, combined with its CSOT UltraColor Filter, and the Advanced Color Purity Algorithm. While a mini LED screen can't match the true blacks of an OLED, the X11L has TCL's Halo Control System to reduce the presence of bloom. The television also has 20,000 discrete dimming zones and boasts peak brightness of 10,000 nits.Well-known brand Bang & Olufsen continues to be responsible for the TV's audio system. The models use an upgraded AI processor to deliver enhanced color, contrast, clarity, motion, upscaling and sound. It's also integrated with Gemini for Google TV.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/tcl-unveils-its-x11l-sqd-mini-led-tvs-at-ces-2026-205532386.html?src=rss

SOPA Images via Getty ImagesCES 2026 is off and running, and chipmakers enabling the AI moment are one of the big starts of the show. In addition to NVIDIA and AMD taking the stage today, we'll also be getting Intel's 2026 launch event. The chip giant is expected to provide more details on its AI PC initiative and the new processors powering it: The Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs (aka Panther Lake) are made using an 18A process - that's 18 angstroms, or just under 2nm - and designed for high-end laptops and gaming devices.For Intel, the stakes at CES are higher than ever. In the past 12 months, both NVIDIA and the US government acquired ownership stakes in the company, helping nearly double the stock price by the end of the year. But that's still down over more than 20 percent since 2021, as rivals like TSMC, Qualcomm, AMD and NVIDIA have taken the leadership mantle in chip fabrication and AI hardware.How to watch Intel's CES 2026 launch eventSenior VP of Intel's Client Computing Group Jim Johnson will kick off the launch event on Monday, January 5 at 6PM ET. The livestream from Intel's YouTube channel is already available, and we've embedded it below.Engadget will also be liveblogging the Intel presentation.What to expect from Intel at CES 2026As we noted above, Intel has publicly confirmed that it will be highlighting "the next generation of Intel-powered PCs, edge solution, and the AI experiences enabled by the new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Processors." We'll be keen to hear if the company can address the profitability concerns that have surrounded those next-gen chips since at least last summer, when published reports indicated that yields were still under 50 percent. (In response, Intel told Engadget that it felt "very good" about its trajectory on Panther Lake, though it didn't hit the late 2025 release date it had envisioned at the time.)Will we get any updates on that NVIDIA partnership? It's possible. But don't expect to hear anything about Intel possibly fabricating the chips for that rumored new entry-level MacBook Air. If that comes to pass, the announcement will definitely be at a time and place of Apple's choosing.Update, January 5 2026, 2:30PM ET: This story has been updated to include the embedded YouTube livestream.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/intel-at-ces-2026-live-updates-from-the-core-ultra-series-3-panther-lake-launch-event-130040881.html?src=rss

HyundaiCES has long felt like a full-on auto show, but the car-centric energy seems somewhat muted at CES 2026. Sure, the Afeela electric vehicle from the Sony-Honda joint venture is returning to the show floor, but with the Trump administration yanking most EV incentives from the market, the industry isn't offering a full-court press of new vehicles in Las Vegas this year.That includes Hyundai. While the company's Mobis subsidiary will present "more than 30 mobility convergence technologies" during CES week - including its Holographic Windshield Display - we're hearing the Korean auto giant will instead use its press conference to focus on its AI Robotics Strategy. That will apparently include showcasing its new Atlas robot, as well as the wheeled MobED robot line. We'll get into the details below, along with how to watch it today.How to watch Hyundai's presentation at CES 2026Hyundai's presentation takes place today, January 5 at 4PM ET, and you can livestream it on either its HyundaiUSA YouTube channel or its global YouTube channel. (We've embedded the link below.)We'll also post relevant news from the Hyundai presser in our main CES 2026 liveblog.What to expect from Hyundai at CES 2026Hyundai is putting a huge focus on its AI Robotics Strategy during its presentation today - the theme is "Partnering Human Progress." That'll include its strategies for commercializing AI-enhanced robotics, keeping with the very AI-centric focus of this year's CES.We'll also get a first-ever look at the company's new Atlas robot. In the teaser image shown in the press release, Atlas looks rather dog-like, which makes sense when you remember that Boston Dynamics was purchased by the Korean multinational back in 2020."This next-generation Atlas represents a tangible step toward the commercialization of AI Robotics, highlighting the Group's commitment to building safe and adaptable robotic co-workers," the company said in the same press release.But Atlas isn't the only robot the company has up its sleeve. There's also the MobED Droid, a wheeled 'bot that scored a CES 2026 Innovation Award as the show opened this week.While on stage, Hyundai says it will "reveal its strategic AI Robotics learning, training and expansion plans," via its Group Value Network and Software-Defined Factory approach. That includes a manufacturing strategy and an advanced smart factory.We originally thought Hyundai would showcase its Holographic Windshield Display during its press conference, but a Hyundai representative notified us it won't be featured today. It will have a separate CES presence, though not a separate press conference.Update, January 5 2026, 2:58PM ET: This story has been updated to include information on the MobED robot line, and to note that the Holographic Windshield Display likely won't be featured at the press conference.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/how-to-watch-the-hyundai-ces-2026-press-conference-live-190051823.html?src=rss

A Paris court has found 10 people guilty of cyberbullying Brigitte Macron, wife of President of France Emmanuel Macron, the BBC reports. The judge found that the defendants made false claims about Macron's gender and sexuality, and "malicious remarks" about the 24-year age gap between Macron and her spouse.The defendants, eight men and two women, received a range of sentences, including jail time up to eight months and mandatory online harassment awareness training. Five of the defendants will also lose access to their X accounts for six months, according to The New York Times.Key to the lawsuit is the fringe belief that Brigitte Macron was born a man - proponents for some reason believe Macron is Jean-Michel Trogneux, her older brother - and transitioned to living as a woman at some point later in life. This style of "transvestigation" is an unfortunately common type of online conspiracy theory, a roundabout way to both spread hateful rhetoric about transgender people and bully cisgender people at the same time. The campaign against Macron has the added twist of her age: Brigitte Macron is 72, 24 years older than President Macron. The pair married in 2007, but their age difference has been an ongoing narrative throughout Emmanuel Macron's political career.In July 2025, Macron also filed a defamation lawsuit in the US against Candace Owens, a right-wing podcaster and conspiracy theorist. Owens has made multiple attempts since 2024 to spread false claims about Macron's gender, and has said that she's willing to stake her "entire professional reputation" that she's right.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/paris-court-finds-10-people-guilty-of-cyberbullying-brigitte-macron-195500994.html?src=rss

A reputable leaker has indicated that NVIDIA plans on bringing the RTX 3060 back to market, according to reports by Kotaku and WFCCTech. It first released the GPU at the beginning of 2021. The leaker Hongxing2020 indicates that NVIDIA will resume production of the 3060 sometime in the next few months.Why is the world's most valuable company reportedly bringing back such an antiquated graphics card? You know the answer. It's the endless gaping maw known as AI. Tech companies have been hoovering up PC parts for AI applications with reckless abandon. It has become a legitimate challenge for a regular person to buy RAM and graphics cards, which has led to price increases across the board and companies like Crucial closing up shop.

Dolby introduced its FlexConnect technology a few years ago, vowing that it would allow customers to position soundbars and speakers anywhere in a room. The company said the platform would then reconfigure the sound automatically, taking into account any locations that may be further away from the center sweet spot. At CES 2026, LG is the first to put Dolby Atmos FlexConnect in a soundbar, offering the so-called Sound Suite that also includes satellite speaker options and a subwoofer. You don't need every member of the lineup to use Dolby's tech, so you can pick and choose which items work best for your living room.The centerpiece of the Sound Suite is the H7 soundbar. This 9.1.6-channel speaker is configured for spatial audio (Dolby Atmos) and supports lossless audio up to 24 bit/96kHz. The standout on the spec sheet for me is the six up-firing channels, which should enhance the sensation of overhead sounds. Most of the soundbars I review have only two of those.What's more, the H7 is equipped with a feature called Sound Follow that tracks the location of your phone to reconfigure the audio when your position changes. Maybe you move to a comfy chair instead of the sofa right in front of the TV. The idea is that you don't have to suffer through subpar audio during a movie or show just because you aren't in the best spot.LG Sound Suite H7 soundbarBilly Steele for EngadgetThen there are the M5 and M7 speakers. When used with the H7 soundbar, these are the satellite speakers, but LG cautioned me against calling them rear" units. While it's true a pair of them will be positioned behind most people's sofas, the company explained that there's more audio content coming out of them than traditional rear channels provide. As such, two of the M5s or M7s that are used to complement the speakers inside one of LG's impressively thin TVs are doing more work than just beaming sounds that are designed to come from behind.The M5 is a 1.1.1-channel speaker while the M7 is 2.1.1. Like the H7, both support Dolby Atmos and lossless music. What's more, the entire Sound Suite arsenal has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, including AirPlay 2, Google Cast and both Spotify and Tidal connect. The whole shebang also employs LG's own AI Sound Pro and Room Calibration Pro, and all of the settings are customized in the ThinQ app for Android and iOS.Each speaker can be used independently should the need arise, and as I already mentioned, you can pick and choose which components will work best for you - up to four total speakers. So you can opt for the H7, sub and two speakers or four of either the M5 or M7. You can also get a smaller setup with two speakers or just the soundbar and subwoofer. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is still in play no matter what combination you decide on. I should note the optional W7 subwoofer is quite large, but you can use it standing upright or laying flat, according to LG.LG Sound Suite M5 speakerBilly Steele for EngadgetOf course, none of this means anything if Sound Suite doesn't actually sound good. I'm happy to report LG's collection of speakers are sonically impressive. I was able to get a good sense of how they'll perform in a quite demo room at CES. Watching a variety of movie clips in Dolby Atmos, I flipped back and forth between a setup with four M7 speakers and a more robust configuration of the soundbar, subwoofer and M7 speakers. While I preferred the overall tone and tuning of the four M7s, I can concede the bigger collection offered more immersive sound and better directional audio. That said, they both provided excellent clarity and pristine detail.With Sound Follow, you can quickly have Sound Suite reconfigure the audio based on the location of your phone with just a tap. Let's say you move from the couch to a comfy chair and want to adjust the sound to that spot. You can do that in the app. And while I could tell a slight difference in a side-of-the-room location and the center sweet spot in front of the TV, the correction did offer an improvement over the unadjusted audio.I was also able to test standalone mode, where you can quickly use any Sound Suite speaker individually for music. Sound quality was consistent here too, and the system allowed me to add a second M7 speaker for a stereo pair with a few taps in LG's app. Overall, the Sound Suite lineup offers lots of flexibility in terms of features and configurations. In fact, LG says that between the H7, W7, M5 and M7, there are 50 possible combinations.Unfortunately, LG hasn't announced pricing or availability yet. Given the capabilities of the Sound Suite system, I don't expect the more robust collections to come cheap. However, I do think the company will offer a few different bundles that will hopefully provide a discount over buying each component individually.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/lg-sound-suite-hands-on-at-ces-2026-home-theater-powered-by-dolby-atmos-flexconnect-192709499.html?src=rss

Micro RGB TVs first arrived last year with little fanfare and a confusing name, so you may have mistaken it for other panel tech or not even noticed. That is not likely to be the case this year, though - it's the hot new luxury" display technology and is all over the place at CES 2026. So why do we even need these new TVs and how are they different from OLED, Micro LED and Mini LED models? Here's how it works and how it compares.A brief history of flat panel display techTo better understand Micro RGB, it helps to see how flat panel display technology has evolved over the last 20 years. The first LCD TVs used liquid crystals that become transparent to light when voltage is applied, letting a rear backlight shine through as a pixel. Those pixels combine to create moving or still images, with color created via an RGB filter layer placed in front.The main problem is that LCD crystals let some light partially leak through, so blacks are dark grey instead of pure black. And for a backlight, early LCD TVs used a white screen lit by dim and power-hungry fluorescent lights, which caused uneven light distribution. And finally, the RGB filter color layer reduced a panel's brightness.The next step up, then, was to use LED backlights instead, placed at first at the edges of the white screen and then later directly behind it (the first TV with this tech was Sony's 2004 Qualia). That added the benefits of higher brightness, lower power consumption, improved color balance and even light distribution. It also allowed individual dimming zones that improve contrast by allowing near-pure blacks in shadow areas of an image.Samsung's Neo QLED 8K TV from CES 2025SamsungQuantum dot (QD) technology came on the scene around 2013 with Sony's Triluminos televisions. This type of LCD panel employs a semiconductor nanocrystal layer (rather than an RGB filter layer) that can produce pure monochromatic red, green, and blue light when struck with a blue backlight. Unlike previous LCDs, they offer higher brightness and color accuracy thanks to the purity (narrowness) of the base RGB colors. The best-known TVs using this tech are Samsung's QLED models.The latest evolution of QD LED technology is Mini LED. That combines the accuracy of quantum dot tech with hundreds or even thousands of LED dimming zones. Those models offer high brightness and color accuracy along with good contrast, but still don't deliver perfect blacks and can display blooming" in scenes with bright points of light due to leakage into neighboring pixels.Both of those problems were solved with OLED technology, which first came on the market in 2007 with Sony's XEL-1 model. The panels are made using sheets coated with organic LEDs, each paired with a transistor that can switch the LED on or off. On regular OLED TVs, OLED pixels are white and a filter layer generates colors, much as with LED TVs. However, with QD-OLEDs, OLED pixels are blue and color is created via a quantum dot layer, like LED QD displays. The latest version of QD-OLED featured on several new monitors at CES 2026 (Samsung's 5th-gen QD-OLED) uses an RGB stripe pattern to reduce color fringing" on text.This is the first, and still the only widely commercialized TV tech that can switch its light source off on a pixel-by-pixel basis, allowing perfect black levels and near-infinite contrast. However, due to their organic nature, OLED TVs suffer from a lack of brightness and the potential for burn-in" that can kill pixels.There is another type of self-illuminating tech called Micro LED. Rather than organic, it uses microscopic inorganic LEDs to form the individual pixel elements. Those can also be turned on or off individually, so they offer the same pure blacks and sky-high contrast as OLED. At the same time they're potentially brighter than OLED and don't suffer from burn-in. The tech is still prohibitively expensive to manufacture, though, so none have arrived to market other than Samsung's The Wall, which costs a cool $40,000.Micro RGBDevindra Hardawar for EngadgetBefore talking about Micro RGB, let's look at color space and gamut both for HDR, which uses the BT.2020 standard, and SDR, commonly associated with the REC.709 standard. REC.709 is ideal for regular HD content like TV broadcasts and YouTube videos. It can display a limited set of colors and brightness is generally capped at 100 nits.BT.2020, however, is designed for high-end HDR streaming and 4K or 8K content creation (via Dolby Vision, HDR 10 or HDR10+). It has a much wider color gamut, meaning it can display a wider variety of colors and a bigger chunk of the visible color spectrum. It's also designed for significantly higher brightness levels of 1,000 nits or more.To achieve the color accuracy required for BT.2020, TVs must have extremely accurate red, green and blue pixels. Up until last year, the most color-accurate TVs used quantum dot technology and achieved a maximum of around 85 percent BT.2020 coverage (some projectors can cover 100 percent or more of the BT.2020 spectrum as they use RGB lasers to create colors).That brings us to Micro RGB (also known as RGB Mini LED), the most advanced LED panel yet. Unlike the uniform white or blue backlights found on Mini LED models, it features individually-controlled, precise red, green and blue LED backlights that shine through a liquid crystal layer. It also offers more local dimming zones. The net result is higher color accuracy and better contrast than regular Mini LED displays, but with potentially greater brightness than OLED. Since each pixel still can't be turned on and off like OLED or Micro LED, though, contrast falls short of those technologies.WikipediaSo far, there is one and only one Micro RGB TV on the market, Samsung's 115-inch 4K MR95F model. The color accuracy is impressive with 100 percent coverage of the challenging BT.2020 HDR standard, an industry-first and huge leap over quantum dot tech. That means it can produce billions of colors natively and display a higher percentage of them in the visible spectrum than any TV to date.Samsung left out a few key specs like the local dimming zone count, only saying that it has four times more than its similarly-priced 115-inch Q90F QLED model (so likely around 3,600). The company also failed to disclose the total brightness in nits, but the figure should be impressive given the potential of Micro RGB.We were gobsmacked with the MR95F Micro RGB model in person. Engadget editor Sam Rutherford said it produced stunningly rich and vivid colors that put Samsung's other top-tier TVs to shame," including the aforementioned Q90F. It also came with an equally stunning $29,999 price tag.A couple of other manufacturers including HiSense have also released RGB Mini LED models similar to Samsung's Micro RGB, but they differ slightly in that the RGB modules are larger than the ones found on Samsung's latest TVs.Which companies will have Micro RGB tech at CES 2026?SamsungLuckily, the number of Micro RGB TVs is about to dramatically increase. Earlier this month, Samsung announced a full lineup using the technology with 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, 100- and 115-inch screen sizes, saying they'd set a new standard for premium home viewing." Those sets will also offer 100 percent BT.2020 HDR coverage under a new certification standard called Micro RGB Precision Color 100. While certainly likely to carry more reasonable prices than the first model, they'll probably still be Samsung's most expensive TVs when released later this year.And on Sunday, Samsung also revealed a 130-inch Micro RGB prototype meant to showcase the technology. Once again, it blew us away partially just because of the huge size, but also due to the incredible "color accuracy and richness," as Engadget editor Devindra Hardawar put it. "I couldn't help but notice how everyone just looked a bit stunned, like the monkeys from 2001 seeing the monolith for the first time," he added.At the same time, LG announced its first Micro RGB evo" TV lineup in 75-, 86- and 100-inch models. The company is also promising 100 percent BT.2020 color gamut coverage and said the sets will have over a thousand local dimming zones for color control. Not only that, it said that its new TVs will deliver 100 percent coverage in SDR modes as well, both for Adobe RGB and the challenge P3 standard.It was interesting to compare LG's Wallpaper and other OLED sets with the new Micro RGB tech, with our editor Devindra again being amazed. "LG already announced its Micro RGB set a few weeks ago, but that didn't prepare me for standing in front of the 100-inch demo TV it brought to CES," he said. "Throughout a variety of clips, colors looked wonderfully rich, and the overall texture of the images looked surprisingly life-like."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/what-are-micro-rgb-tvs-and-why-are-they-everywhere-at-ces-2026-182441543.html?src=rss

Smart fridges are a dime a dozen at CES, and LG and Samsung have thoroughly explored what's possible when you connect your fridge to the internet or slap a touchscreen on the front. The new GE Profile Smart Refrigerator with Kitchen Assistant GE Appliances is announcing ahead of CES 2026 doesn't reinvent the wheel in that regard, but it does include a first: a built-in barcode scanner for adding items to your shopping list.GE Appliances' "Scan-to-List" feature uses the barcode scanner to quickly (and precisely) add items to a shareable shopping list in the company's SmartHQ app. You can refer to that list while you're shopping in person, or sync it with Instacart and have it delivered, eliminating the need to go grocery shopping entirely. Inside the fridge, GE Appliances also includes a flush-mount LED bar with a built-in camera that can deliver "real-time, on-demand snapshots of crisper drawers, focusing on the most costly and perishable items." This "FridgeFocus" feature is supposed to prevent you from overbuying perishable produce that you might already have, by letting you see which perishables might go bad first.GE Appliances' fridge is stainless steel and has a built-in touchscreen display.GEOn top of those smart features, the GE Profile Smart Refrigerator has a four-door stainless steel design, with door-in-door storage and an adjustable temperature drawer. The fridge also has an 8-inch touchscreen display for viewing recipes or the current weather conditions, and microphones for accepting voice commands. When you're dispensing water, the fridge's water dispenser is supposed to be smart enough to fill a container with the exact right amount of water using built-in sensors, too.The GE Profile Smart Refrigerator with Kitchen Assistant will be available from GE Appliances and select retailers starting in April 2026 for a suggested MSRP of $4,899.Update, January 5, 1:09PM ET: Headline and article updated to refer to GE Appliances rather than GE, because they're separate companies.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/ge-appliances-new-smart-refrigerator-automates-grocery-shopping-with-a-barcode-scanner-and-instacart-194326073.html?src=rss

Netflix just announced the pending release of a Stranger Things documentary, hot on the heels of the series finale. It premieres on January 12. One Last Adventure focuses on the making of season five, so it's not a full series retrospective. This seems similar to what Disney+ does a few weeks after a popular Star Wars or Marvel show drops.Still, it's a documentary about the very last season of the show, so there's likely to be some tearful goodbyes and all of that jazz. As a matter of fact, the trailer shows plenty of hugs along with sit-down interviews.It'll shine a light on how some of the stunts and set pieces came together, which is cool. Stranger Things, after all, is primarily a show about spectacle and season five had plenty to spare. The Duffer Brothers will also discuss how they came to write some of those final character arcs (no spoilers here.)If you're grieving the loss of Steve Harrington, Delightful Derrick, Eleven and the rest, this should make for a nice watch. It's worth noting that while Stranger Things has doled out its last needle drop, the franchise itself is still going.The animated spinoff Stranger Things: Tales From '85 premieres later this year. There's also a live-action spinoff coming at some point. This will likely be another story in the same universe.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a-stranger-things-making-of-documentary-hits-netflix-next-week-175539720.html?src=rss

Xinhua News Agency via Getty ImagesHisense is typically best known for its affordable electronics and home appliances, from TVs to refrigerators. But at CES 2025, the China-based company showed off its premium side with a massive 136-inch micro LED TV - now available for a jaw-dropping $100,000. So what's in store for this year's show? New leadership, for starters.The company has two new hires, including Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Larsen and Chief Commercial Officer James Fishler. In a press release, Hisense said Fishler's experience in home entertainment, appliances and HVAC is important as the company "builds toward a milestone 2026 and its presence at CES."We'll give you a rundown of what to expect during Hisense's presentation and how you can watch it live.How to watch Hisense's presentationHisense is livestreaming the event on its YouTube channel today (Monday, January 5) at 1PM ET. We've embedded it below.You can also follow the Engadget CES 2026 liveblog for real-time updates from the show.What to expectWith its new hires in place, Hisense is clearly aiming to further polish its brand. Between Fishler and Larsen, the new front office is bringing to bear their experience from such high-powered competitors as LG, Samsung and Beats. And in a recent interview with Tom's Guide, Larsen emphasized a continued focus on the company's fast turnaround time from concept to market as a key differentiator for Hisense.As for actual announcements, Hisense has already revealed the following products on its website:

Tamagotchi ripoffs are alive and well at CES 2026, and SoildTech's spin on the idea is to stick a virtual pet in the dirt to help you stop killing your plants. Senso combines a plant health sensor and a Tamagotchi-like device, offering insights into the conditions of a houseplant's environment and a gamified way of keeping up with them.If a plant is in need of watering or could use some lighting adjustments, little characters will offer you quests to complete those tasks. And by taking care of your plant properly, you'll also be helping those characters' virtual home planet thrive. (A world that, I must point out, looks a whole lot like one I've seen before as a Tamagotchi Paradise owner). The virtual pet component magnetically attaches to a two-pronged probe that's inserted into the pot, so it can be swapped between the sensors in different plants if you have more than one.The companion app for the Senso device showing plant data and care tipsSoildTechIn the AI-powered app, where you can add and manage multiple plants, you'll get the full breakdown of each one's data and needs. Soildtech says the app can also identify plants and the diseases they may be afflicted with from a photograph. Senso supports voice interactions so you can turn directly to the device for caretaking advice too.It's designed with beginner plant enthusiasts in mind and is, admittedly, super cute, though I can't speak to how well it can actually assess the health of a plant from our brief look at it. Senso comes in multiple colors and will launch on Kickstarter "soon."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/this-tamagotchi-clone-is-designed-to-help-you-keep-your-plants-alive-172000982.html?src=rss

One trend emerging from CES 2026 is wearable microphones you can use to dictate your thoughts. Vocci is one such gadget, a titanium ring with a single button capable of recording audio for up to eight hours on a charge. Unlike some of its competitors, Vocci isn't just for catching your own thoughts as they spring forth from your scalp. Instead, you'll be able to record whole conversations and meetings from the comfort of your proximal phalanx.Users can start and end recordings by double clicking the ring's single button, while single clicks are used to mark important moments within the recording. Tagged moments will instruct the AI app to add more context, highlights or reminders, where appropriate. Once the file has been processed, you'll receive a transcript, complete with a summary and commentary.I'm told the ring has a range of five meters, but I was unable to hear an example recording or see a working demo of the technology. I did ask why a ring would be more effective at capturing a room's worth of chat over, say, using a recording app on one's phone laid on a table. But the response was to point out a user may forget to start the recording, and you can't disagree with that.Vocci will ship with a charging case, and will be able to recharge to full in half an hour, but it's not clear yet how much (if at all) power will be stored in the case's batteries. We also don't know how much the ring will cost, but it's likely to be available for pre-order at some point in February. As for the ring's pedigree, it comes from Gyges Labs, the company which leant its name, manufacturing and engineering expertise to last year's Halliday Smart Glasses.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/voccis-ai-note-taking-ring-aims-to-do-much-more-170536442.html?src=rss

Audeze has unveiled the second generation of its Maxwell gaming headset at CES 2026. The Maxwell 2 is a comprehensive refresh aimed at competitive players and anyone seeking more immersive audio when gaming on PC or consoles. The original Maxwell headset was our pick for best premium gaming headset in 2025.The headline upgrade is Audeze's patent-pending SLAM technology, which the brand claims improves spatial cues while delivering punchier" bass. Maxwell 2 pairs that with 90mm planar magnetic drivers, which offer a wide frequency range of 10Hz to 50kHz. Audeze says the result is clearer detail for every in-game sound from subtle directional footsteps in competitive FPS games to bass-heavy moments like big explosions with near-zero distortion.An upgraded suspension strap with ventilation holes aims to ensure comfort during longer sessions and a new earpad design gives your ears more space. A new magnetic attachment system should make earpads easier to swap.The Maxwell 2 headset includes an AI noise-canceling mic setup with AI-assisted noise removal on a removable hypercardioid boom mic. The headset can connect with a wireless USB-C dongle as well as Bluetooth 5.3. Battery life is rated at over 80 hours of wireless playback and the headset supports USB-C fast charging.Pricing is set at $329 for the PlayStation version and $349 for the Xbox model (which supports Dolby Atmos on compatible devices). Both versions also support Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Nintendo Switch and they're available now.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/audeze-has-unveiled-the-maxwell-2-gaming-headset-at-ces-2026-170056068.html?src=rss

XGIMI, which burst on the scene in 2025 with several impressive projectors, has unveiled its latest high-end model called the Titan Noir Max. The new model revealed at CES 2026 has many of the bells and whistles found on professional-level projectors including a dynamic IRIS system for improved contrast, along with a new thermal system designed to boost brightness.The Titan Noir Max has a design to XGIMI's Titan model announced last year, but it's taller and a bit squarer with an elegant grille-like pattern on the front. As with other XGIMI models, it features a laser light engine and 4K video quality, though the company didn't say if it had the same big Texas Instruments 0.78-inch DMD (digital micromirror device) chip as the original Titan model.The key new feature is a dynamic IRIS system that boosts native contrast to 10,000:1 for deeper blacks and brighter highlights. At the same time, it boasts new "precision tuned optics" (ie a better lens) also designed to improve contrast and color nuance.Another key feature is a re-engineered DMD architecture that can handle "substantially higher light power densities," XGIMI says. This should allow for increased brightness, though the company didn't provide a figure in ANSI Lumens. It would be impressive if it topped the 5,000 Lumen Titan, though.Many other specs are lacking, like color accuracy in the Rec.2020 space. However, the company is promising a lot, saying that the Titan Noir Max will offer "the stability, accuracy, and reliability required for color-critical work, studio environments, and high-end installations." At the same time, it's also targeted at home enthusiasts, promising to "turn a blank wall into a cinematic event."XGIMI's Titan was only recently released for $3,999 but there's no word yet on the price or release date of the Titan Noir Max. Unlike the Horizon 20 series (which has a smaller 0.47-inch DMD chip) the Titan has received very few reviews so far, but one French projector site gave it a solid score.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/xgimis-titan-noir-max-4k-projector-has-a-dynamic-iris-for-increased-contrast-170044625.html?src=rss

Anker's sub-brand Soundcore just announced a new AI voice recorder at CES 2026. The appropriately-named Work voice recorder is primarily intended for professionals, but also seems useful for students and anyone else who wants an AI to transcribe conversations.To that end, the company promises 97-percent transcription accuracy via the AI algorithm. The affiliated app will also provide summaries of conversations, like many modern AI tools. Users can double-tap the gadget during important parts of a conversation to ensure it gets preferential treatment.Anker/Soundcore None of this is really that new. Dedicated AI voice recorders have been around a while and there are plenty of smartphone apps that do this kind of thing. The Soundcore Work, however, is extremely small and could make for an inconspicuous recording method. The company says it's "coin-sized" so it should fit just about anywhere, including as part of a necklace.It has built-in privacy protections and has been MFi certified for Apple devices. The Soundcore Work is available right now and costs $159.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/ankers-soundcore-work-ai-voice-recorder-offers-transcription-in-an-ultra-compact-form-factor-160030844.html?src=rss

Anker's sub-brand Eufy just revealed a high-tech baby bottle washer at CES 2026. The Bottle Washer S1 is filled to the brim with nifty features that should please frazzled parents.It's been designed to clean deeper than rival models. The Bottle Washer S1 features a built-in water softener, a first in the product category, which should help remove stubborn minerals. It also includes proprietary HydroBlast technology that cleans baby bottles from every angle. This is assisted by the inclusion of a multi-layer rotating spray.It sterilizes up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit and dries in just 40 minutes. These are both fantastic metrics for baby bottle washers. It also holds more bottles than comparable units, with the ability to clean eight bottle sets at once.Anker/Eufy The device allows for complete app control, which lets users set cleaning schedules and perform simple maintenance routines. After cleaning, it can keep bottle sets in a sterile standby mode for up to 72 hours. This really looks like the best bottle washer out there, but quality comes at a price. We don't have any details yet regarding pricing or availability.Eufy also announced a portable milk cooler at CES. This should be another boon for busy parents.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/eufy-just-revealed-a-tech-heavy-baby-bottle-washer-at-ces-160021666.html?src=rss

If you had your eye on Nebula P1 projector but $799 is too rich for your blood, Soundcore has a new option at CES 2026. The Anker affiliate just unveiled the 1080p Nebula P1i portable projector that's less than half the price and even more portable, albeit with less brightness.Instead of detachable speakers like the Nebula P1, the P1i's speakers are embedded in the projector and can be flipped open and tilted through 180 degrees. It also lacks the P1's tilting projector body and instead offers a stand that can incline the projector from zero to 12 degrees.Though it offers the same 1080p maximum resolution as the Nebula P1, it's a bit less bright at 400 instead of 650 ANSI Lumens. Like the more expensive model, though, it supports autofocus, auto keystone correction and screen fit, which will make setup easy for spontaneous outdoor use. And like other projectors in the Nebula lineup, it supports Google TV so you can stream Netflix, Prime Video, Disney and other apps. Best of all, the Nebula P1i is priced at a very reasonable $369 and is set to arrive in "early 2026," according to Soundcore.SoundcoreSoundcore also revealed availability for its Nebula X1 Pro party projector that marries its impressive Nebula X1 projector with a 160W sound system, all in one assembly. As a reminder, the projector delivers 3,500 ANSI lumens and an impressive 110 percent coverage of the Rec.2020 HDR color space. The sound system, meanwhile, features a floating subwoofer, 80W soundbar speakers and two wireless satellite speakers for 7.1.4 surround sound. It even supports Dolby Atmos, which the projector on its own doesn't do, while offering IP43 protection from light rain and dust if you want to use it outdoors.The Nebula X1 Pro is tentatively set to launch on January 20, 2026 for $4,999, though you currently preorder one on Soundcore.com for $4,499. If you need a screen, the company is offering a 200-inch inflatable model for $2,000.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/soundcores-nebula-p1i-portable-projector-launches-in-early-2026-for-369-160020321.html?src=rss

Open-ear wireless earbuds are great for running, when keeping some awareness of the world around you is necessary, but not so good when you want premium audio features that require a good seal, like active noise cancellation. At CES 2026, Anker is trying to change that with the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro, the company's first open-ear earbuds that offer ANC.The Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro features a similar adjustable ear-hook design to Anker's previous AeroFit 2 and AeroFit, but with one extra level of adjustment to help the earbuds create more of a seal in your ear. That change, plus tweaks to the tips of the Pro, seem to be how Anker is offering ANC on the new earbuds. Anker says the algorithm running on the Pro checks 380,000 times per second to adjust its level of noise cancellation on the fly. The earbuds' custom diaphragms also offer deeper bass and clearer highs, according to the company.AnkerAlongside new open-ear earbuds, Anker is also introducing a new portable Bluetooth speaker. The Soundcore Boom Go 3i is a palm-sized speaker with a strap that's ideal for attaching to a bag or taking on a camping trip. Anker says the 15W speaker gets 22 hours of battery life, and that the Boom Go 3i's 4,800mAh battery can be used to charge other devices in an emergency. With an IP68 rating, the speaker also has ample dust and water protection.AnkerAnker says the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro will be available in February for $179.99. Final pricing for the Soundcore Boom Go 3i wasn't shared by Anker, but the company says the speaker will be priced between $65-$80 and will go on sale in March.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/ankers-new-aerofit-2-earbuds-can-switch-between-open-ear-and-anc-form-factors-160014977.html?src=rss

8BitDo just revealed a new gamepad at CES and it's a doozy. The Ultimate 3E Controller for XBox is a modular marvel that should suit just about any configuration preference. That's because many elements are swappable.There are two different button modules, each with a different feel when pressing down. There are several joystick options, including standard, tall and thick-neck designs. The controller even ships with a pair of D-pad options. One is intended for precision and the other for "smooth, directional rolls."8BitDoThere are other bells and whistles here. The Ultimate 3E offers a 1000Hz max polling rate, hall-effect impulse triggers, remappable bumpers that have been designed for speed and customizable 6-axis motion control. It also ships with a wireless charging case. This thing is a beast.Despite being officially licensed by Xbox, the controller works with other platforms. It looks like a great option for PC, Android and Apple devices.Now for the bad news. These pro-level features come with a pro-level price tag. The Ultimate 3E costs $150. The company says preorders will open up in the near future and that it should ship later in the year. In the meantime, you'll have to make due with this nifty arcade-style controller by 8BitDo.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/8bitdos-ultimate-3e-gamepad-for-xbox-offers-swappable-button-modules-and-joysticks-160011248.html?src=rss

If you're one of the many who made a New Year's resolution to read more, an ereader can help by putting your whole library (and more) at your fingertips wherever you are. While not as expensive as an iPad or another flagship tablet, these e-paper devices can be more expensive than you think, but right now you can save on one of our favorites. Amazon's base Kindle is on sale for $90 - that's $20 less than usual and only $10 more than its record-low price. This made our list of the best ereaders, and for good reason. It's an iconic device that gets the job done. It doesn't have much by way of modern bells and whistles, but it ships with 16GB of storage and comes in two snazzy colorways. The build is compact and durable. It's also light, which makes it easy to pack and easy to hold up with one hand. It allows access to the vast Kindle library and this deal comes with three months of Kindle Unlimited. That's sort of like Netflix, but for books. The selection isn't comprehensive, but I've always found something to read when in a pinch. This is an entry-level device. There's no color screen and no option to use a stylus. The battery, however, does last around six weeks with regular use. This is a metric I can personally confirm. It seems like I barely charge mine and it's always ready to go. The only major downside here is that this is one of those Amazon devices that forces ads on you. There is a version without lockscreen ads, but it costs more. I never really found them to be all that intrusive, given that they are tethered to the lockscreen and mostly advertise books. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-amazons-latest-kindle-on-sale-for-20-off-183302556.html?src=rss

CES 2026 is still a day away from officially opening, but Sunday, January 4, delivered the first real wave of news. As has become tradition, the pre-show slate set the tone for the week ahead, anchored by Samsung's annual First Look press conference and CES Unveiled, the latter of which where hundreds of companies previewed products before the show floor opens on January 6.Samsung once again dominated the early conversation with its First Look event, using the stage to outline how it sees AI shaping everything from TVs to home appliances in the year ahead. Rather than focusing on individual specs, Samsung framed its 2026 lineup around adaptive experiences, with screens and devices designed to respond more intelligently to their environment and the people using them. TVs remained the centerpiece, with updates like the new 130-inch Micro RGB model aimed at improving picture quality, content discovery and personalization through AI-driven tools.Among the more concrete pieces of tech tied to Samsung's CES run was The Freestyle+, a successor to the company's portable projector that doubles down on AI-powered picture optimization, brighter output and smarter calibration for different surfaces. The unit also supports immersive audio features and syncs with Samsung's soundbars for a more complete entertainment package. The company further bolstered its audio portfolio with the new Music Studio wireless speakers, which offer an eye-catching design.Samsung's broader display strategy was also on show: Samsung Display revealed next-generation QD-OLED panels capable of peak brightness up to 4,500 nits, which are expected to be used in TVs and monitors that debut on the show floor, and introduced new concepts illustrating how OLED tech can blend into future AI-enhanced lifestyles.Software also played a role in Samsung's early messaging. The company confirmed that Google Photos will be coming to Samsung TVs later this year, bringing photo libraries and Memories directly into the living room. It's the kind of addition that doesn't grab headlines in the same way as new hardware, but it's exactly the type of update that quietly shapes how people actually use their TVs regularly.Outside of Samsung's event, CES Unveiled - the convention's kickoff mini-show - offered an early look at what smaller companies and startups are bringing to Las Vegas this year. The show floor was packed with a familiar mix of near-ready consumer products and more experimental ideas, spanning robotics, smart home gear, health tech and personal electronics. Companion-style robots, updated AR glasses and AI-powered household gadgets were common sights, reflecting broader trends that are likely to show up repeatedly across the main halls this week.Unveiled is rarely about big-name launches, but it often reveals where the industry's attention is drifting. This year, that meant a noticeable emphasis on AI-assisted hardware that blends into everyday routines, whether that's home devices designed to act more autonomously or personal tech that prioritizes context and convenience over raw performance.LG also kicked off its pre-show efforts with some notable display news that's certain to shape conversations on the CES floor. The company reintroduced its ultra-thin Wallpaper OLED evo W6 TV, a panel that sits just 9mm deep and can be mounted flush against a wall, boasting improvements in brightness and color accuracy with Hyper Radiant Color Technology and support for FreeSync and G-Sync.LG's 2026 Wallpaper wireless OLED TVDevindra Hardawar for EngadgetLG's display lineup extends into the PC space too, where the division plans to debut a 27-inch OLED gaming panel hitting a 720Hz refresh rate and response times as low as 0.02 ms. On the lifestyle front, the Gallery TV aims to compete more directly with Samsung's art-style screens by combining a specialized anti-glare panel with an expanding Gallery+ service that brings thousands of artworks to the living room.Some CES-related announcements also landed ahead of Sunday, underscoring how stretched the show's news cycle has become. Samsung and LG both shared display and ecosystem updates in the days leading up to January 4, ensuring their products were already part of the CES conversation before pre-show events even began.Sunday's announcements served as a clear warm-up for what's coming next. Monday, January 5, marks the start of press day, when major companies will take the stage for individual conferences and a large number of embargoes are expected to lift. Then, on Tuesday, January 6, CES officially opens its doors, shifting the focus from presentations to hands-on demos and real-world impressions.We'll be updating this recap as more news breaks, but if Sunday was any indication, CES 2026 is already moving fast - and the show hasn't even started yet.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/ces-2026-opening-night-recap-all-the-early-news-you-missed-from-samsung-and-lg-142611832.html?src=rss

picture alliance via Getty ImagesThe Lego Group is set to host its very first press conference at CES 2026 later today - but exactly what it plans to unveil is still under wraps. The iconic toy brick maker has offered no clues about what's on the agenda, leaving speculation wide open, from new video games to Formula 1 race cars.Unlike nearly every other press event at CES today, however, Lego's event is not being livestreamed. Thankfully, Engadget is here to bridge the gap: Our own Nate Ingraham will be in the room at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, liveblogging the event in real-time.Follow Engadget's Lego CES 2026 press conference liveblogThe Lego CES press conference is scheduled for Monday, January 5 at 1PM ET (10AM PT). We have confirmed with Lego reps that this event will not be officially livestreamed, so we're sharing our real-time impressions right here. Our stream starts at noon ET, an hour before the official event.What to expectThus far, Lego hasn't shared any public info about its CES plans, so we're largely in the dark as to what to expect. At CES 2025, for instance, the toy production giant partnered with Sony to announce the animated Lego Horizon Adventures online game. As such, Lego may spend some time talking up its new 2026 game, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. The company may also give some stage time to its Lego Group F1 Academy racing car, though that too would be more about brand building than consumer products.And given Lego's focus on the environment, the company may discuss its efforts to reach its 2032 ecological goals, including making its Lego bricks more sustainable and reducing carbon emissions by 37%.While there are plenty of new Lego sets for 2026, however, this is CES, not Toy Fair. So we're assuming that the company will be showcasing something that's more tech-centric. Stay tuned.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/follow-the-lego-ces-2026-press-conference-live-right-here-130005940.html?src=rss

Google is working even more Gemini features into Google TV at CES 2026. The company demoed how the AI assistant would work on its TV platform at last year's show, and this time, it's expanding the AI's features to make it easier to do things like adjust your TV's settings or edit photos.The ability to view photos stored in Google Photos has long been a feature of Google TV, but as part of this new update, Gemini will be able to do a lot more with them, too. Google says Gemini will be able to search your Google Photos library for specific people and moments, and remix those photos into different styles or compile them into a custom slideshow. Using Google's Veo and Nano Banana models, you'll also be able to ask Gemini to create entirely new media from scratch.Gemini can adjust TV settings as part of the new update.GoogleWhen you don't want to spend time digging through menus, Google says Gemini will also be able to adjust picture and sound settings for you based on a natural language request. Rather than asking for your brightness to be set to a specific level, simply telling Gemini that "the screen is too dim" will be enough to prompt the AI to adjust the image. Gemini's ability to display information and answer questions through your TV is also expanding. The AI will now use a TV-friendly, "visually rich framework" to answer questions and explain topics, pulling on high-resolution images and video. When you need even more information, clicking on "Dive deeper" under a Gemini response will prompt the AI to create "narrated, interactive overviews" of whatever you want to learn more about.Google only recently rolled out Gemini to its Google TV Streamer, and it sounds like it could be a bit before these new features are widely available. Google says the new Gemini update will arrive on TCL TVs running Google TV first, before rolling out to "other Google TV devices over the coming months."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/google-tv-is-getting-gemini-powered-photo-editing-at-ces-140000172.html?src=rss

Gaming peripheral company 8BitDo is teasing a new smartphone gaming pad that seems aimed exclusively at portrait-mode gamers. In a post on X, the company says the 8BitDo FlipPad will debut in the summer of 2026 and will be compatible with iOS and Android devices. It also mentions the peripheral is "officially supported by Apple."The post doesn't give too much away, as the company will be premiering the FlipPad at CES this week. A short, rendered video shows that the mobile gaming peripheral connects via USB-C, and then flips upward on a hinge to lay flat against the bottom portion of a user's phone screen. In the rendering, we can see a directional pad, purple ABXY buttons, select, start buttons and six more unlabeled buttons.8BitDo makes a lot of gaming controllers, including retro-inspired ones like the NES40 collection celebrating the 40 year anniversary of Nintendo's NES. The company also makes arcade controllers, a "Pro" controller compatible with Switch, PC, SteamOS, Apple and Android devices, and many others.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/8bitdo-is-unveiling-a-new-mobile-gaming-pad-at-ces-134555603.html?src=rss

JBL just revealed a bunch of new earbuds at CES 2026, suiting just about every ear canal out there. First up, there are several new additions to the Endurance line of sports-adjacent earbuds.The baddest of the bunch is likely the Endurance Zone, which offers 32 hours of battery life and fast charging. They include the company's proprietary OpenSound technology, which directs audio signals to the ears without blocking the ear canal. This means that wearers should be able to detect ambient noise during a workout. This is extremely helpful when someone is asking to use the machine because you've been staring at your phone instead of doing reps.JBLThe Zone earbuds also offer multipoint connections, earhooks for stability and an exterior designed for long-term durability. These buds cost $180 and will be available later this month.The Endurance Peak 4 earbuds don't integrate with OpenSound, but do offer superior battery life to the Zone. They can get up to 48 hours per charge, when factoring in the included charging case. They cost $130 and will also be purchasable later in January.JBLThe Endurance Pace wraparound earbuds are a fairly budget-friendly way to get access to that OpenSound tech. They cost just $90, but the battery maxes out at 10 hours, as there's no charging case. Look for these later this month.The Endurance Run 3 are extremely budget-friendly earbuds, with prices ranging from $25 to $35. These are wired devices, with a USB-C model and a 3.5mm model. They'll be available in February.The JBL Sense Pro also includes OpenSound and can play spatial content. The battery and case lasts up to 38 hours and there's wireless charging. These are designed for hi-fi audio, so they include redesigned drivers and a bass boosting algorithm. There are four integrated microphones for making calls. These earbuds cost $200, with availability in March.JBLThe JBL Sense Lite earbuds, as the name suggests, are extremely light and made to be worn all day. They include OpenSound tech, 32 hours of battery life and touch controls. These buds will also be available in March, with a price of $150.Finally, there are the Soundgear Clips. As the name suggests, these lightweight earbuds clip to the ears. They also use the company's OpenSound air-conduction technology. The earbuds are fairly striking, with a metallic tint and translucent finish. The battery life clocks in at 32 hours and can do fast charging. They cost $150 and will also go on sale this March.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/jbl-just-announced-a-bunch-of-new-earbuds-at-ces-130044239.html?src=rss

For CES this year, JBL has added three new gaming headsets to its JBL Quantum product lineup. JBL Quantum 950X is the latest set of flagship headphones from the brand, with 50mm carbon dynamic drivers and features such as spatial audio, 3D head tracking and active noise cancelation. The set is compatible with PC, consoles and mobile platforms through 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.3 or wired connection. The 950X has a pair of hot-swappable and rechargeable batteries that give 50 hours of playtime. It comes with a 6mm cardioid boom microphone that uses AI noise reduction to keep background sounds out of in-game communication. The headset will retail for $400 and will be available starting in April 2026.The other two new products are the JBL Quantum 650X and the JBL Quantum 250. The wireless 650X also has 50mm carbon dynamic drivers, spatial sound and the same connectivity options as the 950X. It has an expected battery life of 45 hours. The less expensive 650X will also be available in April and will retail for $200. The JBL Quantum 250 is a wired headset with many of the same drivers and features as the other two products. It has black and white model options, and will cost $80. This third model will be available starting March 2026.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/jbl-launches-a-trio-of-gaming-headsets-for-ces-130000929.html?src=rss

It's not the first of its kind, but a few key differences set Fraimic apart from other E Ink art displays. Aura, Switchbot and others have something similar. But unlike other versions, this one requires no subscription, lets you swap out the surrounding frame and doesn't require an app to upload the art. Instead, a built-in mic picks up your idea, sends it to OpenAI and creates an image that pops up in a few moments on the screen. The on-board accelerometer even knows whether the device is in landscape or portrait orientation, and applies the correct format.A purchase of the Fraimic comes with 100 free AI creations per year, and if that's not enough, you can buy more. But if, like me, you don't consider the images a machine's brain smashes together to actually be art, the Fraimic also allows you to upload your own images via the brand's website. And should that website ever go away, your device isn't obsolete, as it can also handle local uploads. The Fraimic canvas Fraimic The other qualities that make E Ink displays intriguing are all here. These screens are similar to what you get with a color ereader or E Ink tablet and, like those devices, only require power when changing what's displayed. This one has enough juice to last for years - even if you swap out the image once per day.It uses a 13-inch Spectra 6 E Ink display, which has a resolution of about 200 dots per inch. If you've seen a color epaper tablet or ereader, you'll have an idea of what the image looks like. It's not high-definition and the colors aren't super vibrant, but the effect is pleasantly subdued and, for the right images, looks properly arty.Even under the always-too-bright glare of the CES show floor lights, the images managed to look lush and saturated. With the right (human-generated) art, I'd be happy to hang this in my living room.The standard-sized display will run you $399, which is $100 cheaper than Aura's similarly sized device and $50 more than SwitchBot's. Pre-orders for Fraimic are open now and units are expected to ship in spring of this year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/fraimic-is-an-e-ink-display-that-turns-your-ideas-into-ai-art-120000454.html?src=rss

SpaceX's Starlink is offering customers in Venezuela free access to its internet service after the US captured the country's president, Nicolas Maduro. According to CNBC, some areas of Caracas and other parts of the country lost power and internet connectivity in the wake of the operation.Starlink says its focus is on enabling connectivity for new and existing customers to support the people of Venezuela." At the time of writing, Starlink does not yet appear to formally operate in the country, as its availability map states that service there is "coming soon."Still, Starlink says it is proactively applying service credits to active accounts in Venezuela until February 3. Those who have paused or canceled their service but still have the necessary Starlink hardware can also reactivate their account at no extra cost for now.Of course, those without a Starlink terminal won't be able to take advantage of this offer right now. We are actively monitoring evolving conditions and regulatory requirements," Starlink said on a support page. While we do not have yet have [sic] a timeline for local purchase availability, if and when there are updates they will be communicated directly through official Starlink channels and reflected on this page." SpaceX previously pledged to offer free service in Ukraine following Russia's invasion of the country in 2022.US forces carried out airstrikes and a ground operation to capture Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on Saturday. The US has indicted the pair and others on several charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy. Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered the appointment of Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as acting president in Maduro's absence.According to the Department of War, US President Donald Trump has declared that his administration "will oversee Venezuela until a safe transition to a legitimate replacement" takes place. Trump has also laid out plans for American companies to tap into the South American country's oil reserves.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/starlink-offers-free-internet-access-in-venezuela-following-maduro-raid-102705135.html?src=rss

Daily life can get loud, and meditation apps offer a simple way to carve out a little breathing room. You do not need experience to start, and you do not need to commit to long sessions either. Most apps guide you through short practices that help with focus, sleep and stress, making it easy to build a routine even on busy days.

Over the last ten or so years, L'Oreal has brought a taste of beauty tech to the masses at CES 2026. This time, it has three devices to show off: the Light Straight + Multi-styler" as well as the helpfully named LED Face Mask and LED Eye Mask.Don't let the unassuming names mislead you. These three products actually harbor some unique traits. The Light Straight (and multi-styler, which I'm going to just call the Light Straight from here on), for instance, uses infrared light to help generate the heat required to style your hair. Meanwhile, the LED Face Mask is different from those made by companies like Dr. Dennis Gross, Omnilux, Therabody and Shark. Instead of fairly hard shells that sit rigidly on your face, L'Oreal's version looks to be pliable and thin.I haven't seen this in person yet, though I do intend to do so as soon as possible, but the pictures of the LED Eye Mask look, and I mean this in the best way, ridonkulous. Not only do they appear supple, but they also seem to be transparent, with bulbs and wires you can see inside. In some of the images that the company provided, the masks are completely awash in red as the lights are on. In others, only parts of it are red. One of them even shows the masks sitting in a little carrying case and they almost look like wireless earbuds. I haven't seen any photos of the LED Face Mask but I can imagine they'd be fairly similar to these.The L'Oreal LED Eye Mask in a carrying caseL'Oreal According to the press release, this ultra-thin, flexible silicone mask" is currently in prototype form" and was developed in collaboration with LED solutions company iSmart. The company said this mask delivers light directly to the face" in 10-minute automatically timed sessions. That's not too different from existing red light masks, but L'Oreal said it believes the key to the mask's effectiveness is its advanced, transparent support, which integrates a skin-safe microcircuit to precisely control the emission of two selected wavelengths of light-red light (630 nm) and near-infrared light (830 nm)."Since the mask is only launching in 2027, there aren't details yet on pricing and availability, though the company's global vice president of tech and open innovation Guive Balooch told Engadget that it would be a premium product that would sit somewhere below the highest priced offerings currently out there.One of my problems with full-face LED masks is that my skin always feels too parched under them, because you have to use them on clean, dry skin for 10 minutes at a time. Balooch told me that L'Oreal would have a serum developed to be used with its mask that would help with that, while also improving the effectiveness of the light treatment.That certainly is intriguing, and Balooch indicated that creating formulations that are designed to work with devices like the LED masks is a future direction for the company.A pair of hands using the L'Oreal Light Straight and multi-styler on a person's hair. L'Oreal I'm also interested in the Light Straight, which like the company's AirLight Pro uses infrared light to help dry or style hair. According to the company's press release, hair straighteners with ordinary heating places can reach temperatures of 400F and higher-above the threshold at which keratin denatures, leading to weakened cuticles, breakage and reduced shine." For context, I used to turn my flatiron all the way up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to tame my tresses (though these days I find a more reasonable 330 degrees is good enough).L'Oreal says the Light Straight and its patented infrared light technology" can help provide exceptional styling results at lower temperatures, to better protect the health of the hair." The device's glass plates never exceed 320 degrees, and the company says its testing found that the Light Straight is three times faster and leaves hair twice as smooth as leading premium hair stylers." I'm not sure how you would quantify smoothness, but I'm hopeful the results do pan out in the real world.The Light Straight uses near-infrared light that L'Oreal says penetrates deeply into hair fibers" to reshape internal hydrogen bonds." It also has sensors onboard with built-in proprietary algorithms and machine learning" to adapt to your gestures to maximize individual experience." I'm not sure what that means, but I hope to find out more this week at CES. Given the Light Straight doesn't launch till 2027, it's not surprising that pricing and other details aren't yet available. But for now, I'm keen to see companies continue to investigate novel, hopefully healthier ways for us to look and feel beautiful.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/loreals-ces-2026-beauty-devices-include-a-skin-like-flexible-led-mask-070000576.html?src=rss

Samsung announced its newest portable projector ahead of its First Look showcase at CES 2026, but you might have been a little confused as to what's changed. The company says the Freestyle+ is nearly twice as bright as the 2022 Freestyle projector, rated at 230 ISO lumens, which was pretty underwhelming. The new Freestyle+ can output at 430 ISO lumens. If this is the first you're hearing of ISO Lumens, it's an internationally standardized rating for projectors, intended to standardize manufacturers' claims of brightness.It still looks very similar to its predecessors, with 160 degrees of rotation that makes it easy to set up in most homes, Airbnbs or meeting rooms. Samsung added support for Q-Symphony, allowing you to connect it to the company's soundbars, if you conveniently have one nearby. While the sound quality of its built-in speaker was hard to test in the middle of a post-keynote trade show floor, you'll probably want to augment the built-in speaker, if only because it's so small.Vision AI, mentioned several times during Samsung's CES keynote, is also built into the portable projector. You can summon Bixby to adjust settings and whatever you're watching. Based on the demos I saw, you'll need to speak into the remote to access Bixby.Other improvements bring the projector into 2026, with keystone correction and focus. The Freestyle+'s AI OptiScreen can calibrate projections to different wall surfaces and colors to improve visibility even on your most vivid walls.Mat Smith for EngadgetThe updated 3D Auto Keystone corrects distortion even when projecting onto uneven or non-flat surfaces, such as corners, curtains or angled walls. It's hard to put into words, but pointing the Freestyle+ to a corner, or at an undulating curtain, and watching the image morph and contort was almost hypnotic. The premise is that you can point this at any area of your home (or even, say, the side of a tent), and the 3D Auto Keystone will flatten the image in seconds.There's also Screen Fit, which automatically adjusts the image to match a projector screen size. The Freestyle+ can project up to a 100-inch 1080p image, at maximum. However, Wall Calibration might be the most technically impressive in a device this size. It detects and analyzes the color of the projection surface and recalibrates the image's color tone to minimize the effect. It can even detect and match a wall pattern to reduce visual interference, which worked well in person. The Samsung spokesperson used the aforementioned Bixby voice commands to calibrate the screen.If there's still something to address, it's that this portable projector must be plugged in to operate. When that can be either a power bank or a wall outlet, it seems a bit cheeky to call it portable.Samsung typically announces prices and launch dates once the CES dust has settled, but it's set to arrive in the first half of 2026. Previous iterations cost around $900, but early impressions suggest it's a versatile, petite projector.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsung-freestyle-plus-projector-hands-on-ces-2026-060840386.html?src=rss

Amid endless AI hype and a guest visit from the CEO of Hartford Steam Boiler (?!), Samsung had a big surprise for us tonight at CES 2026: A massive 130-inch Micro RGB TV. It's so large, it's suspended by a large metal stand that surrounds the entire screen, which also lets you tilt the screen just a bit. (For the Samsung diehards, it's basically a reinvention of its timeless gallery" stand from 2013.) I imagine bringing this TV home would be like Bart Simpson adopting his beloved elephant Stampy: Your pets would be terrified, and your family would probably be annoyed at this television dominating so much of your home.But boy, it sure looks amazing in person. Just like LG's Micro RGB set, it's using an evolved form of Mini LED technology that allows for far better color accuracy and richness. As I fought through the crowds of Samsung's CES First Look event to catch a glimpse of it, I couldn't help but notice how everyone just looked a bit stunned, like the monkeys from 2001 seeing the monolith for the first time.Samsung's 130-inch Micro RGB TV from the side.Devindra Hardawar for EngadgetSamsung representatives were clear that this Micro RGB set was only a concept of what the company could do with the technology, it's not an actual product it plans to ship. In another demo, Samsung took the 130-inch screen and mounted it directly on a wall (below). Of course, it still looked stunning. I also learned that if you wanted to wall mount the timeless gallery" stand concept, you actually have to mount the entire stand to the wall, since it's part of the TV's speaker system.Samsung didn't have too many details about the technical aspects of the 130-inch Micro RGB TV, but it did shout buzzwords at us during its announcement. it's powered by the company's Micro RGB AI Engine Pro" processor, which includes Micro RGB Color Booster Pro" and Micro RGB HDR Pro" technology, using AI to enhance dull tones and refine contrast, delivering vivid color and subtle detail across bright and dark scenes alike for realism and picture fidelity."Samsung's 130-inch Micro RGB TV mounted in a wall.Devindra Hardawar for EngadgetThe Micro RGB set also sports the company's Glare Free technology to reduce reflections, and it supports HDR 10+ Advanced and the company's Eclipsa Audio. It can also tap into Samsung's Vision AI Companion for conversational search, as well as Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity.But of course, those details really don't matter, because you won't be able to buy the 130-inch Micro RGB TV in its current form. We were impressed by last year's 115-inch model, but its $30,000 price didn't make it feasible for anyone but the ultra-rich. And those folks would be better off investing in Samsung's own Micro LED sets, which offer the benefits of OLED that Micro RGB does not. (Sure, those TVs start at $110,000, but for that's not exactly a huge leap for those with deep pockets.)Samsung's 130-inch Micro RGB TV from the rear.Devindra Hardawar for EngadgetThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsung-brought-an-absolute-beast-of-a-130-inch-micro-rgb-tv-to-ces-2026-060245387.html?src=rss

In addition to its annual soundbar updates, Samsung debuted two new home speakers at CES 2026. The Music Studio 5 and 7 are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi units designed to blend in with your home decor thanks to their minimalist look. They certainly don't look like your typical speakers, and Samsung has packed them with features that it says will ensure optimal sound quality from each one.The Music Studio 5 has a four-inch woofer and two tweeters, and a sound profile that's optimized by AI Dynamic Bass Control. The design is an interesting interplay between a circle and a square, but the speaker delivers crisp, clear sound - even in the roar of a CES demo area. The Music Studio 5 will also come in a smattering of colors, which could lend a pop to a bookshelf. Controls line the top edge, including one-touch access to Spotify.Samsung Music Studio 7Billy Steele for EngadgetIf you're looking for something more robust, the Music Studio 7 is a 3.1.1-channel unit that's capable of four-direction spatial audio and high-resolution listening. Samsung says you can enjoy tunes at up to up to 24-bit/96kHz and the speaker can be used as part of a turntable setup. The sound here is more robust as I heard noticeably more bass from the 7 than on the 5. The various control buttons are up top here as well, positioned near the front of the speaker for easy access.You can also use up to four Music Studio speakers as a surround sound setup in your living room. I listened to a brief demo where Samsung was using four Music Studio 7 units in a makeshift home theater. This combo provided great immersion, with lots of detail in the directional sound in the clips being broadcast on the connected TV. Samsung also says you can use up to 10 Music Studio speakers for audio only.The company didn't announce any pricing details yet, but that's likely to come just before the Music Studio speakers are available for purchase. That date is TBD as well.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/samsung-music-studio-5-and-7-hands-on-unique-speaker-designs-debut-at-ces-2026-052009007.html?src=rss

We're used to Samsung updating its Q990 soundbar at CES every year, and 2026 is no different. However, the company also debuted the HW-QS90H: a new all-in-one option that Samsung says won't require a standalone subwoofer due to its Quad Bass Woofer system. The QS90H offers 7.1.2-channel audio with 13 total drivers. Before the show properly kicks off, we got to listen to the new soundbar for a quick judge of its merits.The first thing I noticed about the QS90H is its impressive bass performance. Most of the time when a company claims its soundbar doesn't need a subwoofer, that proves to be untrue. But even in the chaos of a noisy demo area, I could clearly hear the bassy thump coming from the QS90H's built-in subwoofers. For once, I think would-be buyers could get by without a sub, especially in smaller living rooms.Samsung achieved this with two of those Quad woofers. These drivers push air in two directions rather than just one, which helps with the extra low-end tone. The company didn't sacrifice clarity either. The nine additional drivers, positioned for front, side, wide and up firing sound, provide the clear detail I've come to expect from Samsung.Samsung QS90H soundbarBilly Steele for EngadgetThe QS90H also features Samsung's Convertible Fit Design technology that debuted on the QS700F last year. This tool allows you to sit the soundbar flat on a shelf or mantle, or rotate it to mount on the wall. Built-in sensors automatically adjust the driver performance for each orientation, so that sound quality isn't affected by the selected positioning. During my demo, I didn't notice any difference in performance when the orientation changed. In fact, the QS90H looks a lot like the QS700F on the outside, with similar grille patters and control designs.Samsung didn't announce pricing or availability tonight, but that's likely to come just prior to any on-sale date.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsung-hw-qs90h-soundbar-hands-on-impressive-bass-performance-without-a-subwoofer-045727939.html?src=rss

LG usually announces its CES TV lineup well ahead of the show, but this year the company had a surprise at CES 2026: The return of its ultra-thin "Wallpaper" TV. Now it's toting a gorgeous OLED screen and wireless connectivity, and it's about as thin as a pencil. We got a chance to check out the Wallpaper TV in action during a CES preview event, as well as the previously announced Gallery and Micro RGB sets. LG still has its typically OLED and LED sets around, but it's clear that 2026 will be filled with intriguing TVs for a variety of consumers.LG's 2026 Wallpaper OLED TVDevindra Hardawar for EngadgetThe Wallpaper TV (LG W6)If money were no object, I'd want a 100-inch LG Wallpaper TV in my family room immediately. It looks shockingly thin in person - almost as if it's some sort of sci-fi prop - and it delivers the rich colors and dark levels we expect from OLED. Cable management is also a cinch, since it requires just a single power cable. The A/V inputs are handled by LG's One Connect box, which you can position wirelessly up to 10 meters away from the TV.LG's 2026 Wallpaper OLED TV from the rearDevindra Hardawar for EngadgetThe LG W6 combines the best of LG's OLED technology, including "Hyper Radiant Color" for improved black levels and color, "Brightness Booster Ultra" to crank up luminance 3.9 times more than conventional OLEDs and a reflection free screen material. LG's Alpha 9 Gen 3 processor beefs up its performance, and its NPU also helps to improve upscaling and overall image performance. (And yes, you can also access generative AI features via Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, if you're into that sort of thing.)All of that adds up to one of the most remarkable TVs I've seen in years. I haven't been too enamored with other TV gimmicks lately, like everything trying to mimic Samsung's The Frame, or the usless 8K sets. But a super-thin wireless TV with the best OLED panel available? That's the stuff dreams are made of.LG's 2026 Gallery TVDevindra Hardawar for EngadgetThe Gallery TV competes with Samsung's FrameWhile LG has made Gallery TVs before, in 2026 it's making a more concerted effort to take on Samsung's popular Frame TV. LG says the new sets were designed with the help of museum curators, which helps the "Gallery Mode" adjust brightness and contrast to specific works of art. They also ship with magnetic frame-like bezels, and they have anti-reflective screens to help make the art shine.In person, the new Gallery TV looks fine, though it's easy to tell that the colors and contrast levels don't match LG's premium OLED TVs. To avoid burn-in issues, these sets feature Mini LED panels. As I noted above, I'm not the core consumer for one of these TVs, but it's nice to see more competition against Samsung's Frame TVs. (Despite pioneering the idea of TVs displaying art, the Frame sets are still fairly mediocre when it comes to actually watching TV shows and movies.)LG's Micro RGB TVDevindra Hardawar for EngadgetMicro RGB looks like a genuine Mini LED upgradeAs if we needed more TV acronyms to worry about, say hello to Micro RGB, a new technology built atop Mini LED to cover vastly more color range. Just don't confuse it with Micro LED, which is the wildly expensive evolutionary step forward for OLED. LG already announced its Micro RGB set a few weeks ago, but that didn't prepare me for standing in front of the 100-inch demo TV it brought to CES. Throughout a variety of clips, colors looked wonderfully rich, and the overall texture of the images looked surprisingly life-like.I'd have to compare it to LG's Wall TV side-by-side to truly see how Micro RGB competes with OLED, but technically OLED should still offer better contrast and black levels, since each of its pixels are self-emissive. But sure, if I couldn't get a 100-inch Wall TV in my family room, I certainly wouldn't turn down an enormous Micro RGB.What about LG's other OLED TVs?All of the next-generation OLED technology in the wallpaper TV will also make its way into LG's G6 OLED models, while the new C6 and other lines will see improvements of their own. All I can say is that the new G6 OLED looked impressive, with a noticeably brighter picture and HDR elements compared to G-series OLEDs from several years ago.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/lg-tvs-at-ces-2026-a-stunning-wallpaper-set-glorious-micro-rgb-colors-and-a-better-gallery-tv-033739600.html?src=rss

It's been nearly 10 years since LG first introduced its Wallpaper TV that was so thin that the mounting process felt like applying wallpaper. After eventually discontinuing the ultra-thin TVs in 2020, LG is finally reviving the Wallpaper TV series with the OLED evo W6 that will make its debut at CES 2026. LG is marketing the updated Wallpaper TV as the "world's thinnest" OLED that's truly wireless, making some major upgrades to the original.Instead of the companion soundbar that housed all the ports, LG designed the Zero Connect Box that hosts all the inputs and can transmit from up to roughly 32 feet away. It's similar to what Samsung has been doing with its Wireless One Connect Box, which is often paired with its Frame TV lineup. While you won't have to worry about a web of tangled wires or a clunky soundbar, the OLED evo W6 measures slightly thicker at 9mm, compared to its predecessor's hyperthin 2.6mm measurement. That's more than three times the thickness, but it's still impressive if you consider that the W6 will feel about as thick as putting an iPhone 17 Pro Max against your wall.LGThe latest Wallpaper TV does come with plenty of improvements, though, including LG's third-gen 11 Processor. LG also added its new Hyper Radiant Color Technology to the W6, which translates to deeper blacks, improved colors and higher brightness levels. There's even a Brightness Booster Ultra feature that LG claims results in four times the brightness of conventional OLED. To complement the extra nits, LG specifically designed a screen that reduces reflections for the Wallpaper TV.The updated W6 can handle gaming better, too, since it supports a 4K 165Hz refresh rate and has a 0.1 pixel response time that's crucial for competitive gaming. LG added compatibility with NVIDIA's G-Sync, AMD's FreeSync Premium, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. When you're not using the Wallpaper TV, LG has its Gallery+ feature that can display screensaver visuals, personal photos or images created with generative AI.LGLG didn't reveal what sizes the upgraded Wallpaper TV would be available in, but it will be on display later this week at CES 2026. LG hasn't offered any clues about pricing yet either, but we wouldn't be surprised to see an equally shocking price as compared to the last Wallpaper TV, which cost up to $20,000.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/lg-brought-back-the-wallpaper-tv-for-ces-and-ditched-the-companion-sound-bar-030057927.html?src=rss

Takway, a startup that wants to be the "Nintendo of the AI robot era," has unveiled a Tamagotchi-like virtual pet at CES 2026 that's meant to go with you everywhere and develop a unique personality in the process. Sweekar is an AI companion built into a palm-sized toy, a cutesy egg-shaped device with ears and a screen for its face. As with a Tamagotchi, you'll have to feed and play with it to keep it happy and healthy, and its mood and facial expressions will reflect your care. But this virtual pet will remember your voice and the activities you've done together - and once it's grown up, it will keep itself entertained, go off on its own virtual excursions (kind of like a Finch birb) and bring back tales of its adventures.The Sweekar pocket pet being placed into a large brown checkered purseTakwaySweekar comes in pink, yellow and blue, but there will also be the option to switch up the shells and buy silly little outfits for it, because why not. The pocket pet has four life stages, becoming less needy as it grows.It starts out as a closed egg for its two-day incubation period, after which it will "break" its shell to reveal a face. From then on, you have to keep it alive with care tasks and attention in order to raise it through the baby and teen stages. Once it's an adult though, it will be able to care for itself autonomously. That means you no longer run the risk of killing it through neglect. Sweekar is unkillable from Level 51 on. (At least, in the virtual sense. Hardware can always break, and you'll have to keep it charged).Two Sweekar devices are pictured on a table, one wearing a pink and blue snowboarder outfit and the other (behind it) wearing a cowboy hat and outfitKarissa Bell for EngadgetThere's no set price for it just yet, but Sweekar will likely fall within the $100-$150 range once it becomes available. The company says it will soon be launching a Kickstarter campaign.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/sweekar-turns-the-tamagotchi-into-a-physical-ai-pocket-pet-that-wont-die-on-you-023525228.html?src=rss

CES 2026 is already shaping up to be an interesting year for robots. But while some companies are chasing humanoids that can help you do stuff, there are also a surprising number of robots whose main job is to be cute and keep you company.Japanese startup Ludens AI is showing off two extremely adorable robot companions at CES. Cocomo is an autonomous robot pet that can follow you around the house and respond to voice and touch. It has a fuzzy, egg-shaped body, but the version we saw at CES was wearing an orange suit with ears that made it look a bit like a teddy bear. It was moving around on a wheeled base, but it also has tiny legs if you prefer to carry it around and hold it.Cocoo's exterior is meant to stay close to human body temperature at 98.6 degrees fahrenheit and the company says it will rise up to 102 degrees in "high contact" situations like hugging it. And while Cocomo can interact and respond to your actions, it "speaks" with hums and other sounds rather than words.

There are a slew of keyboards and apps that help people learn how to play the piano, but a small company called PopuMusic is showing off an intriguing set of products at CES to make the process easier. PartyKeys and PartyStudio are a 36-key MIDI keyboard and MIDI / Bluetooth speaker that pair together in seamless fashion. The PartyStudio is particularly interesting because it has a built-in library of 128 instrument tones and more than 50 different drum machine patterns. Naturally, it works with the PartyKeys, but any MIDI keyboard can connect to it and use those sounds.The PartyStudio and PartyKeys both use NFC to connect to each other - you can just tap and hold the keyboard up to the speaker for pairing. You can connect up to three devices using MIDI over Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE MIDI) as well as a fourth using a wired connection. If you have more than one keyboard, meanwhile, you can connect them together with NFC as well - you can pair three keyboards together total, giving you a huge 108-key surface to play.Both the PartyStudio and PartyKeys have an understated but appealing look to them (they're available in black or white) and feel quite substantial and well-made. PopuMusic has been releasing hardware via Kickstarters campaigns for a few years now, so even though they're a relatively small and new company they have some experience in this department. The speaker seems to hit a nice balance of portability and power; it has two tweeters and two woofers and weighs in at 3.75 pounds. It's about 13.5 inches wide, 5.2 inches tall and 4 inches deep, so it's not a tiny speaker you'll just throw in your bag, but it still feels easy to tote around thanks to its attached handle.The other trick that the PartyStudio and PartyKeys have is on the software side. Using a companion app, multiple people can play along with a song. The light-up keyboard can show you what to play, and if you have multiple people playing each keyboard can display complimentary parts. It starts with simple three-key chord voicings, but I also saw a demo that used a familiar Guitar Hero-style interface of different notes flying down the screen, making for a more involved and advanced performance.The PartyKeys are up for order on Kickstarter now for $199, while the PartyStudio costs $349. The company says they're on track to ship both products in Q1 of 2026.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/partystudio-is-a-wireless-midi-speaker-with-128-built-in-instrument-sounds-015511003.html?src=rss

We've all fantasied about sprawling on an embroidered chaise lounge while our amanuensis faithfully typed out everything we said. SwitchBot turned up to CES with something that does a similar job, but without the romance of the amanuensis, the typewriter or the chaise lounge. Instead, it's launching the AI MindClip, a wearable microphone which records and transcribes every noise to come from your mouth.The company isn't alone, with many others turning up to CES this year offering devices to log your thoughts through the day. But SwitchBot does hope to distinguish itself from the crowd with an AI which can both summarize and extract useful data from your chats. The company's representatives said it will use its initiative and create its own reminders based on what it thinks you'll need to remember. Sadly, we couldn't get to see it working in person, and we don't know when it'll be available or how much it'll cost.But it'll probably be a little bit cheaper than a chaise lounge.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/switchbot-turned-up-to-ces-with-an-ai-wearable-that-records-everything-you-say-014959824.html?src=rss

Smart locks have a notable inconvenience: running out of power. Lockin, maker of vein-recognition locks, debuted its newest model on the CES floor. It charges wirelessly via an optical infrared beam with a four-meter range. A small device, connected to a standard outlet inside the house, shoots a beam at the lock, which has a small receptor panel that turns the light into power, sort of like a plug-in sun beaming at a tiny solar array. The tech carries certifications from two independent organizations, and won't harm eyeballs or bodies that get in the way of the beam (though if the beam is interrupted, charging stops).The lock itself is a mortise lock that will likely require a pro to install, as it's not just a standard deadbolt replacer. It's not a standard lock in other ways too, with video and speaker capabilites, AI recognition as well as touchscreen features and vein recognition.The tall black rectangle looked sleek (if huge) in person with a pocket-style grip and a rather sizable display on the interior panel. The outer panel has a touchscreen along with two cameras allowing it to act as a doorbell video camera. You can unlock the door via palm, finger vein or 3D facial recognition.Lockin V7 Max smart lockLockinIt'll feed the video to any of the major smart home eco systems, including those from Google, Apple, Amazon and Samsung. But for general setup and advanced AI features, such as recognizing a package delivery and speaking a canned request to the driver, you'd use Lockin's own app.I can't imagine this high-end do-everything lock will be cheap, and indeed the price is currently undisclosed, but units should start shipping in July or August of this year. There's a cheaper version of the lock, with the same wireless charging capability but without the video features, that'll sell for $350 and will be available in April.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/lockins-everlasting-vein-recognizing-smart-lock-doorbell-cam-combo-is-peak-ces-013431113.html?src=rss