Key Takeaways
- The CES 2026 conference has a strong focus on the entertainment industry, with over 25 panels and events scheduled.
- Artificial intelligence is a major topic of discussion, with many speakers optimistic about its potential to enhance creativity and storytelling.
- The conference has featured a range of innovative products and services, including AI-powered smart headphones, advanced televisions, and a "stringless smart guitar".
- Influencers and internet-native creators are increasingly being recognized as legitimate players in the traditional entertainment industry.
- The conference has also explored the role of AI in advertising, with many speakers highlighting its potential to drive high-quality content creation.
Introduction to CES 2026
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, held in Las Vegas, has been a hub of innovation and excitement, showcasing the latest gadgets and technologies that are set to shape the future of the entertainment industry. From a lollipop that sings to you as you consume it to a laundry-folding robot and a "smart" LEGO brick, the conference has had its fair share of quirky and impressive products. However, beneath the surface of these attention-grabbing innovations, a more serious conversation has been taking place about the impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry.
The Role of AI in Entertainment
Artificial intelligence has been a major topic of discussion at CES 2026, with many speakers exploring its potential to enhance creativity and storytelling. Dwayne Koh, the head of creative at Leonardo.ai, highlighted the ways in which AI can "unlock something in us" and provide new opportunities for artists to express themselves. Similarly, Hannah Elsakr, Adobe’s vice president of generative AI new business ventures, emphasized the potential of AI to drive high-quality content creation, rather than simply replacing human creatives. However, the use of AI in entertainment has also raised important questions about copyright and the role of human creatives in the industry.
The Creator Economy
The conference has also placed a strong focus on the growing legitimacy of internet-native creators and content in the traditional entertainment industry. Influencers and content creators are increasingly being recognized as major players in the industry, with many speakers highlighting their efficiency and creativity. Brad Haugen, the executive vice president of digital strategy and growth at Lionsgate and 3 Arts, emphasized the importance of traditional media companies embracing opportunities to work with creators and recognizing their value as artists and entrepreneurs. As Haugen noted, "creators are not just there to market products… they’re actually the next great filmmakers, TV showrunners, and digital entrepreneurs".
Innovative Products and Services
In addition to the formal programming, a range of innovative products and services have been on display at CES, showcasing the latest advancements in entertainment technology. From advanced televisions with AI-powered features to smart headphones and a "stringless smart guitar", the conference has highlighted the ways in which technology is changing the way we consume and interact with entertainment. Amazon’s announcement of the rollout of Alexa.com, bringing its AI assistant to the web with personalized movie and TV recommendations, is just one example of the many exciting developments in this space.
The Future of Entertainment
As the conference comes to a close, it is clear that the entertainment industry is on the cusp of a major transformation, driven by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and other technologies. While there are certainly challenges and uncertainties ahead, many of the speakers at CES 2026 have expressed optimism about the potential of AI to enhance creativity and storytelling, and to provide new opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how these innovations play out, and what the future of entertainment holds. With the increasing recognition of internet-native creators and the growing importance of AI in the industry, one thing is certain: the entertainment landscape is set to change in profound ways in the years to come.
