Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) highlighted the growing presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots in various products and technologies.
- The Model Context Protocol (MCP) from Sabre is a notable technology that can solve real problems using AI models.
- Edge computing offers economic, security, and performance benefits, and AI-powered devices such as glasses and laptops are becoming increasingly useful.
- New laptops from HP, Dell, and Lenovo, as well as portable monitors from CTX, are expected to be released in the first quarter of 2026.
- Wi-Fi 7 and HDMI 96 are emerging as important technologies for homes and offices.
Introduction to CES 2026
The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) provided a fascinating glimpse into the future of technology, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots. This year’s event was the 15th year that the authors, Randy Johnston and Brian Tankersley, have attended the show together. Despite some prominent vendors opting out of the show floor, the event still offered a wealth of insights into the latest products and technologies. One of the most significant takeaways from the show was the increasing presence of AI in various products, including toys, comfort items, and home appliances. However, many of these products seemed more like gimmicks than genuinely useful innovations.
The Big Theme: AI Moves to the Edge
The biggest theme of CES 2026 was the move of AI to the edge, with many products and technologies showcasing the benefits of edge computing. Edge computing offers economic, security, and performance benefits, and AI-powered devices such as glasses and laptops are becoming increasingly useful. For example, the macular degeneration support glasses from Ohio seemed particularly useful, and Qualcomm’s display of glasses and new-generation laptops running the latest Snapdragon processors was impressive. The Dragonwing AI On-Premises Appliance, a local box programmed by a partner with bespoke AI models for the customer, was also a notable product. Another impressive product was the UGREEN NASync iDX Series network-attached storage (NAS) that leveraged local AI-Powered Data Organization, offering features such as Universal Search, Uliya AI Chat, AI Album, Voice Memos, and AI File Organization.
Other Notable Technologies
In addition to AI and edge computing, several other technologies caught the authors’ attention. For example, the new laptops from HP, Dell, and Lenovo, as well as portable monitors from CTX, are expected to be released in the first quarter of 2026. Wi-Fi 7 and HDMI 96 are also emerging as important technologies for homes and offices. The release of the new HDMI 96 standard, designed to support up to 96Gbps and 16K monitors, is particularly noteworthy. On the healthcare front, products such as the Withing Body Scanner and the earflo, a device that uses a cup and a video game to adjust inner ear pressure in kids, were impressive. TCL was also a notable vendor, with innovative products such as the auto-scaling TV and the second-generation NXTPAPER.
Recommendations for 2026
So, what should you do in 2026? The pace of technological change in AI will accelerate, and new generation hardware to support AI and productivity will arrive. The authors recommend that you realistically consider your needs, determine a technology stack that fits your needs, and delay most hardware purchases until the second quarter to get a new generation product. It’s also a good idea to schedule demonstrations of new AI offerings from your primary vendors and consider new vendors to satisfy unmet needs. Throughout this year and beyond, you can look to this column and the Accounting Technology Lab podcasts to get genuine, honest, real, authentic, and frank insights into the latest technologies and trends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was a fascinating event that highlighted the growing presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots in various products and technologies. The move of AI to the edge, with many products and technologies showcasing the benefits of edge computing, was a significant theme of the show. With new laptops, portable monitors, Wi-Fi 7, and HDMI 96 emerging as important technologies for homes and offices, it’s an exciting time for tech enthusiasts. By considering your needs, determining a technology stack that fits your needs, and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends, you can navigate the rapidly changing tech landscape with confidence.