Author: Richard

From the TriFold to intelligent eyewear and distinctive accessories, these are the champions from CES 2026.

Another chapter of CES has concluded, and this year, it seemed every brand was determined to create smart glasses or smart rings. I witnessed a wide array of AI, AR, and XR eyewear, and while some definitely show a lot of promise (as you’ll see further on in this article), the majority of the products fell short.

Fortunately, I encountered numerous outstanding items, including smartphones, audio devices, accessories, and various AI-powered technologies. So let’s examine what made an impression at CES 2026.

Best Android phone (flagship): Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold

There was always going to be one clear winner this year. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold at the event prior to its launch in the U.S., and the one-of-a-kind foldable deserves commendation on its own merit. It is being offered in limited stock, and the retail price is astonishingly high, but as a demonstration of what mobile technology can achieve, there truly isn’t a better phone.

This marks my second experience with the TriFold — I tested it in a Dubai shopping mall last month — and it felt significantly improved this time. The device is on par with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in terms of refinement, and it doesn’t give off the impression of being a mere technology demonstration. The extra screen space is fantastic for enjoying entertainment, and even though the display has more glare compared to the Z Fold 7, it’s simply wonderful to transform a standard-sized phone into a 10-inch tablet.

Best Android phone (budget): TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro

TCL’s NXTPAPER technology is truly remarkable, and the brand presented the 70 Pro in Las Vegas. It features the same display that is designed to be more eye-friendly, and I appreciate how pleasant it is to use. The phone itself is a solid budget option, but the unique display distinguishes it from the rest.

Best concept: TDM Neo

TDM is an emerging manufacturer with a highly intriguing concept: a headset that converts into a speaker. It’s called the Neo, and at first glance, it appears to be just another headset — it has a similar weight too. However, you can twist both ear cups inward, transforming it into a Bluetooth speaker.

I haven’t encountered anything quite like it, and the Neo functions effectively as both a headset and a speaker. It isn’t fully in production yet, but it is the type of idea I would love to see materialize in a consumer product.

Best wearable: XGIMI Memo One

There’s no denying that XGIMI produces the finest projectors. At CES, the brand revealed MemoMind, a new line of fashionable smart glasses. There are several models available, but my favorite is Memo One, which includes a built-in display and a significant degree of personalization, and did I mention it’s stylish?

Best accessory: Anker Nano Charger 45W

The Nano appears as a typical charger, but it boasts a unique 180-degree foldable design, ensuring that the charger is always upright regardless of its orientation during use. It’s a minor adjustment, but one that greatly enhances the usability of the product. I predict that many other charging brands will soon introduce comparable designs.

Best AI innovation: NVIDIA Remix Logic

NVIDIA’s Remix technology rejuvenates classic games visually, and the brand demonstrated a preview of its latest feature, Remix Logic. The new mode interacts more deeply with game scenarios, granting game modders even greater flexibility and control in customizing in-game environments. Remix Logic represents the most impressive application of AI I’ve observed at CES this year, and as someone who enjoys retro games, I’m genuinely thrilled that NVIDIA is expanding this technology.

Best VR/XR device: Even Realities G2

Even Realities isn’t merely following the latest fads in smart glasses — it’s forging its own path, which is what I appreciate most about the G2. The glasses don’t resemble traditional tech products, yet they still feature waveguided lenses that display notifications and relevant information from your phone. It’s an excellent product, and I was frequently approached about the eyewear while navigating the show floor.

Google has recently implemented a major update to its Pixel 9 series by incorporating AirDrop-Quick Share cross-sharing features within the latest Android Canary release. This functionality, which was formerly limited to the Pixel 10 series, facilitates effortless file sharing between Pixel devices and devices compatible with Apple’s AirDrop. The enhancement was detected in the firmware of Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, although it is currently inactive. Google may activate this capability in future Android updates, possibly with Android 16 QPR3 or Android 17. This initiative is a pivotal advancement in improving interoperability between Android and iOS devices, providing users with greater flexibility in file sharing across various platforms.

Google has unveiled a major update for Gmail, featuring AI Overviews, smarter responses, and a novel AI Inbox aimed at prioritizing essential emails. This update, driven by Google’s Gemini, seeks to improve email composing, searching, and summarizing functions. Notable features include tailored Suggested Replies and Help Me Write, which are now accessible to all Gmail users at no additional charge. The AI Overviews functionality enables users to pose questions in natural language and obtain succinct summaries from their emails, simplifying the task of locating vital information. Furthermore, the new AI Inbox will emphasize to-dos and important communications, departing from a basic chronological arrangement. Currently, this feature is restricted to trusted testers, with plans for wider rollout in the coming months.

Samsung is working to improve home security by merging SmartThings with Arlo’s advanced security platform. This partnership aims to position SmartThings as the primary hub for home security and automation, with Arlo delivering the strong security capabilities. The collaboration enables users to control security services right from the SmartThings app, removing the necessity for multiple apps to oversee security cameras or motion detectors. Initially set to launch in the U.S., this integration will utilize Arlo’s Smart Security SaaS platform to introduce new security services, making the process easier for Samsung users. This initiative builds upon earlier partnerships, like the implementation of Arlo’s AI-driven object detection in SmartThings, and is anticipated to streamline security management for Galaxy users while broadening Arlo’s outreach.

Spotify has revealed a major enhancement to its Messages feature, aimed at improving music-sharing functionalities. The update brings forth two new additions: “Request to Jam” and “Listening Activity.”

“Request to Jam” permits users to join a friend’s listening session directly via DMs, akin to the existing Jam sessions on the platform. This feature allows users to invite friends or family to a live listening experience, where both individuals can contribute tracks to the session. The session host can be the user who sends the Jam request, and the feature is available through a Jam icon in the DM thread.

The “Listening Activity” feature, once activated, enables users to share their current listening choices with others, who can then incorporate those tracks into their own playlists. This feature can be customized within the Privacy and Social settings, providing users the ability to manage who can view their listening activity.

These enhancements are being rolled out to Android and iOS devices in areas where Spotify Messages are accessible, with a wider rollout anticipated in February. Spotify Messages, launched in 2025, serves as a one-on-one chat service that allows users to share music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Users need to accept a Message request prior to engaging in conversation, adding a layer of privacy and security.

In summary, these updates are designed to reinforce user interactions and elevate the music-sharing experience on Spotify.