Ten Incredible Devices from CES 2026 You Need to Check Out

rollable OLED displays that expand to multiple times their initial dimensions, to domestic robots that struggle to fold laundry at the proficiency of a toddler. Yet beyond the conventional array of ever-slimmer TVs and “smart” refrigerators that nobody asked for resides a distinctly odd collection of products. These items either impress you with their inventiveness or leave you baffled by their absurdity. It’s a delicate balance, and I’ll leave it to you to determine which category these products fall into.

In reality, many of the ideas on this list will never materialize. Some are a transparent attempt to capture the attention of media outlets (guilty!), some are prototypes of items that may ultimately reach the market with significantly altered features, while others can be pre-ordered right now. You need not wait to purchase some of the finest CES gadgets. But these are the most bizarre, each in its unique way.

An Actual Toilet Cam: Throne One

The quantified-self trend of the early 2000s brought forth the idea of tracking everything in your daily life, but initial attempts were confined to self-examination of basic sensor information. Today, you can monitor everything from how many times you’ve taken a sip from a water bottle to diaper changes, and it’s common to present your Apple Health records during a doctor’s visit. Thus, it was only a question of time before gut health joined the fray.

Fitted with a camera and microphone, the Throne

Check out Netflix’s 2023 Samurai Series boasting an Almost Flawless Rotten Tomatoes Score

“Blue Eye Samurai” is a groundbreaking, captivating adult animated saga available for streaming on Netflix. It fuses samurai action, identity conflicts, and breathtaking visuals into a truly bingeable experience. The animation is brought to life by the husband-and-wife duo of Michael Green and Amber Noizumi, crafted with stunning hybrid animation by the French studio Blue Spirit. Currently, the show consists of one season with eight episodes, but it has been renewed for a second season, anticipated to debut sometime in 2026.

The narrative centers on Mizu, a half-Japanese ronin on a quest for revenge set in Edo-period Japan. Her journey consists not only of battles against foes but also of overcoming her internal struggles. “Blue Eye Samurai” has been met with tremendous acclaim from both audiences and critics alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series enjoys an outstanding 97% critics’ rating. Reviews commend its visual splendor, engaging characters, and cinematic appeal. This near-perfect rating places “Blue Eye Samurai” among Netflix’s top series, alongside titles like Stranger Things, Squid Game, and Arcane.

Moreover, beyond impressive statistics, this series has already garnered several prestigious awards. It claimed the Primetime Emmy and Annie Awards for its animation and design. Even with just one season available, “Blue Eye Samurai” has emerged not only as a viewer favorite but also as a critically celebrated landmark in mature animated narratives.

What is Blue Eye Samurai about?

In the 17th century, Japan was a land of tranquility, stability, and isolation under the Tokugawa shogunate. The nation’s borders were shut, and xenophobia thrived in society. This serves as the backdrop for “Blue Eye Samurai.” The storyline follows Mizu, a determined blue-eyed master swordsman, who was deemed an outcast from birth due to her mixed heritage. In a world eager to render her invisible, Mizu transforms her banishment into a destiny forged by vengeance. Concealing her gender, she embarks on a bloody path toward those she holds responsible for her anguish.

Mizu’s quest leads her through beautiful landscapes and perilous alleys as she hunts for retribution. Throughout her journey, she encounters various colorful companions. Ringo, an eager yet disabled soba chef, aspires for glory. Taigen, a headstrong samurai, challenges her both in combat and spirit. Lastly, Princess Akemi realizes that her royal confinement mirrors Mizu’s societal restrictions.

At the conclusion of the first season of this remarkable show, Mizu’s journey culminates in a crucial showdown with Abijah Fowler, one of her four targets. This encounter reframes her vengeance as a complex odyssey—one of violence and self-discovery—setting the stage for the anticipated second season of “Blue Eyed Samurai.”

The story behind Mizu’s blue eyes

Beneath the clash of katanas and the jangle of colliding steel, “Blue Eye Samurai” is equally a tale of inner turmoil. Each duel Mizu faces reflects her internal struggles. A mixed-race woman with striking blue eyes that serve as a painful reminder of her shame, Mizu’s life is a continuous battle against rejection and self-hatred. Her mission to take down the men who represent her origins transcends mere revenge; it’s a deep-rooted fight with her self-identity, the yearning for acceptance, and the desire to validate her existence in a society that perceives her as a “creature of shame.”

Mizu’s internal dilemmas are complex. She conceals her gender and represses parts of her being to endure. The conflict between her true self and her necessary facade is tangible. Each violent moment throughout the series leads Mizu to question whether her vengeance will ultimately yield her peace. Will she find healing, or will the scars of her past only deepen? The series delves into the ramifications of revenge, illustrating how obsession alienates Mizu and blurs the boundary between justice and self-destruction. This refreshing narrative approach positions the animation among the 100 best shows on Netflix, prompting the audience to reflect on the genuine cost of vengeance, the allure of imperfection, and the bravery involved in self-acceptance.

LG Introduces New Robot to Help with Everyday Tasks, Such as Folding Laundry

LG’s latest robot, CLOiD, does much more than simply fold laundry. It is capable of communicating with various home appliances, particularly those manufactured by LG, and can take on additional household tasks — such as loading the washing machine, washing dishes, and preparing meals.

Introduced at CES 2026, LG CLOiD is a part of the company’s “Zero Labor Home” initiative, which aims to have smart machines and robots take on the routine household tasks that humans perform. The forthcoming robot won’t just fold clothes at home after it becomes available for purchase. It will also have the capability to load the washing machine, showcased in a demonstration by LG at CES. Moreover, LG revealed a new two-in-one washer/dryer appliance that can complete the laundry cycle while users are away. CLOiD will then be responsible for folding the laundry and managing other features of the smart home. A video presented by LG displayed the robot working in tandem with the air conditioning unit and lighting system to regulate the home’s temperature and illumination. Additionally, the robot can connect with a smart refrigerator to check available ingredients and heat meals using a smart oven.

Regrettably, LG has not provided any information regarding the availability of CLOiD. While the new robot might captivate consumers, no release date or pricing information has been disclosed to date.

How LG CLOiD folds laundry

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The new robot isn’t precisely humanoid, as it doesn’t possess human-like legs. It comes equipped with a head, torso, and two hands, each featuring five fingers. The head houses the robot’s brain, which includes a computer (executing AI processes), a display for facial expressions, a speaker for verbal interaction with humans, along with cameras and sensors that help the robot perceive its environment. In order to perform household chores, CLOiD operates through a sophisticated AI system that integrates a Vision Language Model (VLM) and a Vision Language Action (VLA). VLM is a technology enabling the AI to interpret images and videos. The VLA serves to convert visual and verbal signals into physical actions.

CLOiD’s torso is capable of tilting to modify its height, enabling it to retrieve items from ground level. Each arm is designed with seven degrees of freedom, and LG claims this feature emulates human mobility. “The shoulder, elbow, and wrist allow forward, backward, rotational, and lateral movements, while each hand includes five independently actuated fingers for precise manipulation,” <a href="https://www.lg.com/global/newsroom/news/home-appliance-and-air-solution/lg-electronics-presents-lg-cloid-home-robot-to-demonstrate-zero-labor-home-at-ces-2026/" target="_

Idris Elba’s Apple TV suspense series has been renewed for a second season.

Idris Elba is back for Season 2 of “Hijack” on Apple TV, reprising his character Sam Nelson, an expert in corporate negotiations. Directed by Jim Field Smith, the new season is set two years after the conclusion of Season 1. This time, Nelson finds himself on a packed underground train in Berlin that has been seized. As he navigates the high-pressure scenario on the train, law enforcement works to handle the crisis from above ground. Joining Elba are returning cast members Christine Adams, Archie Panjabi, and Max Beesley, along with new additions Clare-Hope Ashitey, Lisa Vicari, and Toby Jones. The premiere episode is now available for streaming, with new episodes debuting every Wednesday until March 4, 2026, for this eight-episode season. Despite receiving mixed audience feedback, the show has garnered critical praise, with Sherin Nicole from RogerEbert.com describing it as “an intensely watchable series that keeps your attention and anxiety up.” Fans can also binge the first season on Apple TV.

Top 5 iPod Substitutes Highly Endorsed by Users

Apple officially ended the iPod’s production in 2022, even though the final model was launched in 2019. The termination of the iPod series signified the conclusion of standalone music players from the brand. One reason Apple ceased the iPod after two decades is that most users now enjoy music on their smartphones. Even though the iPod is no longer available, it does not imply that the market for dedicated music devices has vanished. Several companies continue to manufacture and offer iPod substitutes that you can purchase if you’re still interested in having a specific gadget for music playback. You’ll discover a range of choices, but distinguishing the quality options from the lesser ones may prove challenging.

To prevent any buyer’s remorse, we are here to assist you in making an educated choice by presenting the top iPod substitutes on the market that are favored by numerous users. Whether you wish to upgrade from your previous iPod or are seeking your very first dedicated music player to enjoy tunes as you used to, we have you covered. All the items we have reviewed boast excellent ratings and feedback from users online and excel at their primary purpose — playing music.

AiMoonsa Music Player

The AiMoonsa MP3 Player possesses a variety of useful features that rank it among the top iPod alternatives. It can play various audio formats, supporting both lossy formats (like MP3 and WMA) and lossless types such as APE, WAV, and FLAC. It is available with either a 64 GB or 128 GB microSD card.

Verizon Enforces Tighter Policies for Unlocking iPhones and Android Devices

iPhones or Android devices might not be pleased with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) ruling on Monday, which granted the carrier permission to bind handsets to its network for a duration longer than the prior 60-day minimum. This waiver is in place as of Tuesday, meaning Verizon is only required to adhere to the CTIA’s voluntary unlocking guidelines. The CTIA recommends unlocking prepaid devices one year post-activation. Postpaid units may be unlocked once a contract concludes, which could entail settling a financing plan or early termination fee.

Verizon’s advantage could complicate the process for consumers wishing to switch carriers. Transitioning to a superior plan from AT&T, T-Mobile, or a smaller rival becomes trickier if the device remains connected to Verizon’s network. This is predicated on the subscriber’s desire to continue using the same device and having several months remaining on their carrier agreement. The new conditions of the waiver go into effect for all new phone activations the day after the FCC’s directive, or January 13. Consequently, buyers of iPhone and Android devices who acquired a phone prior to the approval of Verizon’s petition will continue to benefit from the earlier regulation.

Organizations such as Consumer Reports, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, iFixit, and others opposed Verizon’s request, contending that the 60-day unlock policy was beneficial to consumers and competition. Likewise, the cable lobbying group NCTA condemned the FCC’s ruling, claiming that unlocked devices support smartphone buyers.

What prompted Verizon’s change of heart?

HP’s Latest USB Gadget Combines a Fully Functional Computer Inside a Keyboard

a gaming laptop from a prominent manufacturer. For those aiming to eliminate all but the fundamental aspects of a portable computer, leading PC brand HP has introduced the EliteBoard, a complete PC system packed into a keyboard’s framework.

Recognized at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show Innovation Awards, the HP EliteBoard is a mobile PC tailored specifically for both shared and dedicated work environments, especially those featuring a communal pool of available screens. Simply connect the EliteBoard to any monitor, and you can commence work, with all your files and functionalities concealed within the keyboard. As of now, HP has not disclosed the price or specific release date for this innovative device, though it aims for a launch period in March 2026.

The HP EliteBoard integrates a complete work PC into a sleek, portable design

Based on data mentioned in an HP press release, a significant number of professionals express a certain level of dissatisfaction with the technology they utilize for work, and with laptops on an unpredictable trajectory for the foreseeable future, that frustration might escalate. The goal of the HP EliteBoard is to offer a versatile, flexible setup that caters to varied work styles, whether you’re connected in the office or traveling. Provided you have a USB-CTM display nearby, the EliteBoard can be plugged in and accessed instantly.

The HP EliteBoard is designed for immediacy right out of the box with minimal configuration. It’s pre-installed with Windows 11 and powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processor, complemented by Radeon 800M series native graphics. The complete unit is merely 12mm thick and weighs less than half that of typical laptops and notebook computers at 750g (around 1.65 pounds). It can be conveniently stored in a backpack or briefcase, leaving ample room for additional devices, paperwork, or any other essentials required for your job.

The HP EliteBoard has also been engineered to be more resistant to drops and spills, an essential characteristic since a coffee spill could damage much more than just the keyboard. The keyboard features an easy-clean surface for cleaning spills and debris, and consists of 75% recycled plastic. Moreover, unlike certain laptops, the EliteBoard is designed for user servicing; key components such as RAM, SSD, battery, and others can be easily detached without special tools for maintenance or replacement.

China and Japan Might Alleviate Apple’s Rising Prices Following AI Sector Expansion

an increased demand for RAM and other parts is already impacting the industry as a whole. Nonetheless, RAM is not the sole component that producers are having difficulty sourcing; a significant Japanese firm responsible for a glass cloth fiber used in iPhone models and various other popular devices is struggling to meet the requirements of Apple, Qualcomm, Nvidia, Google, Amazon, and others.

This glass cloth is composed of fine glass fibers that strengthen layers in printed circuit boards (PCBs), with the most common fibers being produced by Japan’s Nitto Boseki (also known as Nittobo). As reported by Nikkei Asia, Apple was an early user of Nittobo’s glass cloth. However, with AI companies demanding vast quantities of high-performance PCBs, this particular glass cloth has allegedly placed Apple in jeopardy of experiencing a supply deficit.

Nikkei Asia notes that industry insiders are labeling this pressure as “one of the major bottlenecks for the electronics production and AI sector for 2026.” Apple has been closely observing the development by not only dispatching its personnel to Japan to secure the material but also contacting other firms that could assist the company in avoiding potential launch delays, product deficits, or price increases.

Apple is facing supply chain challenges

Budget-Friendly Audiophile Devices to Elevate Your Music Experience

 article regarding the FiiO Snowsky DAC/Amp, you understand that a small investment can significantly enhance your phone’s audio quality. We chose to build upon this concept to provide you with a comprehensive compilation of affordable audio gadgets that will elevate your listening experience — encompassing everything from headphones and mobile accessories to home speakers and beyond.

The reality about premium audio is that spending does not always correlate with superior sound. Indeed, investing more in the right audiophile headphones can yield great returns in sound clarity, yet that increased expenditure does not automatically guarantee proportional value. Nonetheless, there are several areas where individuals frequently economize. Whether you’re equipped with subpar headphones and need to inject some vitality into them or possess a speaker setup at home that requires a bit of enhancement, we have some alternatives tailored for you.

1. Moondrop Echo-A Portable USB-C DAC/AMP

Although the FiiO Snowsky suggestion mentioned earlier remains excellent, the Moondrop Echo-A presents a somewhat more straightforward plug-and-play solution. FiiO provides in-line charging and additional app control, but you must install the app to unlock its full capabilities. Conversely, if you seek high-quality 3.5-millimeter wired audio, the Moondrop Echo-A is an obvious choice to pack in your travel gear. 

Initially, Moondrop is a brand well-regarded by audiophiles that offers some of the finest in-ear-monitor-style

Three Key Gemini-Enhanced Siri Functions That Android Misses

Google’s Gemini will drive the new Siri. The Information released a report detailing this collaboration, highlighting some prospective capabilities of Apple’s virtual assistant. As per the report, Apple will have the ability to incorporate even more functionalities than what was pledged at WWDC 2024.

The updated Siri will finally eliminate the “I can’t help you with that” reply and will instead provide factual information, narrate stories, function as an effective assistant, and even deliver emotional support. According to a source close to the situation, The Information states that Siri will assist you in planning your next travel arrangements. Future features, which may be disclosed during the WWDC 2026 keynote, could encompass the ability to recall previous discussions and propose actions based on app information.

However, the most intriguing aspect of these speculated features (enabled by Gemini) is that even Android users do not have access to similar functionalities, given the present capabilities of Google Gemini. This raises the question of whether the rumored functions of the new Siri expansion are developments made by Apple itself — or if Google might reveal some of them at its upcoming I/O conference to level the playing field.

These are the speculated distinctions between Google Gemini and a Gemini-enhanced Siri