CES 2026 Day 1 Recap: Functional Tech and AI Friends

CES 2026 has officially kicked off. With more than 17,000 steps logged and three different convention centers that left me dizzy while searching for the top tech in Las Vegas, I present a summary of several tech products that have caught my attention thus far.

The exhibition area is vast, and there are certain items you can only discover if you know where to look. Take Satechi, for instance, which demonstrated its new Premium CubeDock: An impressive accessory that builds on the triumph of the M4 Mac mini stand and hub. It boasts a 180W smart power supply, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, USB-C/A 10Gbps ports, UHS-II, SD/microSD compatibility, and 2.5Gb Ethernet. And if you think that’s it, you’re mistaken, as it also includes an SSD slot for an extra 8TB of storage for your Mac or Windows PC.

In addition to Satechi, the iPhone accessory brand MOFT debuted new Find My-compatible MagSafe cases and accessories for iPhone. Building on the popularity of its snap-on devices, the company now provides MagSafe wallets and tripods with Find My functionality. The battery life extends to about six months, and the tripod now features a button for taking pictures from your iPhone.

The Retailer Providing the Greatest Discounts on Televisions

a specific retailer receives its own SKU for the sake of distinction. However, by examining the specifications, you can ascertain if it is truly the same television.

The response ultimately hinges on when and what you’re purchasing. Each retail chain offers promotions at varying intervals, so if you find one at the right moment, you might reap substantial savings. Generally speaking, nonetheless, the most favorable deals can often be found at Costco as it consistently provides member pricing, in addition to the 2% cash back that can be redeemed in the form of a Reward certificate for in-store use if you possess an Executive membership.

Costco membership can provide additional discounts and advantages

Top 5 USB Accessories for MacBook for Home and Travel Use

**5 Top MacBook USB Accessories For Working Remotely And While Traveling**

The trend of working from home is on the rise, with numerous companies discovering that their workforce remains just as productive in this environment as they do in the office. A dependable MacBook allows for work from virtually anywhere, provided there is internet connectivity. Yet, remote work can be difficult without appropriate accessories, such as an extra storage device or docking station. To assist you in getting ready, here are five crucial MacBook USB accessories that enhance connectivity, ensure devices are charged, and organize files efficiently.

**1. Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub (A8371)**

The Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub is an adaptable device that improves your working environment. Priced at approximately $25 on Amazon, it has a 4.6-star rating based on more than 28,000 reviews. This hub provides a power delivery of 100W (85W effective), 4K HDMI output, two USB-A ports, one USB-C data port, a microSD slot, and an SD card reader. Its aluminum exterior is a great match for the MacBook’s aesthetics and remains cool even under heavy usage.

**2. Syntech USB-C to USB Adapter (2-pack)**

The Syntech USB-C to USB Adapter is a small and budget-friendly option for linking standard USB devices to a MacBook’s USB-C port. At around $13, this adapter boasts a 4.7-star rating from over 185,000 ratings worldwide. It features a stylish aluminum alloy shell for heat dissipation and supports USB 3.0 speeds up to 5 Gbps, making it perfect for transferring files from older devices.

**3. Plugable 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station**

For those seeking extensive expandability, the Plugable 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station provides three 4K monitor outputs, a Gigabit Ethernet port, an SD card reader, audio input/output, four USB-A ports, and one USB-C port that handles 10 Gbps. Priced at $229, it holds a 4.2-star rating from more than 1,700 reviews. This docking station is ideal for a multi-monitor arrangement and connecting all essential peripherals.

**4. Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger**

The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger provides wireless charging for an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods concurrently. With a 4.3-star rating from over 1,100 reviews, it features Qi2/MagSafe magnetic charging up to 15W for iPhones. Retailing for around $105, it comes with a two-year warranty. Though it is somewhat bulky, it’s an excellent choice for those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

**5. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD**

The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is a trustworthy and durable storage solution. With a price of $119, it has garnered a 4.6-star rating from over 86,000 reviewers. It offers near NVMe-class speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, all encased in an IP65-rated exterior for sturdiness. Despite having a short USB cable, it’s a favored option for enhancing MacBook storage with fast performance.

**How did we choose these products?**

These useful MacBook USB accessories were selected based on genuine user feedback. Each item underwent thorough research and has at least 1,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of no less than 4.2.

LG’s 2026 OLED Wallpaper TVs Poised to Revolutionize Home Theater Experience

“world’s inaugural Dual-Hz gaming monitor” in 2023 or the 98-inch mini LED TV in 2024, the company is again making headlines — this time by reintroducing a TV that was initially launched in 2017. Unveiled at CES 2026, the LG OLED evo W6 may prompt you to rethink your home theater arrangement as well.

In addition to the new TV featuring sophisticated wireless connectivity and innovative OLED technology dubbed Hyper Radiant Color Technology, LG asserts that the new OLED Wallpaper TV isn’t merely the slimmest true wireless OLED TV yet but is also showcasing some quite remarkable specifications alongside it. The new television also brings several benefits for gamers.

While the company’s press announcement emphasizes the “True Wireless Wallpaper TV,” LG guarantees a broader assortment for the 2026 OLED evo series as well. The company revealed some new software capabilities, many of which will be driven by artificial intelligence. These innovative features can assist in customizing the viewing experience for users while providing insights about what they are watching.

LG’s OLED Wallpaper TV offers impressive features

Debuted at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the LG Wallpaper OLED TV boasts a 9mm thickness, which also comes with an elegant wall mount that allows the TV to rest flush against the wall. Users will have the flexibility to mount the television almost anywhere, as all the ports for the television are contained within a

Reasons to Buy Your Tech Products from Costco

a remarkable place for acquiring your electronics. Consider the Nintendo Switch 2 launch as an ideal illustration. While retailers like Best Buy and Gamestop were mostly depleted during the launch week, Costco was actively selling stock after stock in both its physical and online locations. 

Ultimately, few people regard Costco as the initial stop for the latest technology, particularly for a highly sought-after item, but that’s a mistake. Costco ranks as one of the most consumer-friendly shops for purchasing your products, and its electronics variety is quite difficult to surpass, not only concerning selection but also in terms of cost, warranties, and rewards.

It’s incredibly easy to become fond of Costco

Reasons for Possible Restrictions on Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Grok

‘PhD-level’ Grok-4 debuted in July 2025, and at that moment, it was grappling with “eager” adherence to user commands. It had minimal restrictions on user inquiries, even producing racist and hate-filled visuals on request. Most individuals utilize Grok to create distinctive content or elicit reactions, yet similar to other AI platforms, users have the option to upload an image or engage with pre-existing content via the platform. For instance, you might reply to a friend’s selfie and instruct Grok to produce a new image that incorporates a top hat or a whimsical filter.

Nonetheless, as reported by various news organizations, including a Reuters inquiry, Grok is presently being abused to create sexualized images of women and minors. Genuine, generated visuals have surfaced that are “dehumanizing” users by artificially stripping away clothing. Numerous women have been victimized, which is disturbing in itself, but the manner in which offending users are engaging with the tool is particularly abhorrent. They are requesting Grok to recreate images of women in minimal bikinis or “very sheer” attire. Other violators are outright instructing Grok to eliminate clothing entirely or to position women in more provocative stances.

The UK regulatory body Ofcom has allegedly made “urgent contact” with X and xAI, the firm accountable for Grok, and will further investigate whether there are “potential compliance concerns that necessitate scrutiny.” Consequently, regulators across the

Comparison between Google Gemini and Copilot: Selecting the Appropriate AI Chatbot

Microsoft’s AI leader has publicly stated that Gemini 3 “is capable of performing tasks that Copilot cannot,” while also highlighting the practical advantages of Copilot, such as its real-time visual capabilities. Each exhibits distinct personalities, advantages, and disadvantages.

What each AI chatbot excels at

The Computer Brand with the Least Customer Satisfaction Ratings

American Customer Satisfaction Index identifies Acer as the least satisfying computer brand.

Acer has been established for roughly five years. It offers computers and computer peripherals including laptops, gaming displays and keyboards, desktop PCs, tablets, headsets, audio equipment, and much more. At the time of writing, Acer’s website showcases an Aspire 14 AI Laptop priced at $1,049 and an Acer Iconia Tab M10 Tablet available for $180. These prices are quite reasonable.

When purchasing a computer, there are numerous factors to think about, but the next time you’re shopping and encounter the Acer brand, consider aspects beyond just the price and specifications. Unfortunately, Acer is known for its hardware’s lack of durability and subpar customer service regarding repairs. Nevertheless, Acer’s more affordable pricing may offset these shortcomings.

Frequent customer grievances regarding Acer

Pebble Makes a Comeback at CES Showcasing Ease in Wearable Tech

at CES Unveiled, I had the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with the CEO of the company, Eric Migicovsky, regarding his comeback.

He explained how he succeeded in resurrecting Pebble watches years after divesting the company and why he still identifies as Pebble’s primary consumer. While brands like Apple, Samsung, and various other smartwatch manufacturers continue to enhance their products with additional health sensors, refined AI functionalities, and closer integration with devices like our phones, tablets, and computers, Migicovsky holds an entirely contrasting viewpoint on the idea, emphasizing that simplicity is key.

“Pebble Round 2 is excellent for checking the time,” Pebble’s CEO shared with me. It initially came across as humorous, at least until I noticed the enthusiasm he displayed while showcasing the watch faces created by the community and the distinctive appearance of the new Pebble Round 2. With its bezel-less 1.3-inch color e-paper display, it’s not only simpler to view the time from various angles, but the two-week battery life significantly outlasts that of my Apple Watch.

Pebble aims to excel in what truly matters