CES 2026 formally opens right now, however a lot of the present’s greatest bulletins already landed throughout Monday’s press conferences and early occasions. AI was all over the place, chipmakers dominated the schedule and a handful of manufacturers used the pre-show window to quietly drop significant {hardware} updates.
Beneath are the largest bulletins and tendencies from January 5, plus a number of standout hands-ons from Pepcom and CES Unveiled.
LG doubles down on AI
LG’s CLOiD robotic. (LG)
LG’s World Premiere keynote leaned arduous into its imaginative and prescient of “Affectionate Intelligence,” with AI positioned because the connective tissue throughout TVs, home equipment and even robotics. Whereas a lot of the {hardware} was introduced forward of time, the corporate used the stage to point out how its concepts match collectively, together with up to date OLED TVs, Micro RGB panels and its ultra-thin Wallpaper TV.
Essentially the most memorable second, although, was CLOiD, LG’s humanoid dwelling robotic, which capped off the presentation with demos that have been extra theatrical than sensible. As standard for LG at CES, the imaginative and prescient was formidable, even when a lot of it nonetheless feels a number of years away.
NVIDIA pushes deeper into bodily AI
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang presents at CES 2026, sporting a black snakeskin-like jacket. (NVIDIA)
NVIDIA’s CES keynote was lengthy, dense and firmly centered on AI infrastructure reasonably than shopper GPUs. CEO Jensen Huang launched the Vera Rubin supercomputer platform, alongside updates to NVIDIA’s open AI fashions, robotics instruments and autonomous car stack.
Between discussions of “bodily AI,” self-driving techniques and large information heart {hardware}, NVIDIA made it clear it sees CES as a spot to outline the way forward for computing, not simply promote graphics playing cards. Should you have been hoping for brand spanking new GeForce information, this wasn’t the keynote for you.
Intel tries to reset the PC narrative
Picture of a Core Extremely Sequence 3 (Intel)
Intel’s press convention adopted NVIDIA’s with a extra centered pitch: the launch of Core Extremely Sequence 3 processors, also referred to as Panther Lake. Constructed on Intel’s 18A course of — that’s lower than 2nm — the chips are designed to energy the subsequent wave of AI PCs, with improved graphics, higher effectivity and stronger native AI efficiency.
The message was clear: Intel needs to persuade companions and shoppers that it’s again within the sport for high-end laptops, at the same time as competitors from AMD, Qualcomm and Apple continues to accentuate.
AMD closes the evening with AI-first silicon
AMD Ryzen AI 400 (AMD)
AMD wrapped up press day with a keynote that blended acquainted AI rhetoric with significant chip bulletins. Highlights included new Ryzen AI 400 laptop computer processors and up to date desktop chips, together with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D for lovers.
As with NVIDIA and Intel, AMD leaned closely into AI throughout cloud, PCs and edge units. The distinction was execution. AMD’s bulletins felt extra instantly related to merchandise transport this 12 months.
Sony stays centered on Afeela
Sony Honda Mobility Afeela Press Convention at CES 2026 (Afeela)
Sony’s CES presence as soon as once more centered on Sony Honda Mobility and the Afeela electrical car. The corporate confirmed an up to date prototype and shared progress updates, together with expanded supply plans and deeper leisure integrations like PlayStation Distant Play.
For longtime CES watchers, it was a well-known story — the Afeela was first showcased right here in 2020, in any case. Sony’s conventional shopper electronics took a again seat, whereas mobility and software program remained the headline.
Lego makes its CES debut with Sensible Bricks
Lego launched the Sensible Brick at CES 2026. (Lego)
Lego held its first-ever CES press convention and used it to unveil Sensible Bricks, a part of a brand new “Sensible Play” initiative that provides sensors, audio and wi-fi communication to conventional Lego items.
The system is launching with Star Wars units later this 12 months and is designed to work with out apps or screens. It’s a notable shift for Lego and one of many extra genuinely shocking bulletins of the day.
Different notable CES day 0 information
Exterior of the principle press conferences, a number of corporations made quiet however notable bulletins (although some was Sunday information that hit the wires after the East Coast midnight hour). Samsung continued its CES rollout with new TVs, audio system and laptops. Anker drew consideration with up to date chargers and energy equipment. Amazon shared incremental updates tied to Alexa and sensible dwelling {hardware}.
In the meantime, Engadget’s staff bought hands-on with dozens of merchandise on the Pepcom mini-show, from oddball devices to early seems to be at units launching later this 12 months.
Press day could also be over, however CES is simply getting began. The present flooring opens right now, with Lenovo, automotive tech, sensible dwelling gear and loads of surprising demos nonetheless to come back. We’ll be publishing hands-ons, deep dives and day by day recaps all week.
You may comply with together with our CES 2026 liveblog or verify again on Engadget for the newest updates as they occur.
