CES 2026 preview: more big TVs, more AI — I’m cautiously excited

I’ll be blunt: CES now feels like a ritual of the obvious — bigger, brighter TVs and another round of “AI will change everything.” That said, I’m still curious. If companies actually show credible manufacturing roadmaps for micro‑RGB, usable home robots that navigate your house, or chips that make local AI useful without vaporware caveats, I’ll pay attention.

What bugs me is the pre‑spoiler playbook. Samsung and LG have been leaking nearly everything ahead of their keynotes, which turns press conferences into recaps instead of reveals. Still, the lineup of NVIDIA, Intel, AMD, Sony and the unexpected Lego presser means CES will be full of concrete product signals — and a lot of marketing gloss to sift through.

I’ll be watching for live indicators that matter: manufacturing timelines, real pricing, shipping windows, and whether robotics demos are backed by production partners. Fancy demos are fun, but I want proof a product can survive consumers’ homes and timelines.

• Major trends to watch: Micro‑RGB TVs from Samsung, LG and Sony; HDR10+ Advanced vs Dolby Vision 2 debates.
• Chips: Intel Panther Lake (Core Ultra Series 3), AMD Ryzen 9000G/9850X3D, and Qualcomm’s laptop push.
• Robotics: Ballie comeback? LG’s CLOiD and a focus on world models for navigation.
• Robots & home tech: real shipping details, production partners and meaningful yields — not just prototypes.
• What would impress me: affordable micro‑LED/Micro‑RGB tiers, hands‑on robot reliability, and chips that make on‑device AI actually useful without insane power draws.

Original coverage and schedule: Engadget — CES 2026: What to expect.

My Verdict: I’m skeptical of the press show polish, but I’m rooting for substance. If companies deliver realistic timelines, transparent manufacturing plans, and robots that don’t melt after a week, CES 2026 could actually matter. What reveal would make you care enough to buy in day one?