CES 2026 is in full swing in Las Vegas, with the show floor finally open to the public after an eventful couple of days filled with press conferences from big names like Nvidia, Sony, and AMD, along with previews from Sunday’s Unveiled event.
As we’ve seen for the past two years at CES, AI remains the centerpiece of many companies’ messages. However, the traditional hardware upgrades and quirky gadgets that have always defined this annual event are still prominently featured on the show floor. We’ll be compiling all the biggest reveals and surprises here, but you can also check our live blog for real-time reactions and insights from our team on the ground.
Let’s jump right into the highlights, beginning with some major players from Monday.
Nvidia reveals AI model for autonomous vehicles, showcases Rubin architecture
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang presented an extensive talk at CES, celebrating the company’s AI achievements and setting the vision for 2026, complete with robot appearances.
The new Rubin computing architecture, designed to meet the growing computation demands of AI, is expected to replace the Blackwell architecture later this year. This upgrade promises speed and storage benefits, and our senior AI editor, Russell Brandom, has all the details on what sets Rubin apart.
Continuing its push to bring AI into the real world, Nvidia showcased its Alpamayo family of open-source AI models and tools tailored for autonomous vehicles this year. As noted by senior reporter Rebecca Bellan, this initiative aligns with Nvidia’s broader ambition to establish its infrastructure as the go-to for generalist robots.
AMD’s keynote highlights new processors and partnerships
AMD chair and CEO Lisa Su kicked off CES with a keynote that included a lineup of partners like OpenAI president Greg Brockman, AI trailblazer Fei-Fei Li, and Luma AI CEO Amit Jain.
In addition to highlighting partners, senior reporter Rebecca Szkutak discussed AMD’s strategy to widen AI accessibility through personal computers using its Ryzen AI 400 Series processors.
The standout oddities of CES
At this point in the show, all the major announcements have rolled out, products have been showcased, and it’s the perfect time to check out some of the more eyebrow-raising reveals from CES. We’ve started our list of odd and noteworthy items, but we’re always open to more suggestions!
Highlights from CES breakout sessions
CES isn’t just about hardware displays and attractions on the show floor; there are numerous industry panels and speakers attracting attention. We noted several highlights, including Palmer Luckey advocating for retro designs, discussions on the potential end of the “learn once, work forever” era, previews of the new Silicon Valley-based series “The Audacity,” Roku’s $3 streaming service expansion, and All-In host Jason Calacanis offering a $25,000 bounty for an authentic Theranos device.
Ford’s AI assistant debuts
Ford is set to introduce its AI assistant in the company’s app ahead of a targeted rollout in vehicles for 2027. Powered by Google Cloud and built using readily available large language models, details about what drivers can expect from the assistant are still limited.
Caterpillar, Nvidia partner on automated construction equipment
In another push highlighting AI’s physical impact, Caterpillar and Nvidia announced a pilot project called “Cat AI Assistant,” showcased at CES. This system will be integrated into one of Caterpillar’s excavators alongside another project that utilizes Nvidia’s Omniverse simulation resources for construction planning and execution.
Hands-on with Clicks Communicator
Image Credits:TechCrunch
Among the most talked-about reveals was Clicks Technology’s debut phone, the $499 Communicator, which brings back a BlackBerry feel with its physical keyboard. There’s also a $79 slide-out keyboard that can be used with other devices.
Consumer Editor Sarah Perez shared her impressions from a hands-on test: “In our experience, the phone felt just right—not too heavy or light—and was easy to grip. Gadway mentioned that the final design was reached after multiple 3D-printed iterations, settling on a contoured back for improved handling. The screen is slightly raised, and the chin is curved to protect the keys when the phone is placed face down.”
Check out the Skylight Calendar 2
Image Credits:Sarah Perez
This family planning tool caught our attention not only for its calendar features but also for its AI capabilities, which allow it to sync calendars from various sources, create new to-dos based on messages or photos, set appointment reminders, and more. For the full scoop, check out our detailed impressions.
Boston Dynamics and Google partner on Atlas robots
Hyundai’s press conference showcased its robotics collaborations with Boston Dynamics, announcing a partnership with Google’s AI research lab to train and operate existing Atlas robots, as well as a new humanoid robot displayed on stage. Transportation editor Kirsten Korosec has all the details.
Amazon’s AI-centric updates with Alexa+
At CES, Amazon is pushing its AI-friendly updates for Alexa+, launching Alexa.com for Early Access customers looking to access the chatbot via browsers, along with a revamped app focused on bot interactions. Consumer editor Sarah Perez covered these changes, alongside updates to Fire TV and new Artline TVs that feature Alexa+ enhancements.
On the Ring front, consumer reporter Ivan Mehta detailed multiple announcements, from fire alerts to an app store for third-party camera integration.
Razer joins the AI deluge with Project AVA and Motoko
Razer has previously wowed audiences with avant-garde hardware at CES. This year, their notable launches included Project Motoko, which aims to provide a smart experience without the need for glasses. Meanwhile, Project AVA introduces an AI companion avatar for your desk.
Lego Smart Bricks mark the company’s first CES appearance
Lego made its CES debut with a behind-the-scenes showcase of its Smart Play System, featuring bricks, tiles, and Minifigures that can interact with each other and produce sounds, starting with Star Wars-themed sets. Senior writer Amanda Silberling has the full details.
