Top CES 2026 Tech: From Trifold Phones to AI Pets

Every January, tech enthusiasts like me eagerly await the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where the latest gadgets and innovations strut their stuff. CES 2026 was no exception, offering a smorgasbord of futuristic tech that could easily make you feel like you're living in a sci-fi world. From trifold phones to AI-powered pets, here's the lowdown on what caught my eye—and maybe yours too.

Health Tech: The Wings Body Scan 2

Let's kick things off with health tech, where the Wings Body Scan 2 is trying to shift how we think about weighing ourselves. Instead of just stepping on the scale and getting hit with an emotional number, this device wants to be your go-to "longevity station." It uses foot sweat—yeah, you read that right—to give insights into your cardiovascular and metabolic health. While this might sound like sci-fi, there's actual research supporting this method. Here's a study that explains how foot sweat can be a reliable biomarker. The Wings Body Scan 2 aims to make health monitoring a less invasive, more holistic experience.

Wearable Tech: L'Oreal's LED Face Mask

Wearables can be a hit or miss, but L'Oreal's LED face mask is making waves for all the right reasons. It's like having a spa day condensed into a 10-minute routine. Unlike many snake oil products in the LED mask market, this one is transparent about its FDA clearance and light wavelengths. It's designed for comfort, which is a must in wearable tech. The mask's ability to integrate into existing skincare routines while enhancing them makes it noteworthy—even if it does look a bit like something out of a sci-fi horror flick.

Gaming Laptops: Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo

For all the gamers out there, the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo offers a dual-screen experience that feels like a dream. Imagine having two 16-inch OLED displays on a gaming laptop—that's like visual heaven. The versatility of setting it up either clamshell or side-by-side makes it adaptable for various gaming and work scenarios. While we don't have a price yet, it's bound to be a premium offering given its specs, but who wouldn't love carrying a portable dual-monitor setup?

Smart Home: Aara Smart Lock U400

The Aara Smart Lock U400 is redefining smart home convenience. This isn't just another lock; it uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for hands-free unlocking. Just approach with your smartphone, and voilà, your door unlocks itself. It supports multiple smart home standards, making it a versatile choice for any smart home ecosystem. It's like having a personal doorman, minus the awkward small talk.

Robots: Robo Rock's Saros Rover

Now, if you've ever wished your robot vacuum could tackle stairs, Robo Rock's Saros Rover is here to answer your prayers. This little bot not only vacuums your floors but also climbs stairs and transitions between surfaces. It's still a concept, but the potential for a one-bot-fits-all cleaning solution is exciting. Just imagine the time saved on lugging devices up and down between floors!

Phones: Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold

Samsung's Galaxy Z Trifold is the phone that might just replace your laptop. With its massive 10-inch screen, it's designed for those who want to do more on the go. It's not officially launched in the US, but it's expected to be as expensive as its predecessor, the Galaxy ZFold 7, which was $2,000. If you're into bleeding-edge tech and can stomach the price, this could be your next gadget crush.

TVs: TCL X11L

TCL's X11L TV is breaking new ground with its reformulated quantum dots and color filters, claiming to achieve 100% of the BT 2020 color space. This is a big deal for those who care about color accuracy in their viewing experience. Research supports the importance of this color standard, making the X11L a standout choice for home theater enthusiasts. But at $7,000 for the smallest size, it's definitely a splurge.

Audio: Fender Mix Headphones

Fender's first foray into headphones, the Mix, offers a promising blend of audio quality and comfort. With 100 hours of battery life and replaceable batteries, these headphones are designed for longevity. The $299 price tag might seem steep, but considering the sound quality and ANC performance, they could be a great investment for audiophiles.

The Fun Stuff: Minverse by Hapley

If you're into haptics, Minverse by Hapley is all about making 3D modeling feel tactile. This $1,500 controller provides haptic feedback, letting you feel like you're sculpting clay in real life. It's a bit of a niche product, but for those who dabble in 3D art, it's a game-changer.

The Irrationally Loved: Eovax's Little Milo

And finally, let's talk about Eovax's Little Milo—a robot dog that's more fluff than function. It's packed with sensors to respond to your touch and mood, offering companionship for those who can't have pets. Is it practical? Not really. But it's undeniably cute, and sometimes, that's all a gadget needs to win hearts.

CES 2026 was a whirlwind of innovation and imagination. While not everything is practical or affordable, the event paints an exciting picture of where technology is headed. Whether you're looking for the next big thing or just something fun, there's a little something for everyone. As we embrace these new technologies, let's also remember to stay grounded in what truly fits our needs and budget.

By Tyler Nakamura