It's the first week of a new year and there's no time for the tech world to slowly ease back into things following the holidays. That's because CES 2026 is in full swing, with all manner of companies descending on Las Vegas to reveal their latest innovations and what they're planning to bring your way in the near future. Many of the Engadget crew are on the ground to check out as much of the new tech as possible. Of course, we're keeping tabs on all of the major CES press conferences too. Samsung has already held its First Look presentation, which focuses on home products, while LG has shown off a wide array of TVs. Presentations from NVIDIA, Sony, Lego, Hyundai and others are yet to come.You can catch up on all of the big CES 2026 announcements (and some of the more offbeat gizmos that are being shown off at the event) right here. We'll be keeping this story updated throughout the week. Micro RGB TVs Samsung's 130-inch Micro RGB TV. Devindra Hardawar for EngadgetMicro RGB is a term you can expect to hear about quite a bit in the coming months and years, especially when you're shopping for your next TV. Micro RGB is a new tech that's similar to Mini LED, though it uses red, green and blue LEDs instead of white backlights. Contrast ratios aren't quite as high as those on Micro LED and OLED displays, since the pixels can't be turned on and off individually. However, Micro RGB units are said to be brighter and more color accurate than TVs that use other display tech, in part because the LEDs in these screens offer smaller, more customizable dimming zones. We're seeing more of these TVs pop up at CES 2026, including a mammoth 130-inch concept model that Samsung brought to Las Vegas. The company unveiled its first Micro RGB TV in August, thats a 115-inch, $29,999 model. This year, you can expect it to start offering Micro RGB TVs in 55-, 65- and 75-inch sizes. There are also 85-, 100- and 115-inch models on the way.LG revealed its first Micro RGB set at CES as well. The largest variant is 100 inches, but there are 86- and 75-inch models too. Elsewhere, LG showed off its latest Wallpaper TV, which is a 100-inch OLED display. We also got a look at LG's new Gallery TV The Gallery is the company's take on Samsung's Frame TV format.SamsungSamsung's Music Studio 5 speakers at CES 2026.Billy Steele for EngadgetSamsung being Samsung, the company had a lot more up its sleeve than just TVs. In the leadup to CES, it announced its two new soundbars (we're had some hands-on time with one of those), the nifty-looking Music Studio speakers (we've got some IRL impressions of those), a bunch of monitors, the refreshed FreeStyle+ projector (we've checked that out too). It also announced plans to bring Google Photos to TVs.At the First Look showcase on Sunday, Samsung talked up "AI experiences everywhere. For everyone" (sigh). Here, we saw more TVs, such as the thin S95H OLED, which has a zero-gap mount that allows you to position the unit flush against a wall. First Look has long been focused on home products. Naturally, Samsung execs discussed some features for the company's fridges, such as recipe selection, AI cooling tech and Google Gemini-powered AI Vision that's said to be able to recognize more items and help you figure out what you need to buy without having to manually take inventory. FoodNote, meanwhile, is a weekly summary that breaks down what has gone in and out of your fridge.Samsung highlighted the Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Combo and its new AI wash cycle. With the new Air Dresser which has an Auto Wrinkle Care feature Samsung aims to do away with irons (thank you, Samsung). As for the Bespoke AI smart vacuum and mop, that can apparently keep an eye on your pets when you're not home.LGLG's CLOiD robot.LGLikewise, LG brought more than TVs to CES. The company is shining the spotlight on its CLOiD robot. Like the far creepier-looking 1X Neo, the CLOiD is designed to help with household tasks such as starting laundry cycles, folding clothes, unloading the dishwasher and serving food. This appears to be more of a concept than something you'll be able to buy anytime soon, but we should get a closer look at the CLOiD in person later this week.The company also debuted the LG Sound Suite, a modular home audio system it developed in conjunction with Dolby to take on the likes of Sonos. Just ahead of CES, LG pulled back the curtain on a new batch of xboom speakers as well as some monitors and ultralight Gram laptops that are made with a material it's calling Aerominum. Laptops and desktopsLG Gram ProEngadgetIt's CES season, so of course we're going to see a bunch of laptops and desktops. We'll almost certainly see the majority of those emerge after NVIDIA's press conference on Monday evening, though we've already had a peek at LG's Aerominum laptops.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/everything-announced-at-ces-2026-130124802.html?src=rss
JBL just revealed a bunch of new earbuds at CES 2026, suiting just about every ear canal out there. First up, there are several new additions to the Endurance line of sports-adjacent earbuds.
The baddest of the bunch is likely the Endurance Zone, which offers 32 hours of battery life and fast charging. They include the company's proprietary OpenSound technology, which directs audio signals to the ears without blocking the ear canal. This means that wearers should be able to detect ambient noise during a workout. This is extremely helpful when someone is asking to use the machine because you've been staring at your phone instead of doing reps.
JBL
The Zone earbuds also offer multipoint connections, earhooks for stability and an exterior designed for long-term durability. These buds cost $180 and will be available later this month.
The Endurance Peak 4 earbuds don't integrate with OpenSound, but do offer superior battery life to the Zone. They can get up to 48 hours per charge, when factoring in the included charging case. They cost $130 and will also be purchasable later in January.
JBL
The Endurance Pace wraparound earbuds are a fairly budget-friendly way to get access to that OpenSound tech. They cost just $90, but the battery maxes out at 10 hours, as there's no charging case. Look for these later this month.
The Endurance Run 3 are extremely budget-friendly earbuds, with prices ranging from $25 to $35. These are wired devices, with a USB-C model and a 3.5mm model. They'll be available in February.
The JBL Sense Pro also includes OpenSound and can play spatial content. The battery and case lasts up to 38 hours and there's wireless charging. These are designed for hi-fi audio, so they include redesigned drivers and a bass boosting algorithm. There are four integrated microphones for making calls. These earbuds cost $200, with availability in March.
JBL
The JBL Sense Lite earbuds, as the name suggests, are extremely light and made to be worn all day. They include OpenSound tech, 32 hours of battery life and touch controls. These buds will also be available in March, with a price of $150.
Finally, there are the Soundgear Clips. As the name suggests, these lightweight earbuds clip to the ears. They also use the company's OpenSound air-conduction technology. The earbuds are fairly striking, with a metallic tint and translucent finish. The battery life clocks in at 32 hours and can do fast charging. They cost $150 and will also go on sale this March.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/jbl-just-announced-a-bunch-of-new-earbuds-at-ces-130044239.html?src=rss
For CES this year, JBL has added three new gaming headsets to its JBL Quantum product lineup. JBL Quantum 950X is the latest set of flagship headphones from the brand, with 50mm carbon dynamic drivers and features such as spatial audio, 3D head tracking and active noise cancelation. The set is compatible with PC, consoles and mobile platforms through 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.3 or wired connection. The 950X has a pair of hot-swappable and rechargeable batteries that give 50 hours of playtime. It comes with a 6mm cardioid boom microphone that uses AI noise reduction to keep background sounds out of in-game communication. The headset will retail for $400 and will be available starting in April 2026.The other two new products are the JBL Quantum 650X and the JBL Quantum 250. The wireless 650X also has 50mm carbon dynamic drivers, spatial sound and the same connectivity options as the 950X. It has an expected battery life of 45 hours. The less expensive 650X will also be available in April and will retail for $200. The JBL Quantum 250 is a wired headset with many of the same drivers and features as the other two products. It has black and white model options, and will cost $80. This third model will be available starting March 2026.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/jbl-launches-a-trio-of-gaming-headsets-for-ces-130000929.html?src=rss
Dutch holiday rental platform Natuurhuisje has launched a campaign that positions nature as a protagonist. Through the tagline "Ik wacht op je" (I'm waiting for you), the brand frames the outdoors as an active presence beckoning city dwellers to slow down. A television spot moves between macro and micro perspectives submerged underwater shots, aerial views of forests, light filtering through leaves to construct a visual language rooted in wonder rather than mere escape. The approach reflects research showing that Natuurhuisje's customers book specifically to experience nature and find solitude away from crowds.Running across TV, cinema, outdoor, radio and social channels and developed by Amsterdam agency Gardeners, the campaign distinguishes Natuurhuisje's offering from mainstream holiday parks by emphasizing the relative isolation of the platform's 18,000 properties across Europe. By framing proximity to nature as its primary value proposition and contributing 5% of revenue to local biodiversity projects Natuurhuisje addresses the gap between consumers' stated desire for nature connection and the reality that most accommodations compromise that experience.TREND BITENatuurhuisje is tapping into the growing appetite for awe that sense of vastness and wonder that emerges when humans slow down enough to soak up their natural surroundings. The wellness tourism market is projected to grow from USD 954 billion in 2024 to USD 1.68 trillion by 2030, and demand for wellness experiences that connect travelers with nature is growing. Nearly 50,000 TikTok videos are tagged #forestbathing, and Skyscanner indicates a third of travelers in 2026 will seek to avoid over-touristed areas in favor of quieter, less-visited places. The opportunity for brands in this space? Moving beyond Instagrammable backdrops and facilitating genuine encounters with awe.
It's not the first of its kind, but a few key differences set Fraimic apart from other E Ink art displays. Aura, Switchbot and others have something similar. But unlike other versions, this one requires no subscription, lets you swap out the surrounding frame and doesnt require an app to upload the art. Instead, a built-in mic picks up your idea, sends it to OpenAI and creates an image that pops up in a few moments on the screen. The on-board accelerometer even knows whether the device is in landscape or portrait orientation, and applies the correct format.
A purchase of the Fraimic comes with 100 free AI creations per year, and if thats not enough, you can buy more. But if, like me, you dont consider the images a machines brain smashes together to actually be art, the Fraimic also allows you to upload your own images via the brands website. And should that website ever go away, your device isnt obsolete, as it can also handle local uploads.
The Fraimic canvas
Fraimic
The other qualities that make E Ink displays intriguing are all here. These screens are similar to what you get with a color ereader or E Ink tablet and, like those devices, only require power when changing whats displayed. This one has enough juice to last for years even if you swap out the image once per day.
It uses a 13-inch Spectra 6 E Ink display, which has a resolution of about 200 dots per inch. If youve seen a color epaper tablet or ereader, youll have an idea of what the image looks like. Its not high-definition and the colors arent super vibrant, but the effect is pleasantly subdued and, for the right images, looks properly arty.
Even under the always-too-bright glare of the CES show floor lights, the images managed to look lush and saturated. With the right (human-generated) art, Id be happy to hang this in my living room.
The standard-sized display will run you $399, which is $100 cheaper than Auras similarly sized device and $50 more than SwitchBots. Pre-orders for Fraimic are open now and units are expected to ship in spring of this year.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/fraimic-is-an-e-ink-display-that-turns-your-ideas-into-ai-art-120000454.html?src=rss
SpaceXs Starlink is offering customers in Venezuela free access to its internet service after the US captured the countrys president, Nicolás Maduro. According to CNBC, some areas of Caracas and other parts of the country lost power and internet connectivity in the wake of the operation. Starlink says its focus is on enabling connectivity for new and existing customers to support the people of Venezuela. At the time of writing, Starlink does not yet appear to formally operate in the country, as its availability map states that service there is "coming soon." Still, Starlink says it is proactively applying service credits to active accounts in Venezuela until February 3. Those who have paused or canceled their service but still have the necessary Starlink hardware can also reactivate their account at no extra cost for now. Of course, those without a Starlink terminal wont be able to take advantage of this offer right now. We are actively monitoring evolving conditions and regulatory requirements, Starlink said on a support page. While we do not have yet have [sic] a timeline for local purchase availability, if and when there are updates they will be communicated directly through official Starlink channels and reflected on this page. SpaceX previously pledged to offer free service in Ukraine following Russia's invasion of the country in 2022.US forces carried out airstrikes and a ground operation to capture Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on Saturday. The US has indicted the pair and others on several charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy. Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered the appointment of Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as acting president in Maduros absence. According to the Department of War, US President Donald Trump has declared that his administration "will oversee Venezuela until a safe transition to a legitimate replacement" takes place. Trump has also laid out plans for American companies to tap into the South American country's oil reserves.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/starlink-offers-free-internet-access-in-venezuela-following-maduro-raid-102705135.html?src=rss
Over the last ten or so years, L'Oréal has brought a taste of beauty tech to the masses at CES 2026. This time, it has three devices to show off: the Light Straight + Multi-styler as well as the helpfully named LED Face Mask and LED Eye Mask. Dont let the unassuming names mislead you. These three products actually harbor some unique traits. The Light Straight (and multi-styler, which Im going to just call the Light Straight from here on), for instance, uses infrared light to help generate the heat required to style your hair. Meanwhile, the LED Face Mask is different from those made by companies like Dr. Dennis Gross, Omnilux, Therabody and Shark. Instead of fairly hard shells that sit rigidly on your face, L'Oréals version looks to be pliable and thin. I havent seen this in person yet, though I do intend to do so as soon as possible, but the pictures of the LED Eye Mask look, and I mean this in the best way, ridonkulous. Not only do they appear supple, but they also seem to be transparent, with bulbs and wires you can see inside. In some of the images that the company provided, the masks are completely awash in red as the lights are on. In others, only parts of it are red. One of them even shows the masks sitting in a little carrying case and they almost look like wireless earbuds. I havent seen any photos of the LED Face Mask but I can imagine theyd be fairly similar to these.The L'Oréal LED Eye Mask in a carrying caseL'Oréal According to the press release, this ultra-thin, flexible silicone mask is currently in prototype form and was developed in collaboration with LED solutions company iSmart. The company said this mask delivers light directly to the face in 10-minute automatically timed sessions. Thats not too different from existing red light masks, but LOréal said it believes the key to the masks effectiveness is its advanced, transparent support, which integrates a skin-safe microcircuit to precisely control the emission of two selected wavelengths of lightred light (630 nm) and near-infrared light (830 nm).Since the mask is only launching in 2027, there arent details yet on pricing and availability, though the companys global vice president of tech and open innovation Guive Balooch told Engadget that it would be a premium product that would sit somewhere below the highest priced offerings currently out there.One of my problems with full-face LED masks is that my skin always feels too parched under them, because you have to use them on clean, dry skin for 10 minutes at a time. Balooch told me that L'Oréal would have a serum developed to be used with its mask that would help with that, while also improving the effectiveness of the light treatment.That certainly is intriguing, and Balooch indicated that creating formulations that are designed to work with devices like the LED masks is a future direction for the company. A pair of hands using the L'Oréal Light Straight and multi-styler on a person's hair. L'Oréal Im also interested in the Light Straight, which like the companys AirLight Pro uses infrared light to help dry or style hair. According to the companys press release, hair straighteners with ordinary heating places can reach temperatures of 400°F and higherabove the threshold at which keratin denatures, leading to weakened cuticles, breakage and reduced shine. For context, I used to turn my flatiron all the way up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to tame my tresses (though these days I find a more reasonable 330 degrees is good enough).LOréal says the Light Straight and its patented infrared light technology can help provide exceptional styling results at lower temperatures, to better protect the health of the hair. The devices glass plates never exceed 320 degrees, and the company says its testing found that the Light Straight is three times faster and leaves hair twice as smooth as leading premium hair stylers. Im not sure how you would quantify smoothness, but Im hopeful the results do pan out in the real world. The Light Straight uses near-infrared light that LOréal says penetrates deeply into hair fibers to reshape internal hydrogen bonds. It also has sensors onboard with built-in proprietary algorithms and machine learning to adapt to your gestures to maximize individual experience. Im not sure what that means, but I hope to find out more this week at CES. Given the Light Straight doesnt launch till 2027, its not surprising that pricing and other details arent yet available. But for now, Im keen to see companies continue to investigate novel, hopefully healthier ways for us to look and feel beautiful.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/loreals-ces-2026-beauty-devices-include-a-skin-like-flexible-led-mask-070000576.html?src=rss
Samsung announced its newest portable projector ahead of its First Look showcase at CES 2026, but you might have been a little confused as to whats changed. The company says the Freestyle+ is nearly twice as bright as the 2022 Freestyle projector, rated at 230 ISO lumens, which was pretty underwhelming. The new Freestyle+ can output at 430 ISO lumens. If this is the first youre hearing of ISO Lumens, its an internationally standardized rating for projectors, intended to standardize manufacturers' claims of brightness.
It still looks very similar to its predecessors, with 160 degrees of rotation that makes it easy to set up in most homes, Airbnbs or meeting rooms. Samsung added support for Q-Symphony, allowing you to connect it to the companys soundbars, if you conveniently have one nearby. While the sound quality of its built-in speaker was hard to test in the middle of a post-keynote trade show floor, youll probably want to augment the built-in speaker, if only because its so small.
Vision AI, mentioned several times during Samsungs CES keynote, is also built into the portable projector. You can summon Bixby to adjust settings and whatever youre watching. Based on the demos I saw, youll need to speak into the remote to access Bixby.
Other improvements bring the projector into 2026, with keystone correction and focus. The Freestyle+s AI OptiScreen can calibrate projections to different wall surfaces and colors to improve visibility even on your most vivid walls.
Mat Smith for Engadget
The updated 3D Auto Keystone corrects distortion even when projecting onto uneven or non-flat surfaces, such as corners, curtains or angled walls. Its hard to put into words, but pointing the Freestyle+ to a corner, or at an undulating curtain, and watching the image morph and contort was almost hypnotic. The premise is that you can point this at any area of your home (or even, say, the side of a tent), and the 3D Auto Keystone will flatten the image in seconds.
Theres also Screen Fit, which automatically adjusts the image to match a projector screen size. The Freestyle+ can project up to a 100-inch 1080p image, at maximum. However, Wall Calibration might be the most technically impressive in a device this size. It detects and analyzes the color of the projection surface and recalibrates the images color tone to minimize the effect. It can even detect and match a wall pattern to reduce visual interference, which worked well in person. The Samsung spokesperson used the aforementioned Bixby voice commands to calibrate the screen.
If theres still something to address, its that this portable projector must be plugged in to operate. When that can be either a power bank or a wall outlet, it seems a bit cheeky to call it portable.
Samsung typically announces prices and launch dates once the CES dust has settled, but it's set to arrive in the first half of 2026. Previous iterations cost around $900, but early impressions suggest its a versatile, petite projector. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsung-freestyle-plus-projector-hands-on-ces-2026-060840386.html?src=rss
Amid endless AI hype and a guest visit from the CEO of Hartford Steam Boiler (?!), Samsung had a big surprise for us tonight at CES 2026: A massive 130-inch Micro RGB TV. Its so large, its suspended by a large metal stand that surrounds the entire screen, which also lets you tilt the screen just a bit. (For the Samsung diehards, its basically a reinvention of its timeless gallery stand from 2013.) I imagine bringing this TV home would be like Bart Simpson adopting his beloved elephant Stampy: Your pets would be terrified, and your family would probably be annoyed at this television dominating so much of your home.But boy, it sure looks amazing in person. Just like LGs Micro RGB set, its using an evolved form of Mini LED technology that allows for far better color accuracy and richness. As I fought through the crowds of Samsungs CES First Look event to catch a glimpse of it, I couldnt help but notice how everyone just looked a bit stunned, like the monkeys from 2001 seeing the monolith for the first time.Samsung's 130-inch Micro RGB TV from the side.Devindra Hardawar for EngadgetSamsung representatives were clear that this Micro RGB set was only a concept of what the company could do with the technology, its not an actual product it plans to ship. In another demo, Samsung took the 130-inch screen and mounted it directly on a wall (below). Of course, it still looked stunning. I also learned that if you wanted to wall mount the timeless gallery stand concept, you actually have to mount the entire stand to the wall, since its part of the TVs speaker system.Samsung didnt have too many details about the technical aspects of the 130-inch Micro RGB TV, but it did shout buzzwords at us during its announcement. its powered by the companys Micro RGB AI Engine Pro processor, which includes Micro RGB Color Booster Pro and Micro RGB HDR Pro technology, using AI to enhance dull tones and refine contrast, delivering vivid color and subtle detail across bright and dark scenes alike for realism and picture fidelity.Samsung's 130-inch Micro RGB TV mounted in a wall.Devindra Hardawar for EngadgetThe Micro RGB set also sports the companys Glare Free technology to reduce reflections, and it supports HDR 10+ Advanced and the companys Eclipsa Audio. It can also tap into Samsungs Vision AI Companion for conversational search, as well as Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity.But of course, those details really dont matter, because you wont be able to buy the 130-inch Micro RGB TV in its current form. We were impressed by last years 115-inch model, but its $30,000 price didnt make it feasible for anyone but the ultra-rich. And those folks would be better off investing in Samsungs own Micro LED sets, which offer the benefits of OLED that Micro RGB does not. (Sure, those TVs start at $110,000, but for thats not exactly a huge leap for those with deep pockets.) Samsung's 130-inch Micro RGB TV from the rear.Devindra Hardawar for EngadgetThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsung-brought-an-absolute-beast-of-a-130-inch-micro-rgb-tv-to-ces-2026-060245387.html?src=rss
In addition to its annual soundbar updates, Samsung debuted two new home speakers at CES 2026. The Music Studio 5 and 7 are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi units designed to blend in with your home decor thanks to their minimalist look. They certainly dont look like your typical speakers, and Samsung has packed them with features that it says will ensure optimal sound quality from each one. The Music Studio 5 has a four-inch woofer and two tweeters, and a sound profile thats optimized by AI Dynamic Bass Control. The design is an interesting interplay between a circle and a square, but the speaker delivers crisp, clear sound even in the roar of a CES demo area. The Music Studio 5 will also come in a smattering of colors, which could lend a pop to a bookshelf. Controls line the top edge, including one-touch access to Spotify.Samsung Music Studio 7Billy Steele for EngadgetIf youre looking for something more robust, the Music Studio 7 is a 3.1.1-channel unit thats capable of four-direction spatial audio and high-resolution listening. Samsung says you can enjoy tunes at up to up to 24-bit/96kHz and the speaker can be used as part of a turntable setup. The sound here is more robust as I heard noticeably more bass from the 7 than on the 5. The various control buttons are up top here as well, positioned near the front of the speaker for easy access. You can also use up to four Music Studio speakers as a surround sound setup in your living room. I listened to a brief demo where Samsung was using four Music Studio 7 units in a makeshift home theater. This combo provided great immersion, with lots of detail in the directional sound in the clips being broadcast on the connected TV. Samsung also says you can use up to 10 Music Studio speakers for audio only.The company didnt announce any pricing details yet, but thats likely to come just before the Music Studio speakers are available for purchase. That date is TBD as well. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/samsung-music-studio-5-and-7-hands-on-unique-speaker-designs-debut-at-ces-2026-052009007.html?src=rss
