NASAs January 2026 skywatching guide highlights a rare bright moment for Jupiter
Look up this January 2026 for celestial wonders. Jupiter will shine brighter than ever on January 10. Later, the Moon and Saturn will appear close together on January 23. The Beehive Cluster also remains visible. These events require no special equipment, just a clear sky and a few minutes of your time. NASA guides skygazers to these quiet moments.
Philips Hue 'SpatialAware' feature harmonizes all the lights in a room
Philips Hue has introduced a new software feature called SpatialAware at CES 2026 designed to ensure that all the lights in a space are in harmony with each other. Available exclusively for the Hue Bridge Pro, it takes into account each light point in a room and tailors the colors to ensure a natural representation. In a sunset scene, for example, the lights on one side of the room emit warm yellow tones to mimic the setting sun, while the ceiling lights on the opposite side reflect darker shades, the company wrote on its blog. The new feature is set to launch in the spring of 2026. To use the feature, you scan a room with your smartphone camera and use augmented reality to determine the positions of individual lights. A smart algorithm then ensures each light point is coordinated. Any lamps added after setup will be taken into account. Then, you use SpatialAware to select a scene like Lake Mist and activate the mode. Philips Hue room without SpatialAware Philips Hue In the example at top, the company shows how all the lights in a room are no linger mixed together in a colorful jumble [above] but are perfectly coordinated. The same applies, for example, to the gradient color transitions of corresponding products, where SpatialAware even takes the orientation into account. Philips Hue also introduced a few other features. To start with, the company is adding support for migrating multiple Hue Bridges to a single Bridge Pro during the setup process. In addition, the Hue Secure Camera, Hue Secure video doorbell and Hue contact sensors will soon work with Apple Home. Users will also see live video with picture-in-picture mode on Apple TV and get real-time alerts on the Apple Home app. The Hue AI assistant has been updated so you can now creation automations based on natural language requests for instance, wake me up at 6:45 AM every day except on Wednesdays. New AI assistant languages have been added (Dutch, German and Spanish) and the Hue app will start showing automations within the rooms and zones they're set to control, so you won't need to jump around in the app as much. All those new features are set to arrive in Q1 2026. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/philips-hue-spatialaware-feature-harmonizes-all-the-lights-in-a-room-101843600.html?src=rss
Shadow library search engine Annas Archive goes down
Annas Archive is a search engine that catalogues media on shadow libraries across the internet, thereby enabling digital piracy
The best budgeting apps for 2025
As a former Mint user, I had to find a new budgeting app not too long ago. Intuit, parent company of Mint, shut down the service in March 2024, and prompted users to transition to its other financial app, Credit Karma. However, after testing Credit Karma myself, I found it to be a poor Mint replacement that meant I needed to branch out and look elsewhere for a trusted app to track all of my financial accounts, monitor my credit score, follow a monthly spending plan and set goals like building a rainy-day fund and paying down my mortgage faster. I tried out Mint's top competitors in the hopes that I'd be able to find a new budgeting app that could handle all of my financial needs. Hopefully my journey can help you find the best budgeting app for you and your money as well. Best budget apps of 2025 Other budgeting apps we tested PocketGuard PocketGuard used to be a solid free budget tracker, but the company has since limited its free version to just a free seven-day trial. Now, youll have to choose between two plans once the trial is over: a $13 monthly plan or a $75 annual plan. When I first tested it, I found it to be more restricted than NerdWallet, but still a decent option. The main overview screen shows you your net worth, total assets and debts; net income and total spending for the month; upcoming bills; a handy reminder of when your next paycheck lands; any debt payoff plan you have; and any goals. Like some other apps, including Quicken Simplifi, PocketGuard promotes an after bills approach, where you enter all of your recurring bills, and then PocketGuard shows you whats left, and thats what youre supposed to be budgeting: your disposable income. Although PocketGuards UI is easy enough to understand, it lacks polish. The accounts tab is a little busy, and doesnt show totals for categories like cash or investments. Seemingly small details like weirdly phrased or punctuated copy occasionally make the app feel janky. More than once, it prompted me to update the app when no updates were available. The web version, meanwhile, feels like the mobile app blown up to a larger format and doesnt take advantage of the extra screen real estate. Ultimately, now that the free tier is gone, it just doesnt present the same value proposition as it once did. How we test budgeting apps Before I dove in and started testing out budgeting apps, I had to do some research. To find a list of apps to try out, I consulted trusty ol Google (and even trustier Reddit); read reviews of popular apps on the App Store; and also asked friends and colleagues what budget tracking apps (or other budgeting methods) they might be using for money management. Some of the apps I found were free and these, of course, show loads of ads (excuse me, offers) to stay in business. But most of the available apps require paid subscriptions, with prices typically topping out around $100 a year, or $15 a month. (Spoiler: My top pick is cheaper than that.) All of the services I chose to test needed to do several things: import all of your account data into one place; offer budgeting tools; and track your spending, net worth and credit score. Except where noted, all of these apps are available for iOS, Android and on the web. Once I had my shortlist of six apps, I got to work setting them up. For the sake of thoroughly testing these apps, I made a point of adding every account to every budgeting app, no matter how small or immaterial the balance. What ensued was a veritable Groundhog Day of two-factor authentication. Just hours of entering passwords and one-time passcodes, for the same banks half a dozen times over. Hopefully, you only have to do this once. Budgeting app FAQs What is Plaid and how does it work? Each of the apps I tested uses the same underlying network, called Plaid, to pull in financial data, so its worth explaining what it is and how it works. Plaid was founded as a fintech startup in 2013 and is today the industry standard in connecting banks with third-party apps. Plaid works with over 12,000 financial institutions across the US, Canada and Europe. Additionally, more than 8,000 third-party apps and services rely on Plaid, the company claims . To be clear, you dont need a dedicated Plaid app to use it; the technology is baked into a wide array of apps, including all of the budgeting apps listed in this guide. Once you find the add an account option in whichever one youre using, youll see a menu of commonly used banks. Theres also a search field you can use to look yours up directly. Once you find yours, youll be prompted to enter your login credentials. If you have two-factor authentication set up, youll need to enter a one-time passcode as well. As the middleman, Plaid is a passthrough for information that may include your account balances, transaction history, account type and routing or account number. Plaid uses encryption, and says it has a policy of not selling or renting customer data to other companies. However, I would not be doing my job if I didnt note that in 2022 Plaid was forced to pay $58 million to consumers in a class action suit for collecting more financial data than was needed. As part of the settlement, Plaid was compelled to change some of its business practices. In a statement provided to Engadget, a Plaid spokesperson said the company continues to deny the allegations underpinning the lawsuit and that the crux of the non-financial terms in the settlement are focused on us accelerating workstreams already underway related to giving people more transparency into Plaids role in connecting their accounts, and ensuring that our workstreams around data minimization remain on track. Why did Mint shut down? When parent company Intuit announced in December 2023 that it would shut down Mint, it did not provide a reason why it made the decision to do so. It did say that Mint's millions of users would be funneled over to its other finance app, Credit Karma. Credit Karma is thrilled to invite all Minters to continue their financial journey on Credit Karma, where they will have access to Credit Karmas suite of features, products, tools and services, including some of Mints most popular features, Mint wrote on its product blog . In our testing, we found that Credit Karma isn't an exact replacement for Mint so if you're still looking for a Mint alternative , you have some decent options. What about Rocket Money? Rocket Money is another free financial app that tracks spending and supports things like balance alerts and account linking. If you pay for the premium tier, the service can also help you cancel unwanted subscriptions. We did not test it for this guide, but we'll consider it in future updates. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/best-budgeting-apps-120036303.html?src=rss
NASA detected a tsunami using signals in the atmosphere, not ocean sensors
A powerful earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula provided a real-world test for NASA's new GUARDIAN system. This experimental technology detected subtle atmospheric pressure waves caused by the resulting tsunami, sending alerts to researchers within minutes. This space-based monitoring offers a crucial early warning, potentially adding valuable time for coastal communities facing threats.
AI sovereignty will happen, and India will achieve frugal AI, says IITM director Kamakoti
Prof V Kamakoti believes India is charting its own course to achieve authority in the field of artificial intelligence, and will come up with domain specific language models, which can be trained with fewer resources compared to LLMs.
Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (January 7, 2026)
YourStory presents the daily news roundup from the Indian startup ecosystem and beyond. Here's the roundup for Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Practo pushes into US healthcare market after early traction
Practo says listings and transaction volumes are building in dental and mental health categories.
30% Off Canon Promo Codes | January 2026
Save an extra 10% or 30% with Canon coupon codes, plus up to $1,600 on cameras, printers, and more this January.
Lenovo expands AI lineup with Nvidia gigafactory tie-up, Qira platform
Lenovo unveiled an artificial intelligence cloud gigafactory with Nvidia at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Tuesday
Therabody Promo Codes: 15% Off January 2026
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Save on streaming with the latest Paramount+ promo codes and deals, including 50% off subscriptions, free trials, and more.
Auri Grow India launches AI-powered carbon credit agritech platform
The Indore-based agri-technology and export-oriented firm said the platform - CarbonKrishi - is being developed using AI analytics, satellite imagery, crop and soil data, and structured digital reporting systems to estimate farm-level carbon impact.
UP Cabinet approves sops to attract investments for semiconductor manufacturing
The state's semiconductor policy, introduced in January 2024, envisages case-by-case incentives for companies making large investments.
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Meta names Microsoft's Mahoney as chief legal officer
The appointment comes at a time when Meta faces criticism from advocacy groups and lawsuits alleging the company failed to protect young users from harmful content
This game controller has a force feedback steering wheel lodged in the middle
Not everyone remembers the unique controllers that never quite made it. As third-party peripheral makers attempt to offer gamers something different to the likes of DualSense and Joy-Cons, they often have to go in a different direction. GameSirs Swift Drive (apparently a working product name) is definitely that. And if you remember 1998s JogCon for the PS1, theres definitely some shared DNA. It features a compact steering wheel at the center of an otherwise typical controller design. Its also got force feedback, tech usually found in (full-size!) steering wheel controllers. GameSir says it has a high precision Hall Effect encoder built in for ultra-accurate steering. Mat Smith for Engadget You will be able to adjust the steering range from 30 to 1080 degrees, but youd likely want to keep it high its the entire point of this controller. GameSir has added Hall-effect sensors to its more typical joysticks and buttons, while each trigger has its own haptic motor to simulate wheel slip and braking. Several RGB lights across the top of the controller will even attempt to replicate your in-game RPMs, which is a cute touch. On the show floor at CES, I drove a big rig in a demonstration area that was stripped down to wireframe ramps and curved surfaces. The force-feedback is powerful and its a surprisingly satisfying driving experience as I wheeled around, rotating the steering wheel with both thumbs. The steering wheel can also be customized with different plates. It felt like a miniaturized steering-wheel controller and would lock out when I oversteered or stopped. You may be concerned about battery life, but the controller should last 20-30 hours on a single charge. A GameSir spokesperson said the controller is expected to go on sale later this year, but pricing has not yet been confirmed. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/this-game-controller-has-a-force-feedback-steering-wheel-lodged-in-the-middle-034521141.html?src=rss
McKinsey and General Catalyst execs say the era of learn once, work forever is over
Calacanis, General Catalyst's Taneja, and McKinsey's Sternfels discussed how AI is reshaping technology and the labor force.
7 Books that bring clarity and purpose to your new year
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Metas Manus news is getting different receptions in Washington and Beijing
Chinese officials are reportedly reviewing whether the Meta deal violates technology export controls, potentially giving Beijing leverage it wasn't initially perceived as having.
From Starbucks to Everest Spices: How LabelBlind is automating food labelling across India
Where food science meets deep reg-tech, LabelBlind is building export-ready labels for Starbucks, Amul, Everest and more.
Where India will spend next: Consumer trends that will define 2026
From premium babycare and petcare to AI-led shopping and the next phase of quick commerce, YourStory spotlights the trends that will define the Indian consumer in 2026.
Inside Nykaas valuation debate; Girl-centred entrepreneurship launchpad
The valuation debate around Nykaa has intensified, with two brokerages offering divergent views. Launch Girls helps adolescent girls develop the skills, confidence, and agency they need to succeed. Rural women across India are adapting to climate change in informal ways.
Science quiz: A millennia-old calendar system
Can factories operate solely on renewable energy?
The story of Indias renewable energy has picked up a good pace in recent years. By August 31, 2025, approximately 242.6 GW of renewable capacity had been installed in the country, which is a clear reflection of both commitment and steady progress.
Lenovo updates its Legion and LOQ gaming laptops for CES
Lenovo has brought a slew of updates to its Legion and LOQ line of gaming laptops for CES 2026. The refreshed laptops are all built around Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs. The new Legion 7a is both thinner and lighter than the previous generation and is aimed at gamers, creators, and working professionals. Lenovo says the new 7a will be powered by AMD Ryzen AI 400 CPUs and RTX 50-series GPUs, delivering up to 125W of total system power. Presumably this means buyers will choose from multiple CPU and GPU configurations, and Lenovo says the 7a will support up to a Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 and up to an RTX 5060 GPU, but precise details on other configurations have not been made available. The laptop sports a 16-inch OLED display and Lenovo says the laptop's AI-optimized performance is ready to handle complex coding, simulation, and 3D modeling projects. The 7a runs on Windows 11 Copilot+ and uses on-board software to dynamically tune power use and thermals depending on the workload the laptop is under. The Legion 7a will start at $2,000, with availability expected in April. Lenovo is also refreshing the Legion 5 line with the Legion 5i powered by the new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and Legion 5a with a choice of an AMD Ryzen AI 400 or Ryzen 200. Both will offer RTX 50-series GPUs, OLED displays and the same software-based tuning features as the 7a. Lenovo says the 5i can be figured up to an Intel Ultra 9 386H with an RTX 5060 GPU, and the 5a up to a Ryzen AI 9 465 with RTX 5060. Here again we don't yet have details on alternate configurations. The Legion 5 laptops run on Windows 11 Copilot+, and Lenovo says they are ready for gaming, streaming, building presentations and video editing. Pricing starts at $1,550 for the 5i, $1,500 for the 5a with Ryzen AI 400 and $1,300 for the 5a with Ryzen 200. Lenovo also expects these laptops to be available in April. At the entry level, the LOQ 15AHP11 and LOQ 15IPH11 target students with RTX 50-series graphics and a WQXGA (2560 x 1600) LCD display up to 15.3 inches. The 15AHP11 will start from $1,150 with availability expected in April, while the 15IPH11 will not be sold in the US. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/lenovo-updates-its-legion-and-loq-gaming-laptops-for-ces-010042509.html?src=rss
Motorola just announced a foldable phone to rival Samsung and Google at CES
Motorola just announced its very first side-foldable smartphone, joining the ranks of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 . The Razr Fold boasts an impressive 6.6-inch external screen and an 8.1-inch flexible main display. The company hasn't provided dimensions, so we don't know how thick it is. We do know, however, that it'll include support for the Moto Pen Ultra stylus. This is actually a fairly big deal, as Samsung dropped the feature for the Z Fold 7 . Modern foldables basically double as tablets, so a stylus is always appreciated. Motorola There's a robust camera system here, with a 50MP Sony sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide/macro, a 50MP telephoto, a 32MP external selfie lens and a 20MP internal camera. It also offers the ability to record in Dolby Vision. The Razr Fold will be available in blue and white. We don't have any information regarding internal specs, pricing or availability. Motorola says that more specifications will be shared in the coming months. It's worth noting that while this is the company's first side-folding camera, Motorola has always made top-folding phones. After all, that's what a flip phone is. The company continues to refine this basic idea with its standard Razr line of midrange top-folding smartphones. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/motorola-just-announced-a-foldable-phone-to-rival-samsung-and-google-at-ces-010015323.html?src=rss
Motorola reveals the Razr Fold, a book-style foldable launching this summer
Motorola is light on details but heavy on hype for its first book-style foldable.
Lenovo and Motorola are releasing their own on-device AI assistant
If the world didn't already have one too many digital assistants, Lenovo is adding another one to the pile. On Tuesday evening, the company announced Qira, a cross-device AI for both its own computers and Motorola smartphones. Set to arrive later this quarter, it will live at the system level of Lenovo devices. Users won't need to open or switch to the assistant. Instead, it's always present, says Lenovo. Of course, you can ignore Qira, and it will stay quiet if you don't need the software to do anything for you. Occasionally, Lenovo says Qira will surface proactive suggestions, and for frequent users, the company promises a machine learning system that will develop a living model of your world, understanding context, continuity and personal patterns of over time. In practice, that means Qira can write emails for you, transcribe and translate meetings and provide summaries of things you might have missed. You know, all the usual stuff every company is offering with their on-device assistants . From a privacy standpoint, Lenovo says Qira employs a hybrid architecture that prioritizes on-device processing, and won't collect customer data without the user's permission.Every aspect of the Lenovo Qira experience is designed to be secure, ethical, and accountable. I asked Lenovo how Qira would interact with Copilot and Gemini on the company's PCs and Motorola smartphones, and if the new assistant would add to the processing load on those devices, but the company has yet to respond to my email. I'll update this article when I hear back. On paper, creating a dedicated AI assistant for the company's devices is something I'm sure Lenovo executives agreed was a good idea, but when many people aren't even using Copilot, it feels like a misread of what Lenovo users want. In April, reporting from Newcomer suggested Copilot had flatlined at around 20 million weekly users in 2024. By contrast, over that same period, ChatGPT had grown to 400 million weekly users, and as of late 2025, there are 800 million people using OpenAI's chatbot every week. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/lenovo-and-motorola-are-releasing-their-own-on-device-ai-assistant-010000696.html?src=rss
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Motorola Razr Fold Book-Style Foldable: Specs, Details, Release Date
At CES 2026, the company also announced a new smartwatch, stylus, Bluetooth tracker, and even a weird AI pendant.
Lenovos Legion Pro Rollable Gaming Laptop Goes Ultrawide at the Press of a Key
Lenovo brought a Legion gaming laptop to CES this year with a rollable OLED display that expands horizontally by six inches.
CES 2026: The Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable concept goes big wide at the touch of a button
Lenovo might have the most concept devices of any company at CES 2026, but the wildest and most interesting one is almost certainly the Legion Pro Rollable which features a 16-inch flexible display that can expand to not one but two different sizes. To make the Legion Pro Rollable, Lenovo started out with a standard Legion Pro 7i and kept the bottom half including all of its ports and support for an RTX 5090 GPU. But then the company went a bit crazy: Instead of replacing the notebooks original 16-inch OLED screen with a rollable variant that extends upwards like the Thinkbook Plus Gen 6 from 2025, Lenovo opted for one that expands outwards to either 21.5 inches or 23.8 inches This means instead of being restricted to a standard 16:10 aspect ratio, you also have the choice of 21:9 or an ultra-wide 24:9 with just the touch of a button. Or more like two buttons because to widen or shrink its display, you need to press FN plus one of its arrow keys. The Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable concept goes wide and wiiiider. #CES2026 pic.twitter.com/R5fJ0vU3NX Sam Rutherford (@samrutherford) January 7, 2026 Admittedly that feels a bit clunky considering some of Lenovos other laptops with expandable displays have a dedicated button. But this is a concept device after all, which was immediately obvious when I got a chance to see this up close. The bottom of the laptop feels solid, as youd probably expect because not much has changed there. However, the top of the laptop didnt feel super sturdy, probably due to the displays hinge not being able to fully support a heavier lid and the notebooks bulkier rollable display. I also noticed that there were some faint lines left by the internal motors that allow the rollable display to do its thing and a bit of waviness from the panel due to it not being super taut. That said, from the side, I was impressed that even for a prototype, Lenovo did a halfway decent job of eliminating any huge panel gaps or empty spaces where the lid expands. The biggest bummer is that even though Lenovo had a handful of demo units on on site, there werent any games installed so I wasnt able see the Legion Pro Rollables tech function in full glory. But if were being honest, none of that really matters on a gadget thats meant to be a showcase and testbed for next-gen tech. The idea of a gaming laptop with a screen that can go from normal to ultra-wide at the touch of a button (or buttons) is super cool, especially if you play titles like flight sims, racing games or big open-world adventures that can take advantage of an extra wide screen. And out of all of the concepts Ive seen at CES 2026, this one is at the top of the list of stuff that I hope eventually gets turned into a proper retail product. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/ces-2026-the-lenovo-legion-pro-rollable-concept-goes-big-wide-at-the-touch-of-a-button-010000333.html?src=rss
Lenovo goes sci-fi with its wild XD Rollable Concept at CES 2026
Lenovo has experimented more with laptops featuring rollable displays than pretty much any other PC maker and at CES 2026 its keeping that trend going with the XD Rollable Concept. Equipped with a 180-degree Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover, the XD Rollable concept features a very futuristic design. However, underneath, it has the same basic engineering as last years ThinkBook Plus Gen 6. That means with the touch of a button, its 13.3-inch flexible OLED display can expand to 16 inches, which gives you around 50 percent extra screen space in just a few seconds. The main difference with Lenovos latest concept is that instead of hiding the unused section of its rollable display underneath its keyboard, the XDs panel wraps up and over its lid to create a world-facing display around back. This allows people sitting on the other side of the laptop to see content, with the laptop capable of mirroring elements from its main display or using that space as a small secondary monitor. Now I will admit that after seeing the XD Rollable in person, its design does feel a bit gimmicky. Even though Lenovos space-themed animation that appears when the laptops display extends is pretty slick, Im not sure how helpful that world-facing display really is. In normal use, you cant even see it because its on the other side of the lid and while I suppose you could utilize that area for meetings or presentations, I think most people would be much better off simply connecting the notebook to a dedicated secondary monitor or projector. That said, I do like that contrary to the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, by exposing the unused part of the XD Rollables display when its not extended, you get a little bit of extra value out of it. At the very least, it beats stashing the rest of the panel underneath the keyboard where it wont be seen at all. On top of that, I like the look of having no bezel along the top of the display and you can even use touch controls on the edge of the display to control widgets or expand its flexible screen. Interestingly, the coolest part about the XD Rollable might not even be its screen, but the motors and rails that Lenovo uses to extend its display, which are easily seen beneath its glass design. Meanwhile, the rest of the XD Rollable is very down to earth with it featuring a comfy keyboard and a decent-sized touchpad. The main downsides are that its glass lid makes the concept a bit heavier than a more traditional 13-inch notebook and you only get two USB-C ports. But considering that Lenovo isnt planning to put this thing into production, that lack of connectivity or info regarding its specs shouldnt come as a big surprise. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/lenovo-goes-sci-fi-with-its-wild-xd-rollable-concept-at-ces-2026-010000817.html?src=rss
CES 2026: The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist won't let you out of it sight
A couple years ago Lenovo showed off a concept laptop stand that used cameras and AI to follow you around. But now at CES 2026, the company has taken that idea and turned it into a full-fledged system that its actually going to sell. Dubbed the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist, instead of a laptop stand, Lenovo created a standalone notebook with the same functionality, plus a little more. The impressive thing is that despite having a built-in motor that lets its display follow you around, the laptops design doesn't look all that outlandish. And after playing around with it a bit, I discovered a handful of other tricks it can do. Instead of using your fingers to open the lid like a luddite, all you have to do is knock a couple times and then the laptops display will pop up by itself. From there, youre greeted with a surprisingly good-looking 14-inch 2.8K OLED display and a traditional keyboard that wont upset longtime ThinkBook or ThinkPad aficionados. You also get solid specs including support for Intels new Core Ultra Series 3 processors, up to 32GB of RAM, 2TB of storage and a decently large 75Whr battery. The laptop also sports a strong selection of ports including two USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, a full-size HDMI jack and Wi-Fi 7. And all of this comes in a chassis that weighs 3.1 pounds, which is very reasonable for a 14-inch machine. As for its auto-twisting abilities, the main use case is during presentation and video calls, where the laptop can use its motor, 10-MP webcam and AI to track your face as you move around so you stay neatly in frame. Compared to the concept I saw before, the laptop pivots and rotates its display more smoothly (though its still a bit jerky) and if you want, you can even make it dance to music. Alternatively, the laptop can analyze your posture to position its screen in the optimal position to prevent slouching or automatically transform between laptop, tablet and presentation modes. While this is a really minor inclusion, my favorite thing about the Auto Twist is that when you turn the system off, the laptop will automatically close its own lid, as if it was tucking itself into bed. The other goal of this laptop is that Lenovo is touting it as a vertical AI solution for small businesses. Naturally this means that the system supports Microsofts Copilot+ features, though we also saw a demo of Lenovos own AI companion. Not only can you talk to it, ask it questions or use it to translate other languages like a regular digital assistant, the company created a friendly face that reacts to your queries and comments. The one odd inclusion, which probably wont make it to retail units, was an AI feature designed to help you understand hidden meanings or subtext in other languages. However, in my experience (as seen in the video above), this turned into a weird excuse to get negged by AI or at the very least make yourself more paranoid about what your friends or coworkers are saying about you. My favorite thing about the Auto Twist is that if you shut it down, it will automatically close its own lid. Sam Rutherford for Engadget In the end, Im still not sure I need a laptop with a display and a camera that can follow me around during video calls. But if you have happy feet during work meetings or like to express yourself through movement, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist might be the business notebook you need. Plus, considering it features relatively novel tech, its starting price of $1,649 is surprisingly approachable. Youll just have to wait until it goes on sale sometime in June. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/ces-2026-the-lenovo-thinkbook-plus-gen-7-auto-twist-wont-let-you-out-of-it-sight-010000913.html?src=rss
Lenovo reveals a SteamOS variant of the Legion Go 2 at CES
If you saw Lenovo's Legion Go 2 launch last year and thought, I'll wait for the SteamOS version, well, you'll have to wait a little longer. But at least now it's official. At CES 2026 , the company revealed the Legion Go 2, Powered by SteamOS. The Valve-friendly variant of the gaming handheld arrives in June, starting at a pricey $1,199. There aren't any surprises here. It's the same Lenovo Legion Go 2 hardware, with SteamOS replacing the sometimes-awkward Windows. In many ways, you could view the SteamOS Legion Go 2 as a more powerful and versatile (and expensive!) Steam Deck . One notable exception is the optimizations game developers often make for Valve's handheld. (Ditto for Steam Deck Verified badges on store listings to learn quickly how playable games are.) So, all the specs from the Windows version carry over. That includes a spacious 8.8-inch OLED display at 1,920 x 1,200 and with a 144Hz VRR. You still have two tiers to choose from: Ryzen Z2 / 16GB / 1TB or Ryzen Z2 Extreme / 32GB / 2TB. The device has a microSD slot, kickstand, detachable controllers and a 74Wh battery. At 2.2 lbs, it's a bulky affair, so you'll want to look elsewhere if a light, compact handheld is your priority. Lenovo says the Legion Go 2, Powered by SteamOS is expected in June. It will start at $1,199 for the entry-level variant. (Lenovo hasn't yet announced pricing for the Z2 Extreme tier.) You can revisit Sam Rutherford's review of the Windows version for much more on the hardware. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/lenovo-reveals-a-steamos-variant-of-the-legion-go-2-at-ces-010000852.html?src=rss
Lenovo's 14th-gen ThinkPad X1 Carbon comes with a new Space Frame design
Lenovo has unveiled a bunch of new laptops and concepts at CES 2026 , including its latest ThinkPad X1 models. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition and ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 Aura Edition come with a new design the company has dubbed Space Frame. Lenovo calls Space Frame an engineering breakthrough and describes it as a design that restructures the interior of a laptop, so that components are placed on both sides of the motherboard. This structure improves the computers cooling and, hence, enables higher sustained performance. It comes with replaceable USB ports, battery, keyboard speakers and fans for easier repairs, and it also gives Lenovo enough room to equip laptops with a larger haptic touchpad. In addition to having the Space Frame design, both ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 2-in-1 Aura Editions are Microsoft Copilot+ PCs powered by the new Intel Core Ultra X7 Series 3 processors, which also debuted at CES. The processors ship with 12Xe graphic cores and integrated NPUs for AI acceleration. Both models also introduce a new 10MP camera with a 110-degree-wide field of view that features advanced distortion correction. As for the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1, it ships with a new magnetically docked pen that was designed to be ergonomic. The company has announced the ThinkPad X9 15p Aura Edition at the event, as well. Its a follow-up to last years X9 with an all-aluminum chassis, making it an alternative to Apples MacBooks. This model comes with a 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED display and ThinkPads largest haptic touchpad, and its powered by the new Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3 processors. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/lenovos-14th-gen-thinkpad-x1-carbon-comes-with-a-new-space-frame-design-010000262.html?src=rss
New way to study surfaces brings real world pressure to the lab
While the XPS technique to study materials surfaces works great in a vacuum, real-world chemical reactions usually happen under atmospheric pressure. Yet studying a catalyst in a vacuum is a bit like trying to study how a fish swims by looking at it on dry land
iPolish brings color-changing press-on smart nails to CES
In the original, and best Total Recall, theres a scene where Rekalls receptionist uses a digital pen to change the color of her nail polish. Its only taken 35 years, but now a company has turned up to CES 2026 with a version that actually works outside a pricey sci-fi movie. iPolish is a company which makes press-on acrylic nails that, when you apply an electric charge, changes color. In order to enjoy kaleidoscopic nails, youll need to charge the wand, which then connects to your phone. Once youve selected your color of choice, you just put the tip of the nail into the wand, and itll pass a short charge into the nail to change it. Sadly, the company wouldnt shed too much light on the process it uses to run the nails but, from my guess, its some sort of electrochemical shenanigans going on behind the scenes.All in all, it took around five seconds to change the color of a single nail, so its not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. iPolish Daniel Cooper for Engadget iPolish says that each nail can display 400 colors, and can be changed as many times as the user would like. So, if youre coordinating your nails with your outfits, youre not bound to a single color palette in the weeks between salon visits. Theyre also surprisingly affordable, with the starter set costing $95 which contains two sets of nails, one in Ballerina cut, one in Squoval. The Ballerinas are relatively short, while the Sqovals are longer. Its worth noting that you cant shape the nails as youll break the hardware, so if you dont like those shapes, you cant use em. When it comes time to replace your nails when one breaks or you lose it in some nailbed mishap, youll be able to pick up spares for $6.50. Given the theoretical cost of getting your nails re-done on a weekly basis, being able to change color on a whim seems like a bargain. Of course, we wont be able to speak to iPolishs quality and reliability until they start shipping, which is presently expected to begin in June 2026. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/ipolish-brings-color-changing-press-on-smart-nails-to-ces-001345407.html?src=rss
Not just forests: why grasslands also belong in national climate plans
Protecting a biome like grasslands cant happen in isolation but must come about through goals shared by the various U.N. bodies. Unfortunately, there are still debates ongoing about whether biodiversity and climate goals align and how institutions can build synergies
CES 2026: Everything revealed, from Nvidias debuts to AMDs new chips to Razers AI oddities
CES 2026is in full swing in Las Vegas, with the show floor open to the public after a packed couple of daysoccupied bypress conferences from the likes of Nvidia, Sony, and AMDand previews from Sundays Unveiled event. As has been the case for the past two years at CES, AI is at the forefront of []
HPs EliteBoard G1a is a Ryzen-powered Windows 11 PC in a membrane keyboard
The most familiar, full-fledged PC experience you can get from a keyboard.
Quake is now Steam Deck Verified
Bethesda announced on X today that Quake is now a Steam Deck Verified title. The 1996 game from the legendary id Software has also been designated Handheld Optimized for the Xbox ROG Ally devices. As one of the OG boomer shooters, Quake still commands a sizable and passionate fan base, and it's now available on just about every gaming platform imaginable. Since rolling out its verification program, several thousands of games have been designated as supported for the Steam Deck. Valve has more recently been preparing to have additional gaming devices run its SteamOS platform. Even though Xbox ROG Ally is the only one now, there's already a special extension of verification to note if a title is more broadly compatible with Steam's operating system. And don't forget that Valve's anticipated Steam Machine is due out some time early this year, so it wouldn't be surprising to have those verification checkmarks start to carry more weight in 2026. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/quake-is-now-steam-deck-verified-223009852.html?src=rss
A viral Reddit post alleging fraud from a food delivery app turned out to be AI-generated
When fake content goes viral, the damage has already been done, even if the post is debunked.
Grok Is Pushing AI Undressing Mainstream
Paid tools that strip clothes from photos have been available on the darker corners of the internet for years. Elon Musks X is now removing barriers to entryand making the results public.
Ive been using the same smartphone controller on my iPhone for years. Thats partly because most options are so similar. Announced at CES 2026, the X5 Alteron couldnt be more different. Its a collaboration between GameSir (which loves unusual peripheral dalliances ) and Hyperkin (retro-leaning controller maker ). The X5 Alteron is apparently the world's first fully modular mobile games controller. While the headline feature might be the stick/d-pad/button modules, the X5 Alteron has a very accommodating vice grip that works with devices from iPhone and Android phones through to the Switch series and even iPads. Theres even Bluetooth if you want to use it with a PC. Mat Smith for Engadget On the showfloor, Gamesir had a non-working prototype model with swappable modules, able to replicate most of your favorite layouts, including asymmetric analogue sticks, a yellow stick thats aspiring to be a Gamecube controller and even a six-button array for those wanting to scratch that Sega Saturn itch. And if you want symmetrical sticks, you maniac, you can have that too. Rumble motors will also be built into the controller. The modules lie flush when magnetically attached to the controller, although on the early prototype, they were difficult to remove. Its pretty much fully customizable: there will be adjustable stick heights and hot-swappable buttons. Hyperkin and Gamesir are promising GameCube and N64 modules, and even a trackpad module for FPS games. Theres contemporary technology too. The X5 Alteron will have capacitive sticks, not Hall-Effect ones. This should offer much more precision: the technology remains pretty rare in controllers. There are Hall-Effect analog triggers on the rear of the controller. Its early days, with no release date or pricing set yet, but I'm intrigued and I suspect many mobile gamers are too. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hyperkin-and-gamesir-x5-alteron-modular-game-controller-ces-2026-221853624.html?src=rss
Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 let me play 'Battlefield 6' at 190 fps on a Lenovo ultraportable
How far has Intel's embedded Arcgraphics come over the years? Enough to let me play Battlefield 6 at up to 190 fps in 1080p, with the graphics settings set to high, all on an unassuming Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5. There was no need for dedicated graphics, just the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H's built-in Arc B390 GPU. There's a catch, of course: Intel's XeSS3 AI upscaling and 4X frame generation is the big reason why I was able to see such high fps figures. I was playing Battlefield 6 on a controller, with the Lenovo laptop connected to a TV, and I was surprised by how smooth the gameplay felt. There wasn't any sense of lag like I've seen in earlier frame-gen implementations, though any lag would probably be more noticeable if I was playing with a high DPI gaming mouse. Playing Battlefield 6 with a Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5, powered by Intel's Core Ultra 3 chip. Devindra Hardawar for Engadget Environmental details, shadows, lighting and particle effects also looked flawless. If I was sitting on a couch, Id think the game was being powered by a console or a budget gaming PC. I didnt get a chance to push the resolution up to 1440p, but itd be interesting to see if it could maintain at least 100 fps in that mode. Not all of Intel's Core Ultra 3 chips will achieve such lofty gaming heights, unfortunately. Only the X7 and X9 chips include 12 Xe GPU cores and Arc B390 graphics. The rest of the Core Ultra 3 family has the typical four Xe cores and basic Intel graphics. Intel claims the B390 is around 80 percent faster than the Radeon 890M, which is built into the Ryzen HX370. Additionally, the company says the new GPU is 76 percent faster than its Arc 140T, and overall it should offer similar performance to the mobile RTX 4050 GPU. A Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5. Devindra Hardawar for Engadget This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/intels-core-ultra-series-3-let-me-play-battlefield-6-at-190-fps-on-a-lenovo-ultraportable-220952246.html?src=rss
With GeForce Super GPUs missing in action, Nvidia focuses on software upgrades
Nvidia's only GeForce announcements this year were about software improvements.
Letting prisons jam contraband phones is a bad idea, phone companies tell FCC
Jamming will block all communications, including 911 calls, CTIA tells FCC.
Mobileye acquires humanoid robot startup Mentee Robotics for $900M
Mentee Robotics was co-founded by Mobileye president Amnon Shashua.
Dreame's robot vacuum with an arm is back at CES 2026 and it can do more than pick up shoes
Last year at CES, Dreame showed off a robot vacuum prototype with a mechanical arm . But while we were able to see the arm extend and retract, we didnt see the device, which was described as a prototype at the time, actually grab anything, which was a bit disappointing. This year, though, the company has made its arm-enabled vacuum a reality with the Cyber 10 Ultra. Dreame previewed it recently at IFA in Berlin, but has now confirmed it will be on sale later this year. The vacuum has an extendable arm that looks pretty similar to the prototype version we saw last year. It extends from the top of the vacuum and has a claw-like device at the end for scooping up objects. According to Dreame, it can pick up items that weigh up to 500 grams (about 1 pound) so it should be able to grab a wider variety of stuff than the Roborock vac we saw last year, which had a 300-gram weight limit for its arm. The arm can also do more than pick up stuff from the floor. It supports its own cleaning accessories, and can grab vacuum nozzles and brush attachments from its base station. This allows the arm to act as an extension of the vacuum itself so it can be used similarly to how you might use hose attachments to reach hard-to-get areas with a traditional vacuum. And, like Dreame's other robot vacuums, the Cyber 10 Ultra also has mopping abilities and can climb up small steps up to 6cm (about 2.4 inches). That's not quite as impressive as the tank-like stair-climbing Cyber X prototype it also brought to CES, but should help the Cyber 10 reach a few extra places in the house. The company hasn't announced an exact release date, but says it's targeting August of this year and currently expects the Cyber 10 Ultra to cost around 1799 (about $2,100). This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/dreames-robot-vacuum-with-an-arm-is-back-at-ces-2026-and-it-can-do-more-than-pick-up-shoes-210000020.html?src=rss
xAI says it raised $20B in Series E funding
Nvidia is among the many investors, but xAI has not disclosed if these investments come in the form of equity or debt.
The Inevitable Rise of the Art TV
New televisions from Amazon, Hisense, TCL, and others are designed to display fine art and look like a painting when theyre switched off. Its all thanks to smaller living spaces and new screen tech.
California lawmaker proposes a four-year ban on AI chatbots in kids toys
Our children cannot be used as lab rats for Big Tech to experiment on, Senator Steve Padilla said. He just introduced a bill to ban AI chatbots in toys until safety regulations are developed.
The most bizarre tech announced so far at CES 2026
From an AI panda pet to an anime girl hologram for your desk, here are the wildest products at CES 2026.
The 57 Best Shows on Disney+, WIREDs Picks (January 2026)
The End of an Era, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and The Beatles Anthology are just a few of the shows you should be watching on Disney+ this month.
Dells XPS revival is a welcome reprieve from the AI PC fad
Dell moves from pushing AI PCs and back to what matters in laptops.
Intel is building a handheld gaming platform including a dedicated chip
Intel has been building chips designed for gaming PCs for years but the company is now moving into handheld devices too.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds are on sale for $165
Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds are on sale for $165 via Amazon . That's a nice discount of $64, which breaks down to 28 percent. There is a spot of bad news. The deal only applies to the hazel colorway. Other colors are discounted, but they aren't as cheap. It's not as if the hazel is hideous. These are standard dark brown-hued earbuds. The device made our list of the best wireless earbuds , and this is particularly true for those tied into the Pixel ecosystem. These earbuds are on the smaller side and, more importantly, comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They also manage to deliver pristine audio , as we were fans of the punchy bass, full mids and crisp highs on offer. The battery lasts for 30 hours when you include return trips to the charging case, at around eight hours a pop. They offer multipoint Bluetooth that switches between audio sources with just a single button press. There's an app for keeping an eye on battery levels and ANC levels. The primary downside when these were first released was the high price tag, which has been alleviated by this sale. Beyond that, there's really just one nitpick. Smaller earbuds translate to a smaller touch panel, which requires precision to operate. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-google-pixel-buds-pro-2-earbuds-are-on-sale-for-165-193444491.html?src=rss
These Luxurious Headphones Are Almost Half Off
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 feature premium materials and luxurious sound.
Amazon Luna's January lineup includes Madden NFL 26 for free
Amazon has announced the next collection games that will be available to play through its Luna game streaming service in January. The highlight of the bunch is EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 , which will be available for a limited time on the service, but as in the past, Amazon is also giving away free PC games too if you'd prefer not to stream. Madden NFL 26 will be available to Prime members everywhere Luna currently streams, from January 10 through February 10. Luna is also getting several new GameNight games Amazon's name for streaming games you can play with a smartphone including multiplayer physics-based building game Tricky Towers on January 8, and the party game collection The Jackbox Party Pack 3 on January 23. If you're looking for something a little more narrative-driven, Alan Wake Remastered and Death Stranding Director's Cut are also available to stream right now. As part of the Prime benefits Amazon offers to subscribers, there's also some new PC games you can redeem for free. The best option this month is turn-based strategy game Sid Meier's Civilization VI , which is worth a revisit after the dramatic mechanical overhaul Sid Meier's Civilization VII introduced last year. Here's a complete list of games Amazon will offer over the course of the month, and which PC game store you'll be able to download them from: Sid Meiers Civilization VI (Epic Games Store) Brigador: Up-Armored Edition (GOG) Reflections of Life: Dark Architect Collector's Edition (Amazon Games App) Gunslugs: Rogue Tactics (GOG) DeathKeep (GOG) Harold Halibut (GOG) D&D Stronghold: Kingdom Simulator (GOG) Al-Qadim: The Genie's Curse (GOG) Technotopia (Amazon Games App) ELDERBORN (GOG) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/amazon-lunas-january-lineup-includes-madden-nfl-26-for-free-192500032.html?src=rss
Cosori's stainless steel air fryer wants to assuage your fear of microplastics
Home appliance company Cosori has released a stainless steel air fryer because why not. The Iconic Air Fryer debuted in all its shiny glory at Pepcom this week, a media showcase event ahead of CES. Cosori says the air fryer is meant to address a pain point in the market regarding consumer concern over heating food in plastic air fryers. The company's answer to this is a 6.5-quart stainless steel fryer with a ceramic, nonstick coating on all surfaces that come in contact with food. Iconic has a brushed metal finish that Cosori says is corrosion resistant. The controls and display for the fryer are seated under tempered glass atop the motor. From there, users can select from six different cooking functions consisting of air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, proof and reheat. The fryer can run as cool as 90 degrees Fahrenheit or as hot as 450. Users can connect Iconic with the VeSync app, the parent company's app for bluetooth-enabled devices across its brand portfolio. From there, Iconic can be remotely monitored and controlled. The app also contains a library of recipes that can automatically apply the associated cook settings to the air fryer. Iconic is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Iconic is available now from the Cosori website and retails for $250. Cosori also makes a more affordable 6-quart fryer that is currently our runner up for best overall air fryer . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/cosoris-stainless-steel-air-fryer-wants-to-assuage-your-fear-of-microplastics-191339820.html?src=rss
News orgs want OpenAI to dig up millions of deleted ChatGPT logs
OpenAI's loss in privacy fight could lead to sharing even more deleted chats.
Riot Games' 2XKO will hit consoles on January 20
Riot Games has a pretty long legacy as a PC gaming studio, but the company is spreading out into consoles with its newest title. 2XKO will land on consoles on January 20 , to coincide with the start of its first season. The game will be available globally for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S with cross-play support, allowing current players to access their existing progress on a PC account. The formula for most recent Riot projects (with the notable exception of Valorant ), has been to take the extensive character roster from its long-standing League of Legends MOBA and place them into other game genres. 2XKO is the company's foray into a 2v2 fighting game. Ten familiar LoL champions were on the debut linup when it launched in early access on October 7. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/riot-games-2xko-will-hit-consoles-on-january-20-185627826.html?src=rss
IO Interactive just revealed minimum and recommended specs for the PC build of 007 First Light . The company recommends 32GB of RAM and 12GB of VRAM. In a normal world, this wouldn't be news, as modern NVIDIA GPUs certainly have more than enough VRAM. However, we live in a world where AI companies gobble up lots of memory . This has caused newer cards to tick up in price, with more hikes to come . Older cards like the RTX 3070 just won't cut it, as that one ships with 8GB of VRAM. Standard RAM is also getting much more expensive, putting that 32GB out of reach for many gamers. In other words, playing the James Bond sim at max settings will likely cost a pretty Moneypenny. IO Interactive IO also recommends an Intel Core i5 13500 or an AMD Ryzen 5 7600 CPU, along with 80GB of storage space. Rumors have been swirling that NVIDIA is set to relaunch the RTX 3060 from 2021 to help offset increased demand caused by the hungry hippo that is AI. That one does ship with enough VRAM to run the game at recommended settings. However, mostly everyone will be able to play the game at minimum settings. It requires just an NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD RX 5700 and an Intel Core i5 9500K or AMD Ryzen 5 3500. Players must have 16GB of traditional RAM and 8GB of VRAM. It's worth noting that both the recommended and minimum specs are for running the game in 1080p. The company hasn't announced anything for 4K settings, so it must be pretty bad on the VRAM front. IO has also revealed a partnership with NVIDIA on the game. 007 First Light will include DLSS 3 with Multi Frame Generation for an even deeper sense of immersion and improved performance. 007 First Light is a nifty-looking action title that chronicles the early years of everyone's favorite lothario spy. Patrick Gibson from The OA and Dexter: Original Sin plays Bond and Lenny Kravitz, the guy who sings stuff, voices the villain. The game will be available on May 27 on multiple platforms. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-pc-version-of-007-first-light-requires-lots-of-expensive-ram-and-vram-to-run-at-recommended-settings-184339040.html?src=rss
PNY is releasing slim-sized NVIDIA RTX GPUs just as PC building becomes prohibitively expensive
If I were building a new PC today, I'd go for a small form factor mATX or ITX build. With companies like Fractal Design and Lian Li making cases that can fit modern GPUs without sacrificing on thermals, you don't need to settle for the old mid-tower monstrosities of yesteryear. And that's why PNY's new Slim model RTX 50-series designs caught my eye. All three variants, covering the 5070 , 5070 Ti and 5080, are two slot cards with just a pair of 120mm fans for cooling. As a result, even the largest of the three new models, the 5080, is relatively svelte, coming in at 11.8-inches or 300mm long. That means it can comfortably fit with room to spare in a media PC enclosure like the Fractal Ridge . Technically, NVIDIA's reference designs for the 5070 and 5080 are also dual-slot solutions, but most of the company's manufacturing partners produce two-and-half or three slot variants of those cards. And with no Founders Edition version of the 5070 Ti available from NVIDIA, PNY's new take on that GPU will likely find a dedicated fanbase among PC enthusiasts. PNY says the new cards will arrive in February, with the company planning to offer both standard and overclocked versions of all three models. However, PNY isn't sharing pricing details just yet. That probably has to do with the state of the entire PC industry right now. With the price of most RAM kits doubling and tripling in recent months due to the AI boom, building a new computer has become prohibitively expensive, and all signs point to GPUs getting more costly in 2026 . In fact, the memory crunch is so bad that NVIDIA is reportedly planning to bring back the RTX 3060 , a GPU from 2021, as a stopgap. Yikes. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/pny-is-releasing-slim-sized-nvidia-rtx-gpus-just-as-pc-building-becomes-prohibitively-expensive-183127305.html?src=rss
LG has released pricing for its new Sound Suite speaker lineup
On Monday, we went hands-on at CES with LG's new Sound Suite speakers featuring Dolby Atmos FlexConnect and now we have pricing for the entire lineup. The modular home audio system consists of four speakers that include a soundbar, surround speakers and a subwoofer. The centerpiece of the group is the H7 soundbar, which will retail for $1,000. The soundbar uses FlexConnect to optimize sound based on the layout of a room and its location therein. This is intended to solve for when a speaker can't be perfectly placed to deliver optimal sound, especially spatial audio. The H7 also has a feature LG is calling Sound Follow that tracks the location of a user's phone throughout a room and adapts the audio to their location. The idea is that if you move from one side of the couch to the other, or to a chair in a totally different part of the room, you'll still receive the best possible sound. The M7 and M5 surround speakers will sell for $400 and $250 respectively. These serve as satellite speakers to the H7 and can be placed around a room in pairs or used on their own. The W7 subwoofer carries a price tag of $600. The entire suite is available for pre-order on LG's US site now. The site lists several packages like the Immersive Quad Suite 7 that include the H7 soundbar and four M7 speakers. Sadly, there do not seem to be discounts for purchasing these speakers as a bundle. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/lg-has-released-pricing-for-its-new-sound-suite-speaker-lineup-181053832.html?src=rss
Appeals court agrees that Congress blocked cuts to research costs
The Trump admin can't arbitrarily set university reimbursements to a low flat rate.
Navee's CES lineup includes a speedy e-scooter, a golf cart and... a seaplane?
The Chinese micromobility company Navee has some wild new stuff at CES 2026. The lineup is headlined by the UT5 Ultra X, a dual-motor e-scooter with an advertised top speed of 43 mph. And who among us isn't in the market for an auto-following golf cart and a seaplane? The flagship UT5 Ultra X is a sleek-looking e-scooter with a pair of 2,400W motors. Navee says it can reach a top speed of 43 mph and has a max range of 87 miles. (However, in the world of e-scooters, it's safe to expect the real-world range to be around half of what manufacturers promise.) It has a front and rear hydraulic suspension and front and rear hydraulic disc brakes. Navee claims it can accelerate from 0 to 12 mph in 1.98 seconds. Navee UT5 Ultra X Navee If you want something that can hold its own on rougher terrain, there's the NT5 Ultra X. A pair of 1,200W motors helps this e-scooter reach a top speed of 40 mph and an advertised range of 56 miles. It has dual-disc brakes and an electronic anti-lock braking system. To help manage the bumps, it has two suspension types: a front telescopic suspension and a rear spring one. Navee claims its steel frame supports up to 330 lbs. Then there's the Eagle F1X, which could put golf caddies out of work. This electronic cart can carry your clubs (up to 44 lbs). It has a smart auto-follow feature that uses a combination of AI and ultra-wideband. It also responds to voice and gesture controls. The 33-lb. cart uses a pair of 250W motors, and Navee claims it can handle 36-hole games. Strangely, the bottom portion looks like an F1 racer because, hey, why not? Navee Eagle F1X Navee To further prove that Navee isn't afraid to jump the shark, the company has a product that could, well, jump over sharks. The WaveFly 5X is an electric seaplane that can glide on the water and ride into the sky. The company claims a max speed of 53 mph, a cruising speed of 40 mph, and a maximum flight time of 70 minutes. I'm not ready to put my life in its hands, but surely some deep-pocketed adventurer will. In addition to real-world ranges almost always being much lower than advertised, there are other caveats. First, post-purchase customer support in the world of micromobility is almost always a sketchy prospect. I once had to file a Better Business Bureau claim to get support from even the most well-established brand, Segway. Don't be shocked to experience the same or worse from lesser-known companies. Second, Navee hasn't yet listed pricing or release dates for its new models. Based on their specs and the company's older gear, you'll likely see prices of well above $1,000 for each one. (And thats not even counting the seaplane.) Regardless, you can learn more at the companys website . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/navees-ces-lineup-includes-a-speedy-e-scooter-a-golf-cart-and-a-seaplane-180000473.html?src=rss
The Morning After: Sony Hondas new car, Legos first CES press event and more
Welcome to your first CES edition of TMA, attempting (almost futilely) to distill the biggest product reveals and announcements. Despite two days of briefings and conferences, today is merely day one. However, weve already seen Sony Honda reveal its next car and the Afeela 1 isnt yet on sale. Weve got a deep dive on what weve seen so far, right here. AMD announced new Ryzen AI 400 laptop processors and updated desktop chips, including the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, with a new focus broadly on AI processing improvements. NVIDIA had a lengthy, dense press conference showing off its dominance in AI tech, but it lacked major consumer announcements until overnight, when it revealed next-gen G-Sync tech and an upgraded version of DLSS . The new tech can handle up to 4K 240Hz path traced performance. It also adds an improved version of Super Resolution Transformer, with more stability. This years wildcard CES press conference was Lego? It revealed Smart Bricks , which adds sensors, audio and wireless communication to traditional Lego pieces. The system is launching with Star Wars sets later this year and perhaps crucially, no smartphone or screen is needed to play. Theres also LG and Samsung to get into more on those below! Mat Smith The other big stories (and deals) this morning CES 2026 Day 0: Everything else Intel hopes its Core Ultra Series 3 chips are the start of a comeback Razers Project Madison concept chair has reactive lighting, immersive audio and multi-zone haptics It took guts for Dell to admit its mistake. Heres how XPS will make its big comeback The Handy 2 Pro is an overclockable sex toy Garmin had the nerve to launch a food-tracking feature in Las Vegas Samsungs Galaxy Z Trifold gets me excited about foldables again Phone and tablet, together. Engadget After launching its double-folding smartphone in Korea, Samsung is giving its newest foldable the press tour at CES 2026 and, despite reservations, its slick. The key difference between the Z Trifold and the Z Fold series is a second fold-out wing, turning it from a traditional smartphone into a more tablet-like form factor, closer to what were used to. Farewell square-ish screens. This is what we were promised when foldables first appeared: a larger screen that offers greater utility than traditional smartphones, without compromise. Sam Rutherford tested one out. Read on for his impressions. Continue reading. Samsungs giant 130-inch TV is here to make you want Micro RGB TVs In more wall-friendly sizes. Engadget The big reveal at Samsungs First Look CES press conference was literally big: a flagship 130-inch Micro RGB TV framed by a giant metal easel with embedded speakers. Its much more in the realm of concept than reality no price, no release date. It works as a halo product for more realistic TV sets using Samsungs new preferred display technology. This year itll be offering TVs in 55-, 65- and 75-inch sizes. And if youre curious, we explain what Micro RGB TVs are . Continue reading. LGs approach to TVs at CES 2026? Variety. Oh, and scale. Engadget CES 2026 marks the return of LGs ultra-thin Wallpaper TV. The latest version sports a gorgeous OLED screen and wireless connectivity, and its about as thin as a pencil. We checked out the new Wallpaper TV during a CES preview event, along with LGs Gallery and Micro RGB sets. If money were no object, Id want a 100-inch LG Wallpaper TV. According to Devindra Hardawar, it looks shockingly thin in person. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-ces-2026-press-day-174444560.html?src=rss
Pebble's founder might be just the right person to make an AI ring
Eric Migicovsky has been thinking a lot about friction. Specifically, hes been thinking about how too much friction in the way of using a device can put people off wearing it altogether. The founder of Pebble is here at CES 2026 with a few new devices from the company he recently started to bring back the beloved smartwatch brand, including the Pebble Round 2 and the Index 01 . That second one is a simple ring with a button on it that you push down to talk to Pebbles AI whenever you want it to help you remember something. In the sea of AI gadgets that clutter the showfloors of CES (and the current tech industry in general), the Index 01 is refreshingly simple. The prototypes I saw here in Las Vegas werent connected to phones, so they werent actually working. They also seemed a little unfinished, like there was still some polishing to do. But I was able to put a few on and push their buttons. I also checked out the one Migicovsky wears more on that in a bit. I have to caveat that the rings that Migicovsky and his team had for us to try on were way too large for me. I did manage to get sized and found out I was a Pebble size 7, while my colleague Dan Cooper was determined to be a size 11. These demo rings sat loosely on my finger and Migicovsky was particular that I wear it on my index finger and not my thumb or middle finger. I suspect that has to do with how you reach for and press the button. Its much easier to push the key if its closer to your thumb. Since the idea of the Index 01 began as an app on the Pebble watch, Migicovsky has been working hard to figure out how best to make it easy to access. Back when it was an app, friction points were having to use your other hand to press the screen, he said. We also experimented with gestures and voice activation, wake words, he added. But as many of us are painfully familiar with, those triggers dont always work well. The whole thing that drives this ring is it being something that you can rely on. It being something that you can incorporate into your habits, Migicovsky said. So putting a button right by your thumb not only makes sense, but might even be, in my opinion, a bit more accessible for people with, say, speech impediments or only one hand. I have to admit I initially found the Index 01s design to be a bit bulky-looking, and the rubbery button protrudes a lot more than I expected from looking at it in its glamor shots. Its like in place of a diamond or a gemstone on the ring, theres a weird little nipple that you twiddle around until you want to push it. I did find the button easy to press, if that allays any of your concerns at all. But, really, the Indexs powers arent visible. Its what happens after you push the button that matters. Using the Pebble Index 01 ring The actual demo was brief. Migicovsky prefaced things by telling me what he was about to ask, held up his hand to his mouth, pushed the button and asked me Whats your favorite book these days? I explained I had recently been reading Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi and then Migicovsky let go of the button. After a few starts and stops due to internet woes, the companion app on his phone responded, showing a transcription of what we said, followed by an answer That sounds like a fun read! I can create a note about the book you are reading if youd like. I didnt get to ask many more questions, and I think Id need to live with an actual unit in my life to start to rely on it more. But I love the idea of a second brain or an AI assistant thats always ready for my random thoughts at the push of a button. Migicovsky said the Index 01 is water resistant, so you never have to take it off, even in the shower. So for those times when youre sudsing up and have a random stroke of inspiration about soap art, you can still tell the Index 01 to remember your Eureka moment. Depending on how you use it, Migicovsky said the Index 01 can last for years up to three if youre not too heavy of a user. Since he doesnt want for you to have to place the ring on a charger and forget to put it back on again, the device is not rechargeable. When youre about a month away from running out of juice, the app will send you a warning and ask if you want to order a replacement. That feels a bit wasteful and potentially expensive, but Migicovskys thinking is that if you still are using the ring enough after two years to be thinking about extending its battery life, the price might be justifiable to you. The Index 01 is available for pre-order now at an early bird price of $75 and will cost $100 after it starts shipping in May. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/pebbles-founder-might-be-just-the-right-person-to-make-an-ai-ring-170104222.html?src=rss
InkPoster launches a premium, 41-inch e-paper display for your home
Last year, PocketBook rocked up at CES with a series of large e-paper displays to display art on the walls of your home . This year, the company has turned up with a far larger, A1-sized model called the Duna, which it says mimics the texture, depth and tonal richness of printed paper. Its intended to act as an upmarket alternative to those big screen TVs which display art when theyre not being used for their intended purpose. Unsurprisingly, such a fancy product also needs some fancy accessories, so its recruited Italian design house Pininfarina to help. It claims the credit for the Dunas precision-engineered aluminum frame and its elegantly stitched Alcantara. To celebrate the pairing, the InkPoster App will enable you to view original design sketches from the Pininfarina archives on your screens. At last years CES, I saw the three smaller models in person and found them to be very promising. The colors are vibrant in a way you dont expect from an e-paper display, and at a distance you could easily mistake these for a real canvas. Just dont get too close to the screen itself, since youll still be able to see the pixels rather than brush strokes. Im no expert, but I suspect the technology suits bold, blocky art styles think modern artists like Modigliani better than delicate, more antiquated forms. As before, each InkPoster can be hung for up to a year on a single charge, refreshing from its library of licensed artwork according to your whims. Plus, you can use it as a digital photo frame, if you want to display your selfies at art gallery or movie poster sizes. If youre interested in buying one of the new models, youll have to wait until April, after the frames are exhibited at Milan Design Week in April. While we dont have full pricing details right now, you can expect to pay something in the region of $6,000 for one. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/inkposter-launches-a-premium-41-inch-e-paper-display-for-your-home-170000292.html?src=rss
Lovense launches an AI 'companion doll' at CES
The following article discusses themes of an adult nature. Lovense has turned up to CES with a companion doll, a life-size sex doll thats designed to be more than just a life size sex doll . The company has equipped it with its proprietary AI engine and promises human-like cognition, emotional awareness and expressive behavior. The doll, which in the marketing video is called Emily, is Lovenses answer to the global loneliness crisis. It says, over time, a users relationship with the system will grow deeper as it learns to adapt to their needs. And that the doll is the natural evolution of the virtual companions that have, until now, existed only on phones and screens. From a hardware standpoint, the doll uses a standard user posable skeleton for everywhere but inside the skull. Up top, there are various servos and mechanisms to give the doll the ability to slightly move their mouth while speaking, as well as some basic facial expressions. (You havent lived until youve seen Emily attempt a smize or a wink in a matter few would describe as flirtatious.) The company hasnt spoken about the less delicate parts of her anatomy, but did say her built in Bluetooth can integrate effortlessly with the full Lovense ecosystem and can run for eight hours on a single charge. The major focus, however, is on the AI part of the equation, explaining it will remember details of previous conversations to enable users to build a deeper bond with its user. In addition, you can even engage with the AI when youre out and about, messaging it via the Lovense app. Oh, and you can even get AI-generated selfies that mirror her real-world appearance should you want. The company, in its materials, say that the doll will hopefully lead people out of their comfort zone and better equip them to engage with real people. Of course, its worth noting that Lovenses track record with peoples most intimate data isnt the best. In 2017, a Reddit user discovered the Lovense app was recording a private moment between them and their partner. In July 2025, another security flaw enabled hackers to hijack accounts without a password. The company addressed both issues at the time, but its one to consider if youre thinking about forming a long-term relationship with one of its bots. Theres no word on pricing or availability just yet the company will be launching a pre-sale in the near future but you can probably expect it to be fairly expensive. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lovense-launches-an-ai-companion-doll-at-ces-170000490.html?src=rss
Pebble seeks to remedy the wearable industry's original sin
As soon as I held the Pebble Round 2 in my hand, I suddenly realized what Id been missing for the better part of a decade. Ive always felt smartwatches should supplement, rather than supplant, your phone, but thats an attitude that feels almost quaint these days. After all, Apple and Samsung believe everyone wants a watch that can do almost everything your phone can do. But that wasnt the prevailing opinion at the dawn of the smartwatch era, either philosophically or from limitations in the technology. Back then, companies like Pebble , Vector , Basis and others all built devices that added a second screen to the device in your pocket, and were all the better for it. Thankfully, Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky agrees, and if his project to revive the company is successful, perhaps well once again see these alternative approaches flourish. The first step on this very long road is the Pebble Round 2, which aims to be the standard bearer for a new generation of comparatively less smart , but fundamentally more useful, smartwatches. Round 2 was announced on January 2, and is the second product in Core Devices (Migicovskys new company) lineup of revived Pebbles . The first was the revamped Time 2, aping the form of its more successful predecessor, while the Round 2 is an attempt to correct the mistakes of 2015s Pebble Time Round. That watch, when it debuted, was met with disappointment from critics who loved its aesthetics but little else. Back then, building a Pebble with a round face required plenty of compromise, including a higher price, shorter battery life, fewer features and a massive bezel. A decade on, and the technology has come along sufficiently to render such compromises moot, making for a much better device overall. The new watch has a 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen which stretches to the end of the case. Its display has been bonded to the glass crystal, dramatically improving the viewing angles and reducing glare. You should expect to get two weeks of life on a single charge, but it remains just 8.1mm thick, and you can really feel that lack of heft when its in your hand. In fact, compared to so many of its smartwatch peers, you could almost unironically describe it as dainty, making its case size feel almost comically large. On the materials side, the case feels strong enough that I think it would withstand the rigors of daily life, and Im quite smitten with both the polished rose gold and brushed silver finishes. On one hand, its hardly the major reason to buy a watch, but Im deeply smitten by how much text the Round 2s display can render. Even the fanciest of smartwatches arent that willing to display big reams of text for your ease of reading. I was tickled to read a lengthy Slack message which reminded me, again, of what Ive been missing for all of these years. Perhaps thats a sign of the broader benefits a device like this offers, which is the ability to tweak its UI to what you need, rather than being tied by the UI designers in Cupertino and Mountain View. There are plenty of omissions in the spec list, including no optical heart rate sensor, no GPS and no speaker. Im not weeping over any of them: Ive not used my smartwatchs GPS in years and yes, and Pebble is swerving away from the health and fitness market. I dont want to take calls from my wrist, either, and while the omitted heart rate sensor is harder to take given their ubiquity, its been done to ensure the watch is thinner than many of its competitors. Migicovsky is candid about Pebbles failure, saying the company spent too much to become a global hardware brand. He invested heavily in inventory in anticipation of blockbuster sales that never came, similar to Pelotons post-COVID slump. This time around, the focus is on ensuring the company remains sustainable over the long term and, hopefully, building a succession of products. Rather than big investments, hell make small batches of devices to cater to pre-orders and wont water down his philosophy in the hope of attracting a broad user base. He even said the Pebble website may include recommendations for alternative smartwatches from other companies to ensure hes only catering to the faithful. Three Pebble Indexes side by side on a table. Daniel Cooper for Engadget Its his hope that this approach will give him the time and space to make more products, such as the already-announced Pebble Index 01 . Its a $75 ring equipped with a microphone, Bluetooth and a single push button, where users can record brief reminders to themselves. Rather than add weight and complexity with a rechargeable battery, each Index has a sealed-in cell that the company promises will last for up to two years. A month before the battery is due to expire, youll be asked if you want to buy a replacement, sending in the original for recycling. Its an unusual arrangement but one that Migicovsky believes is more compelling than some others. After all, users arent saddled with any monthly subscription fees, and they only need to buy a new one if theyve actually gotten the benefit out of their existing model. As with the revived Pebbles, the prevailing attitude is that nobodys twisting your arm here. Image of the rear sides of the Pebble Round 2 Daniel Cooper for Engadget More broadly, Migicovsky has the time and money now to explore these product ideas free from the usual pressures. He has no investors or backers demanding instant returns and fast growth, giving him license to pursue his ideas as far as he wants to take them. And he is determined to return a small degree of whimsy to consumer electronics, building gadgets that are in some way fun. Lets hope he succeeds, because the industry cant survive another decade of homogeneity. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/pebble-seeks-to-remedy-the-wearable-industrys-original-sin-170000834.html?src=rss
Corsair made a keyboard with a built-in Stream Deck
Corsair just revealed a gaming keyboard with a built-in Stream Deck controller at CES 2026 . The Galleon 100 SD is a mechanical keyboard with a 5-inch screen, two rotary encoders and a full complement of Stream Deck buttons. For the uninitiated, the Stream Deck is basically a collection of hot keys that execute various commands. It's been incredibly popular for streamers and the like, but it's also become a boon for PC gamers. Corsair is advertising the Galleon 100 SD directly to gamers, so it boasts of hot keys being used to access abilities, call in airstrikes and manage inventory without diving through menus. The Elgato Marketplace offers profiles for specific games, eliminating the need to manually program the buttons. The included screen can display relevant stats while playing. However, this is a real Stream Deck. It has 12 big buttons, which can be programmed to do all kinds of things beyond gaming. People use it to stream, yes, but also to control smart home devices, assist with creative tasks and a lot more. Corsair It's also a true mechanical gaming keyboard with hyper-polling rates up to 8,000Hz, which the company says transmits your keystrokes up to eight times faster than standard releases. It features MLX Pulse keyswitches that have been tuned for fast actuation and smooth yet tactile feedback. Everything is housed in a durable aluminum frame with gasket housing and six layers of sound dampening. There's a cushioned palm rest and configurable RGB lighting. The Galleon 100 SD is available right now , but there's a catch. It costs $350, which is a lot of dough for a gaming keyboard. For that amount of money you could buy an actual Stream Deck XL and a decent keyboard and still have plenty to spare. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/corsair-made-a-keyboard-with-a-built-in-stream-deck-163158296.html?src=rss
ElevationLabs' TimeCapsule extended battery case for AirTags is 30 percent off
ElevationLab makes a battery case for your AirTag that can power it for 10 years and the accessory is on sale now for 30 percent off. Normally retailing for $23, you can pick one up for $16. The TimeCapsule case uses two AA batteries to offer up to 14 times the lifespan of the CR2032 battery that powers an AirTag. The company based those estimates on Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, so your mileage may vary. Once an AirTag is seated inside the case, which is a compact 4.45 x 1.57 inches, it is sealed shut with four screws at the corners. The case is fiber-reinforced, according to Elevation Lab, and rated IP69 waterproof. The company says its intended for use cases where you might place an AirTag for long periods of time, like in a vehicle, a piece of luggage or a work bag. We've already got a couple of Elevation Lab products on our list for best AirTag accessories , so while we haven't reviewed the battery case, we tend to like this company's products. If you're in the market for more AirTags or considering picking some up for the first time, you can still get a pack of 4 for just $65 , which is only a few dollars off the lowest price we've seen. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/elevationlabs-timecapsule-extended-battery-case-for-airtags-is-30-percent-off-162308689.html?src=rss
All the laptops that caught our eye at CES 2026
CES remains a key stage for laptop makers to lay out their plans for the year ahead. At CES 2026, that meant new flagship productivity machines, reconsidered gaming notebooks and solid incremental updates across several major lineups. While were still seeing embargoes lift and hands-on time on the show floor, the announcements below reflect the most significant laptops weve seen so far. Plus, the list will grow as more companies reveal details throughout January 6 and beyond. Samsung Galaxy Book6 series New Samsung Galaxy Book6 laptops offer NVIDIA RTX 50-series GPUs. Samsung announced the Galaxy Book6 family at CES 2026 , introducing three new laptops built around Intels Panther Lake chips: the Galaxy Book6, Book6 Pro and Book6 Ultra. The focus this year is on slimmer designs, improved thermals and longer battery life, with Samsung claiming up to 30 hours of video playback on the Book6 Ultra and Pro. The 16-inch Galaxy Book6 Ultra sits at the top of the lineup, with configurations offering up to Intel Core Ultra X9 processors, Intel Arc graphics and NVIDIA RTX 50-series GPUs, including RTX 5070 and RTX 5060 options. Samsung says the Ultra delivers up to 1.6x better CPU performance and 1.7x improved graphics compared with the previous Galaxy Book generation, helped by a wider vapor chamber and a new dual-path fan system for GPU cooling. Both the Book6 Ultra and Book6 Pro feature upgraded 2,880 x 1,800 AMOLED 2X displays with touch support, adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz and peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits. The laptops are thinner than their predecessors, with the Ultra measuring 15.4mm thick and the Pro coming in at 11.9mm and Samsung has added haptic trackpads across the series for the first time. Pricing and release dates have not yet been announced. ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo On top of having two displays, the Zephyrus Duo's screens also feature excellent brightness at up to 1,100 nits. ASUS brought its dual-screen design into the gaming space at CES 2026 with the ROG Zephyrus Duo , a laptop that pairs two full-size 16-inch displays with high-end gaming hardware. Unlike productivity-focused dual-screen systems, the Zephyrus Duo is positioned as a hybrid machine designed to handle gaming, content creation and multitasking in a single portable setup. Both 16-inch Nebula OLED panels support HDR with up to 1,100 nits of peak brightness, NVIDIA G-SYNC, stylus input and high color accuracy. Performance comes from Intels latest Core Ultra processors paired with NVIDIA RTX 50-series GPUs, up to an RTX 5090. While the systems 135W power budget means it wont match the raw performance of some single-screen gaming laptops, ASUS is clearly prioritizing versatility over maximum output. The Zephyrus Duo includes a detachable wireless keyboard, a built-in kickstand and multiple usage modes, including stacked dual-screen layouts and drawing configurations. Despite weighing a whopping 6.28 pounds, ASUS has kept the chassis relatively slim at 0.77 inches and equipped it with a six-speaker system, vapor chamber cooling and a broad selection of ports including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1 and a full-size SD card slot. Pricing and availability have not yet been announced. MSI Stealth 16 AI+ MSI's most powerful gaming laptop. MSI MSI updated its Stealth lineup at CES 2026 with the Stealth 16 AI+ , a gaming laptop designed to balance performance and portability. The system measures just 16.6mm thick, weighs under two kilograms and is equipped with NVIDIA RTX 50-series graphics alongside Intel Core Ultra 200HX processors. Despite its slim profile, the Stealth 16 AI+ includes dual memory slots and dual SSD bays, giving it more upgrade flexibility than many thin gaming laptops. MSI is positioning it as a versatile machine for users who want gaming performance without the bulk typically associated with high-end hardware. MSI Crosshair 16 Max HX The Crosshair 16 Max HX represents MSIs more traditional gaming approach, pairing Intel Core Ultra 200HX processors with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series GPUs. It sits below the companys flagship Raider models but still targets players who want strong performance in a relatively streamlined chassis. Buyers can opt for an optional QHD+ OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, adding sharper visuals and smoother motion for gaming and media. Alongside the Max HX, MSI also announced a Crosshair 16 HX variant, giving the Crosshair line a broader range of configurations aimed at mid-to-high-end gaming buyers. HP OmniBook Ultra 14 HP claims the Omnibook Ultra 14 has passed 20 different MIL-STD 810H tests for things like extreme temperature and shock resistance. HP used CES 2026 to debut its new flagship consumer laptop, the OmniBook Ultra 14 . Its a premium ultraportable built around an ultra-thin but durability-focused design. The laptop measures just 0.42 inches thick and weighs 2.8 pounds, yet HP says it passes 20 MIL-STD-810 tests for shock, drops and extreme temperatures. Rather than a traditional unibody chassis, HP uses a forge-stamped aluminum construction designed to improve strength and bend resistance. The OmniBook Ultra 14 features a 3K OLED display and can be configured with up to 64GB of memory and 2TB of storage. Buyers can choose between Intel Core Ultra processors or Qualcomms Snapdragon X2 Elite, with the Snapdragon version offering a more powerful NPU rated at up to 85 TOPS for AI workloads. HP has also added a vapor chamber for the first time in an OmniBook to support sustained performance in such a slim chassis. HP rounds things out with a large touchpad, quad speakers and three USB-C ports supporting Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 2.1 and fast charging. The OmniBook Ultra 14 is expected to go on sale later this month starting at $1,550. HP Omen Max 16 HP also refreshed its gaming lineup at CES 2026 with the Omen Max 16 , which the company describes as its most powerful 16-inch gaming laptop to date. The system is built around Intel Core Ultra 200HX processors and NVIDIA RTX 50-series GPUs, with configurations reaching the high end of HPs mobile performance offerings. Designed for sustained gaming workloads, the Omen Max 16 features expanded thermal headroom and high-refresh-rate displays aimed at competitive players. HP is positioning the laptop as the flagship of its Omen lineup, sitting above refreshed Omen 15 and Omen 16 models that target more mainstream gaming buyers. Pricing and availability for the Omen Max 16 have not yet been announced, with HP expected to share more details later this year. Acer Swift 16 AI Promo photo of the Acer Swift 16 AI laptop Acer Acer expanded its flagship Swift lineup at CES 2026 with the Swift 16 AI , a large-screen ultraportable that leans heavily into input innovation and display quality. The standout feature is what Acer says is the worlds largest haptic touchpad, which supports MPP 2.5 stylus input and is designed to improve precision for creative and productivity tasks. The Swift 16 AI features a 16-inch 3K OLED WQXGA+ touchscreen with HDR support, a 120Hz refresh rate and full DCI-P3 color coverage. It can be configured with up to an Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor and Intel Arc B390 graphics, with up to 32GB of memory and 2TB of storage. Despite the large display, the laptop measures just 14.9mm thick and weighs about 3.4 pounds. Acer says the Swift 16 AI is part of the Copilot+ PC program, positioning it around on-device AI features alongside performance and portability. Pricing and availability have not yet been announced. Dell XPS 13, XPS 14 and XPS 16 Dell wouldn't let me take photos of the XPS 13 prototype model, but here's a teaser it provided for CES. Dell Having a bit of dj vu? Youre not alone. Dell killed its XPS branding last year only to bring it back this year after admitting it had made a mistake . Instead of simplifying its product offering, the rebranding only bewildered consumers and tech journalists alike, both of which had come to know the XPS lineup to be synonymous with quality. Now, Dell is getting back to its roots and coming out with a whole refreshed lineup of XPS laptops, including new XPS 13, XPS 14 and XPS 16 machines. Specific details for each model still remain under wraps, and theres no word yet on when they will hit the market. Alienware gaming laptops Alienware used CES 2026 to tease a new ultra-slim gaming laptop designed to sit below the companys Area-51 flagships. The laptop measures roughly 17mm, or about 0.67 inches, thick and will be offered in both 14-inch and 16-inch sizes. According to Alienware, the 16-inch version will feature NVIDIA discrete graphics paired with new, highly efficient CPUs. Rather than positioning it as a pure gaming machine, Alienware says the laptop is intended to balance gaming performance with creative work, productivity and everyday use. Alienware has not shared pricing, availability or full specifications, and it remains unclear how the 14-inch and 16-inch models will differ beyond size. Alienware also previewed a new entry-level gaming laptop aimed at expanding its reach to more budget-conscious players. While specs remain limited, the company says the system will deliver strong gaming performance at its most accessible price point yet. Alienware suggests pricing should come in below the $1,199 starting price of the Alienware 16 Aurora, potentially making it the most affordable gaming laptop the brand currently offers. As with the ultra-slim model, full details are expected later this year. Alienware Area-51 and Aurora Alongside its new teasers, Alienware announced updates to several existing laptops . The Alienware 16X Aurora and Alienware 16 Area-51 are gaining new anti-glare OLED panels with up to 620 nits of peak HDR brightness and a 0.2ms response time, as well as Intel Core Ultra 200HX processors. The Alienware 18 Area-51 is also being refreshed with the same CPUs. Alienware says the updated Alienware 16X Aurora, Alienware 16 Area-51 and Alienware 18 Area-51 laptops will be available in Q1 2026. Pricing has not yet been announced. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/all-the-laptops-that-caught-our-eye-at-ces-2026-160610752.html?src=rss
LG's UltraGear GX7 is its fastest and brightest OLED gaming monitor to date
LG just announced its fastest and brightest OLED gaming monitor yet at CES, the 27-inch UltraGear GX7 . The new QHD display, which uses LG Display's 4th-gen RGB Tandem 2.0 OLED tech , can hit 335 nits typical brightness and is DisplayHDR True Black 500 certified. At the same time, it offers an outstanding 540Hz refresh rate at QHD (720Hz at HD) and a .002ms grey-to-grey (GtG) response time. So in other words, about 5,000 times faster than the best human reflexes. Though a gaming monitor by design, the GX7 would make an excellent content creation monitor too thanks to the true 10-bit panel that delivers 99.5 percent DCI-P3 color gamma coverage and Delta E
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CES 2026 day 0: The biggest news you missed from the show's Monday press conferences
CES 2026 officially opens today, but much of the shows biggest announcements already landed during Mondays press conferences and early events. AI was everywhere, chipmakers dominated the schedule and a handful of brands used the pre-show window to quietly drop meaningful hardware updates. Below are the biggest announcements and trends from January 5, plus a few standout hands-ons from Pepcom and CES Unveiled. LG doubles down on AI LG's CLOiD robot. LG LGs World Premiere keynote leaned hard into its vision of Affectionate Intelligence, with AI positioned as the connective tissue across TVs, appliances and even robotics. While most of the hardware was announced ahead of time, the company used the stage to show how its ideas fit together, including updated OLED TVs, Micro RGB panels and its ultra-thin Wallpaper TV. The most memorable moment, though, was CLOiD , LGs humanoid home robot, which capped off the presentation with demos that were more theatrical than practical. As usual for LG at CES, the vision was ambitious, even if much of it still feels a few years away. NVIDIA pushes deeper into physical AI NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang presents at CES 2026, wearing a black snakeskin-like jacket. NVIDIA NVIDIAs CES keynote was long, dense and firmly focused on AI infrastructure rather than consumer GPUs. CEO Jensen Huang introduced the Vera Rubin supercomputer platform , alongside updates to NVIDIAs open AI models, robotics tools and autonomous vehicle stack. Between discussions of physical AI, self-driving systems and massive data center hardware, NVIDIA made it clear it sees CES as a place to define the future of computing, not just sell graphics cards. If you were hoping for new GeForce news, this wasnt the keynote for you. Intel tries to reset the PC narrative Image of a Core Ultra Series 3 Intel Intels press conference followed NVIDIAs with a more focused pitch: the launch of Core Ultra Series 3 processors, also known as Panther Lake . Built on Intels 18A process thats less than 2nm the chips are designed to power the next wave of AI PCs, with improved graphics, better efficiency and stronger local AI performance. The message was clear: Intel wants to convince partners and consumers that its back in the game for high-end laptops, even as competition from AMD, Qualcomm and Apple continues to intensify. AMD closes the night with AI-first silicon AMD Ryzen AI 400 AMD AMD wrapped up press day with a keynote that mixed familiar AI rhetoric with meaningful chip announcements. Highlights included new Ryzen AI 400 laptop processors and updated desktop chips, including the Ryzen 7 9850X3D for enthusiasts. As with NVIDIA and Intel, AMD leaned heavily into AI across cloud, PCs and edge devices. The difference was execution. AMDs announcements felt more immediately relevant to products shipping this year. Sony remains focused on Afeela Sony Honda Mobility Afeela Press Conference at CES 2026 Afeela Sonys CES presence once again centered on Sony Honda Mobility and the Afeela electric vehicle . The company showed an updated prototype and shared progress updates, including expanded delivery plans and deeper entertainment integrations like PlayStation Remote Play. For longtime CES watchers, it was a familiar story the Afeela was first showcased here in 2020, after all. Sonys traditional consumer electronics took a back seat, while mobility and software remained the headline. Lego makes its CES debut with Smart Bricks Lego introduced the Smart Brick at CES 2026. Lego Lego held its first-ever CES press conference and used it to unveil Smart Bricks , part of a new Smart Play initiative that adds sensors, audio and wireless communication to traditional Lego pieces. The system is launching with Star Wars sets later this year and is designed to work without apps or screens. Its a notable shift for Lego and one of the more genuinely surprising announcements of the day. Other notable CES day 0 news Outside of the main press conferences, several companies made quiet but notable announcements (though some was Sunday news that hit the wires after the East Coast midnight hour). Samsung continued its CES rollout with new TVs , speakers and laptops. Anker drew attention with updated chargers and power accessories . Amazon shared incremental updates tied to Alexa and smart home hardware. Meanwhile, Engadgets team got hands-on with dozens of products at the Pepcom mini-show, from oddball gadgets to early looks at devices launching later this year. Press day may be over, but CES is just getting started. The show floor opens today, with Lenovo, automotive tech, smart home gear and plenty of unexpected demos still to come. Well be publishing hands-ons, deep dives and daily recaps all week. You can follow along with our CES 2026 liveblog or check back on Engadget for the latest updates as they happen. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ces-2026-day-0-the-biggest-news-you-missed-from-the-shows-monday-press-conferences-142811448.html?src=rss
Dell unveils a massive 52-inch 6K ultrawide monitor at CES 2026
Dell has unveiled an ultrawide, curved 52-inch 6K monitor at CES 2026. This productivity behemoth is designed for stock traders, engineers and other data professionals. Dell claims the UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is the world's first 52-inch ultrawide curved 6K monitor (but with that many qualifiers almost anything can be a world first). Given Dells experience in the monitor realm, this could be a dream display for professionals who handle vast data sets such as trading platforms, AutoCAD, 3D rendering software, spreadsheets and more. It sports a 120Hz refresh rate on an IPS Black panel and emits up to 60 percent less blue light when compared to competing monitors. It delivers an impressive 129 ppi (for comparison a 4K 32-inch monitor delivers 138 ppi) and an ambient light sensor helps avoid eye strain during long work sessions. Users can connect up to four PCs to the monitor simultaneously, which can use picture-by-picture to treat each partitioned screen as an individual monitor. It also features built-in KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) features that let users control all connected PCs via a single mouse and keyboard. The monitor can also charge your laptop with up to 140W of power via a Thunderbolt 4 connection. Dell also rolled out a new 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor with support for both True Black 500 HDR and Dolby Vision. It claims true-to-life color accuracy out of the box and excellent gamut coverage at 99 percent of DCI-P3. This monitor would be a strong fit for film and photo editing. The Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is priced at $2,900 with stand or $2,800 without. It will be widely available starting January 6. The Dell UltraSharp 32 4K QD-OLED Monitor comes in at $2,600 and will be available beginning February 24. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/dell-unveils-a-massive-52-inch-6k-ultrawide-monitor-at-ces-2026-140024029.html?src=rss
NVIDIA's G-Sync Pulsar tech can minimize motion blur for gamers
NVIDIA has unveiled the G-Sync Pulsar, which it calls the latest evolution of [its] pioneering VRR (variable refresh rate) technology, at CES 2026. The new tech promises a gaming experience thats free of stutter with buttery smooth motion, which is made possible by pulsing the displays backlight. G-Sync Pulsar displays have multiple horizontal backlight sections that are pulsed independently from top to bottom, unlike traditional displays whose backlight is always on. When the backlight is always active, the image fades from one frame to the next. The displays with the new tech give pixels in a frame enough time to stabilize before theyre backlit so that theyre shown in their right locations, effectively reducing monitor-based motion blur. The company says G-Sync Pulsar can effectively quadruple your refresh rate. If youre playing at 250 fps, that means it can deliver a perceived effective motion clarity of over 1,000 Hz. That enables easier tracking and shooting in-game, making displays with the technology especially suited for esports. You can see the difference in motion in Counter-Strike 2 between a 360Hz monitor without G-Sync Pulsar and one with the technology switched on in the video below. The first four displays designed specifically to support G-Sync Pulsar and Ambient Adaptive Technology, which allows users to automatically adjust color temperature and brightness based on ambient lighting, will be available starting on January 7. Acer, AOC, ASUS and MSI will each be releasing a 27-inch 2,560 1,440 IPS display, which comes with a 360Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of peak brightness in HDR. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/nvidias-g-sync-pulsar-tech-can-minimize-motion-blur-for-gamers-140000058.html?src=rss
Razer's Project Motoko is a concept gaming headset that doubles as an AI wearable
We see plenty of far-out ideas on the CES show floor, and this year Razer brought in a concept piece called Project Motoko. The device is Razer's take on blurring the line between a gaming headset and an AI-powered wearable for daily life. Or it's a way for Ghost in the Shell fans to feel affronted by Razer taking The Major's name in vain, take your pick. Project Motoko is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon platforms. The headset has a pair of first-person view cameras positioned at eye level that can support real-time object and text recognition. It also has a wide field of attention that can capture things happening beyond the normal human eye's peripheral vision, and its microphone array is designed to capture both near and distant audio. Project Motoko is more than a concept, its a vision for the future of AI and wearable computing, Nick Bourne, Razer's global head of mobile console division, said in the press release about the device. By partnering with Qualcomm Technologies, were building a platform that enhances gameplay while transforming how technology integrates into everyday life. This is the next frontier for immersive experiences. In addition to taking in environmental details, Project Motoko can also operate as a wearable AI assistant, and the model is compatible with several different chatbots. The company's press release noted that it can integrate with Grok, OpenAI and Gemini. Since Project Motoko is a concept device, Razer has no plans for a commercial release of this headset, but one of the highlights of CES is seeing these more experimental designs. Razer is also well-established as a brand for serious gamers, so seeing the company explore making an AI wearable that could appeal to a broader audience, if still a geeky one, is an intriguing move. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/razers-project-motoko-is-a-concept-gaming-headset-that-doubles-as-an-ai-wearable-140000534.html?src=rss
