CES 2026: The Gadgets Worth Your Attention
Welcome to Installer No. 111, your ultimate guide to the coolest and most innovative products in the world. If you're new here, welcome aboard! We hope you had a fantastic holiday season, and you can always catch up on past editions at our homepage.
This week, I've been exploring a diverse range of topics: from gerrymandering and watch conventions to John Ternus, F1, and Mission: Impossible. I've also been juggling journaling, podcasts, and learning about mail processing, all while dodging the dreaded CES flu.
But let's dive into the real reason you're here: the best of CES 2026!
The Clicks Power Keyboard: While the Communicator is my personal favorite, the Power Keyboard is a more polished and practical choice. It's versatile, connecting to your phone or serving as a Bluetooth keyboard for various devices. A definite addition to my coffee table setup.
Lego Smart Brick: This year's CES darling, according to our readers! It's a brilliant concept: enhancing your favorite Lego sets without overcomplicating things. But the idea of charging Legos might be a deal-breaker for some.
Ikea Kallsup: Ikea is killing it with smart home devices. These Bluetooth speaker cubes are a steal at $10 each, and the idea of creating a colorful, interconnected audio system is irresistible.
Lenovo Legion Go 2: A standout in the handheld console market, thanks to SteamOS. It's pricey, but it checks many boxes for gamers. Keep an eye out for competitors before its June release.
Pila Energy Home Battery: Power outages got you down? These stylish home batteries might be the solution. They're not cheap, but they're a far cry from the usual eyesores.
Corsair Galleon 100 SD: A Stream Deck integrated into a mechanical keyboard? Sign me up! This beast of a keyboard is a dream come true for streamers.
Shokz OpenFit Pro: Shokz continues to impress with its open-ear headphones. These new buds offer noise reduction and might just replace my trusty OpenRun Pro 2 headband.
Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold: Foldable phones are intriguing, but what's the sweet spot? This model unfolds to a larger size, and it's hard to resist. Prepare to be tempted.
Amazon Ember Artline TV: The Frame TV might have its flaws, but the concept of art TVs is captivating. Amazon's entry into this space is a welcome surprise, and it might just address some of the Frame's shortcomings.
Govee Sky Ceiling Light: Working in a basement? This faux skylight might be your new best friend. Or maybe it's a sign to get some fresh air.
Speaking of transportation, Andy Hawkins, our resident transportation editor, is to blame for my impending e-bike purchase. He's a strong advocate for cargo bikes, and I'm considering joining his bike bus revolution.
Andy shared his iPhone 16 homescreen, complete with a unique wallpaper story and a mix of apps. His top half is organized with folders, while the bottom half features his most-used apps, including Instagram, Spotify, and Google Maps. His dock is reserved for essentials.
Here are some of Andy's current favorites:
- Letterboxd: A film lover's app, perfect for discovering new movies and reading hilarious reviews.
- Pre-code movies: Classic films like Hell's Angels and Scarface with practical effects that still impress.
- Geese's Getting Killed album: A must-listen for anyone craving a musical escape.
- Bike riding with kids: An uplifting experience that reminds us of the simple joys in life.
Now, let's hear from our community:
- Eliot recommends Slow Gods by Claire North, a captivating read.
- Lauren is enjoying Martha Wells's Murderbot Diaries, paired with Margaret Atwood's memoir and a cozy coffee setup.
- Brad is revisiting Retronauts podcasts, embracing the wisdom of Bob Mackey.
- Ryan, frustrated with Instagram, has found solace in Retro for personal photo journaling.
- Yagya is captivated by the 'Durrr ChatGPT' video, a reflection of modern tech reliance.
- Anshuman loves the Pixel Buds 2a for their simplicity, functionality, and affordability.
- Eric is intrigued by the ATSC 3.0 TV rollout fiasco, a fascinating yet frustrating story.
- Sean recommends the Espro portable coffee maker for those seeking a decent coffee volume while traveling.
- Brian raves about Mr. Owen Cutts on TikTok, who dances his way through classic soul and R&B songs.
- Albert uses ChatGPT and ElevenLabs to narrate solo RPG scenes, a unique gaming experience.
As for my New Year's resolution, I'm aiming to scroll less and game more. I'm embracing limits on social apps and indulging in gaming platforms like Apple Arcade, where I can enjoy exclusive, ad-free games. Asphalt 8 has never been more enjoyable!
Until next week, stay tuned for more exciting tech adventures!
