The greatest information you missed from the present’s Monday press conferences

CES 2026 formally opens at present, however a lot of the present’s greatest bulletins already landed throughout Monday’s press conferences and early occasions. AI was all over the place, chipmakers dominated the schedule and a handful of manufacturers used the pre-show window to quietly drop significant {hardware} updates.

Below are the most important bulletins and traits from January 5, plus just a few standout hands-ons from Pepcom and CES Unveiled.

LG doubles down on AI

LG’s World Premiere keynote leaned laborious into its imaginative and prescient of “Affectionate Intelligence,” with AI positioned because the connective tissue throughout TVs, home equipment and even robotics. While many of the {hardware} was introduced forward of time, the corporate used the stage to point out how its concepts match collectively, together with up to date OLED TVs, Micro RGB panels and its ultra-thin Wallpaper TV.

The most memorable second, although, was CLOiD, LG’s humanoid residence robotic, which capped off the presentation with demos that have been extra theatrical than sensible. As typical for LG at CES, the imaginative and prescient was bold, even when a lot of it nonetheless feels just a few years away.

NVIDIA pushes deeper into bodily AI

NVIDIA’s CES keynote was lengthy, dense and firmly targeted on AI infrastructure slightly than client GPUs. CEO Jensen Huang launched the Vera Rubin supercomputer platform, alongside updates to NVIDIA’s open AI fashions, robotics instruments and autonomous automobile stack.

Between discussions of “physical AI,” self-driving methods and big knowledge middle {hardware}, NVIDIA made it clear it sees CES as a spot to outline the way forward for computing, not simply promote graphics playing cards. If you have been hoping for brand spanking new GeForce information, this wasn’t the keynote for you.

Intel tries to reset the PC narrative

Intel’s press convention adopted NVIDIA’s with a extra targeted pitch: the launch of Core Ultra Series 3 processors, also called Panther Lake. Built on Intel’s 18A course of — that’s lower than 2nm — the chips are designed to energy the following wave of AI PCs, with improved graphics, higher effectivity and stronger native AI efficiency.

The message was clear: Intel desires to persuade companions and shoppers that it’s again within the recreation for high-end laptops, whilst competitors from AMD, Qualcomm and Apple continues to accentuate.

AMD closes the night time with AI-first silicon

AMD wrapped up press day with a keynote that combined acquainted AI rhetoric with significant chip bulletins. Highlights included new Ryzen AI 400 laptop computer processors and up to date desktop chips, together with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D for lovers.

As with NVIDIA and Intel, AMD leaned closely into AI throughout cloud, PCs and edge units. The distinction was execution. AMD’s bulletins felt extra instantly related to merchandise transport this yr.

Sony stays targeted on Afeela

Sony’s CES presence as soon as once more centered on Sony Honda Mobility and the Afeela electrical automobile. The firm confirmed an up to date prototype and shared progress updates, together with expanded supply plans and deeper leisure integrations like PlayStation Remote Play.

For longtime CES watchers, it was a well-known story — the Afeela was first showcased right here in 2020, in any case. Sony’s conventional client electronics took a again seat, whereas mobility and software program remained the headline.

Lego makes its CES debut with Smart Bricks

Lego held its first-ever CES press convention and used it to unveil Smart Bricks, a part of a brand new “Smart Play” initiative that provides sensors, audio and wi-fi communication to conventional Lego items.

The system is launching with Star Wars units later this yr and is designed to work with out apps or screens. It’s a notable shift for Lego and one of many extra genuinely shocking bulletins of the day.

Other notable CES day 0 information

Outside of the principle press conferences, a number of firms made quiet however notable bulletins (although some was Sunday information that hit the wires after the East Coast midnight hour). Samsung continued its CES rollout with new TVs, audio system and laptops. Anker drew consideration with up to date chargers and energy equipment. Amazon shared incremental updates tied to Alexa and sensible residence {hardware}.

Meanwhile, Engadget’s workforce acquired hands-on with dozens of merchandise on the Pepcom mini-show, from oddball devices to early seems at units launching later this yr.

Press day could also be over, however CES is simply getting began. The present flooring opens at present, with Lenovo, automotive tech, sensible residence gear and loads of surprising demos nonetheless to come back. We’ll be publishing hands-ons, deep dives and each day recaps all week.

You can comply with together with our CES 2026 liveblog or examine again on Engadget for the newest updates as they occur.