Eye-Catching Consumer Tech at CES 2026

In a few days, Las Vegas will be flooded with engineers, executives, investors and members of the press, including myself, for the annual festival. Consumer Electronics Showone of the biggest technology events of the year.

If you can dream it, chances are it will be on display. KES 2026 (although admittedly most of these technologies will not necessarily become mainstream). There will be a whole series AI toysAI secretaries and AI companions, exoskeletons And humanoid robotsand medical technologies to track hormones, brain activity and… activity in the bathroom.

This year's event will feature keynote addresses from executives from tech giants, including AMD And Lenovoand thousands of stands from companies representing both legacy brands and completely new ones startups.

I'm excited to stumble upon unexpected new technology while wandering around the show floor. But as I prepare for this year's event, here are some devices that have already caught my attention.

Headphones who can read your brain waves

Electroencephalography or EEGused in healthcare for decades to monitor neural activity. Typically this involves a person wearing an entire helmet of electrodes, but smaller versions of this technology are now being integrated into the system. consumer devices and may soon be ready for users.

Some neurotechnology companies using EEG will be at CES this year. For example, Neuerable (the company we had on our radar for years) will be there with his full-size headphones for EEGwhich help users sharpen their focus and are now available for pre-order. Naox will also bring its in-ear EEG technology to the consumer-oriented headphones. AND Elementsanother company we revieweddesigned to help you sleep with a headband. WITH wearable devices I'm already tracking vital signssleep and activity, 2026 could be the year our brainwaves join the list of biosignals we can monitor on a daily basis.

Toothbrush to identify health problems

Automatic massage roller to soothe sore muscles.

ReophitThe A1 massage roller essentially looks like a foam roller and massage chair had a baby. The device automatically rolls down the spine and offers two interchangeable surfaces: one made of a harder material that mimics the masseuse's knuckles, and a softer option that looks more like an open hand.

RheoFit A1 will be presented at the exhibition for the second year. To find out if it's worth its $449 price tag, I'll have to try it out on site.

Minimalist electronic ink smartphone to avoid distractions

Just before last year's CES, several devices were unveiled. received a new certificate designed to reward technology designed to be less distracting. While most exhibitors will continue to compete for our attention, some exploit the desire for calm and clarity.

Minimalist technology company Muditafor example, will show its smartphone with electronic ink, deliveries of which will begin in 2025. operating system designed to work without Google. Like other not-so-smart phones (like Wisephone or Light Phone), the Mudita Kompakt offers all the essentials—messaging, maps, camera, etc.—without constant notifications.

Food allergen detector to avoid anaphylaxis

Some new technologies surprise users with experiences they never thought possible. Others are eager to offer the solutions you've been dreaming of. For me a French startup Allergen Warning falls into the second category.

The startup, one of the participants listed at the Jan. 4 press conference, is developing a portable system for testing food allergens in real time. I've been eating gluten free for most of my life (not by choice) and know how easily allergens can sneak into a dish with just a little flour or a dash of soy sauce, especially when you're traveling or eating out. For many people with severe allergies, such a device can be a lifesaver.