Stay connected with ZDNET by marking us as a preferred news source on Google, ensuring that our latest analyses, reviews, and technology updates appear prominently in your personalized feed. As we usher in a brand-new year, the most eagerly anticipated event in the technology calendar has already arrived—CES 2026. This global convention, held annually in Las Vegas, serves as the industry’s first major stage for unveiling groundbreaking ideas, prototypes, and ready-to-market innovations. It sets the tone for the year ahead, offering companies both large and emerging a chance to spotlight the devices, software, and digital concepts that will shape how we live, work, and play in the months to come.
This year’s CES has already dazzled attendees and remote viewers alike with a stunning array of futuristic marvels. Among the most striking are LG’s exceptionally thin “Wallpaper TV,” a television so sleek that it appears to blend seamlessly into any wall; Samsung’s ambitious Galaxy TriFold smartphone, which elegantly redefines mobile flexibility; and an innovative wearable AI pin that promises to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into daily life. These imaginative designs hint at a future where technology anticipates our needs and interconnects every aspect of our surroundings.
With so many conceptual prototypes scattered across the show floor, differentiating between what’s visionary and what’s actually attainable for everyday consumers can be difficult. That’s precisely where ZDNET’s team of editors and product experts steps in. Our mission is to navigate through the maze of prototypes and marketing hype to identify which CES innovations you can purchase—or at least preorder—today. With one editor stationed on the lively show floor in Las Vegas and another monitoring updates remotely, our dual approach ensures that no innovation slips past our lens. Together, we deliver a well-rounded, real-time assessment of the technologies truly worth your attention and investment.
Among this year’s headliners is TCL’s extraordinary X11L television, which our reviews editor, Kerry Wan, recently had the chance to evaluate firsthand. According to Wan, this model stands as the one to beat at CES 2026, setting a new benchmark for display excellence. The X11L incorporates advanced Micro RGB and SQD Mini LED technologies, offering superb color accuracy and brightness performance. With 20,000 dimming zones paired with an astonishing 10,000 nits of peak brightness, the set achieves cinematic contrast and precision lighting. Complemented by an integrated Bang & Olufsen soundbar and built-in Google TV interface, TCL’s flagship feels as premium in performance as it does in design. The 75-inch version is priced at $6,000, while the 85-inch and 98-inch models climb to $8,000 and $10,000 respectively. At the time of writing, the 85-inch variant remains the only one currently available for purchase, underscoring high demand among early adopters.
For those drawn to culinary innovation, the C-200 vibrational chef’s knife reimagines even the simple act of chopping as a technological experience. The blade emits imperceptible high-frequency vibrations—roughly 30,000 per second—which subtly assist in slicing through food fibers with greater ease. ZDNET editor Sabrina Ortiz noted that while the vibrations cannot be physically felt, they make a remarkable difference in precision cutting and minimize the annoyance of food sticking to the blade surface. The resulting efficiency shortens preparation time and simplifies cleanup. Curious cooks can preorder the C-200 now for $399, with official release slated for March.
Gaming enthusiasts can also indulge in CES-worthy innovation through Ohsnap’s refined MagSafe Mcon controller. After a year of design refinement, this Bluetooth-enabled attachment instantly transforms any smartphone—iPhone or Android—into a portable gaming console by magnetic connection. Priced at $150, the controller promises an ergonomic and responsive experience, while an optional $70 docking station adds tabletop playability and convenient charging. Units are currently available for order, with shipments scheduled throughout January.
Beauty technology continues to flourish at CES 2026, and iPolish exemplifies this evolution. The brand introduces a digital nail system capable of switching among more than 400 color shades at a simple tap within its companion app. The acrylic press-on nails synchronize wirelessly with a portable device—about the size of a compact power bank—that activates the instant color transformation. Consumers can forgo frequent salon visits with a $95 starter kit, available in two distinctive shapes, “Long Squoval” and “Medium Ballerina.” Replacement nail sets cost just $6, but official availability isn’t expected until June 2026, though preorders are currently open on iPolish’s official website.
In a whimsical twist, one of the most unusual demonstrations this year merges confectionery with auditory innovation. The Lollipop Star, a creation by Lava Tech, embeds bone conduction technology into an actual lollipop, allowing music to travel from your mouth to your inner ear vibrations. ZDNET’s Allison DeNisco Rayome describes the experience as uncanny yet tangible—though the sound remains gentle, even with earplugs, the melody is distinctly audible through one’s jaw and molars. Available soon for about $9 apiece and offered in flavors featuring musical collaborations with artists such as Akon, Ice Spice, and Armani White, this edible gadget underscores the playful spirit of CES experimentation.
Belkin, a brand synonymous with reliable accessories, introduced the Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case Pro—an all-in-one hybrid accessory offering both protection and portable power. Designed to shield the new console against scratches and impacts while delivering an integrated charging solution, the case eliminates tangled cords and fits neatly for travel. Available in three colors, it can be preordered now, with shipping expected by mid-January.
For multitaskers and digital nomads, Anker’s latest 13-in-1 Nano Docking Station provides a powerful productivity upgrade. Its modular design includes a detachable 6-in-1 travel hub, enabling users to enjoy a triple 4K monitor setup at their desks and effortless device expansion on the go. Supporting 100W upstream charging and 10Gbps transfer rates, it blends speed and versatility in a compact form factor. At launch, Anker is offering a $30 discount for six days using the code WSPDV2H79VBS, making this one of the rare CES-ready devices actually available for immediate purchase.
For those preferring minimalist utility, Moft has reengineered its beloved MagSafe wallet and phone stand—already a favorite among frequent travelers and commuters—by adding Apple’s Find My integration. This new feature allows users to track and locate their magnetic wallet without relying on external AirTags or Bluetooth trackers. Still priced under $50 and available in an array of colors, Moft’s redesigned wallet will launch later in January, with early subscribers gaining access to exclusive discounts once preorders open.
Rounding out Anker’s CES announcements, the company revealed a particularly inventive 45W wall charger featuring a smart digital display and intelligent power allocation. The innovation lies not only in the compact design, which is reportedly 47% smaller than its 30W predecessor, but also in the adaptive capabilities—automatically identifying the user’s iPhone model within seconds to optimize power delivery. It even boasts a system that reduces device charging temperatures by approximately nine degrees Fahrenheit, enhancing safety and long-term battery health. Equipped with a 180-degree foldable plug, this travel-friendly charger exemplifies how everyday tech accessories can still deliver genuine surprises. Those who sign up before its January 20 release will secure a 25% early-bird discount.
Ultimately, CES 2026 showcases that modern innovation isn’t limited to concept prototypes and distant promises—it’s already materializing in tangible forms that consumers can experience almost immediately. From AI-infused wearables and next-generation televisions to music-playing candies and high-tech manicures, the event celebrates creative ambition realized through real products. Each item serves as a reminder that technology, at its best, blends imagination with practicality—bringing the future directly into our hands today.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/most-exciting-ces-2026-products-you-can-buy-now/
