CES 2026: Samsung, LG, Amazon Unveil AI Tech

CES 2026 is in full swing in Las Vegas, with technology companies revealing their latest innovations for the coming year. The event features major presentations from Samsung, LG, Amazon, and Lego, alongside upcoming announcements from NVIDIA, Sony, and Hyundai.

Key highlights include the emergence of Micro RGB TV technology, new AI-integrated home appliances, and the debut of smart building blocks. Companies are focusing heavily on artificial intelligence features across various product categories, from televisions to beauty devices.

The Micro RGB term has emerged as a significant trend at this year's event. This technology uses red, green, and blue LEDs rather than white backlights, offering smaller, more customizable dimming zones. While contrast ratios are not as high as Micro LED or OLED displays, Micro RGB units are reported to be brighter and more color accurate.

Samsung is showcasing a 130-inch Micro RGB concept model. The company previously unveiled its first Micro RGB TV in August, a 115-inch model priced at $29,999. At CES 2026, Samsung announced plans to offer Micro RGB TVs in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, with 85-, 100-, and 115-inch models also planned.

LG revealed its first Micro RGB sets, available in 100-inch, 86-inch, and 75-inch variants. The company also displayed a 100-inch OLED Wallpaper TV and the Gallery TV, which serves as LG's version of Samsung's Frame TV format.

Amazon introduced the Ember Artline TV as a competitor in the lifestyle display market. This 4K OLED model features:

• Amazon Photos integration with 2,000 free art options
• Automatic on/off functionality based on room occupancy
• Fire TV platform with Alexa+ integration
• Support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Wi-Fi 6

The Ember Artline is expected to ship this spring, starting at $899 for the 55-inch model.

Samsung's First Look presentation focused on home products with an "AI experiences everywhere" theme. The company introduced AI features for refrigerators, including recipe selection updates and AI cooling technology. A notable addition is the Google Gemini-powered AI Vision, designed to recognize items and assist with inventory management without manual entry. The FoodNote feature provides a weekly summary of fridge contents.

Samsung also highlighted the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo with a new AI wash cycle and the Air Dresser with Auto Wrinkle Care. Additionally, the Bespoke AI smart vacuum and mop includes pet monitoring capabilities.

LG introduced the CLOiD robot, designed to assist with household tasks such as starting laundry cycles, folding clothes, unloading the dishwasher, and serving food. While currently a concept, the robot represents LG's vision for domestic automation. The company also debuted the LG Sound Suite, a modular home audio system developed with Dolby.

In its first CES appearance, Lego announced the Smart Brick. This standard-sized brick contains a 4.1mm ASIC chip and uses the "Play Engine" with integrated copper coils to sense motion, orientation, and magnetic fields. The bricks feature tiny speakers that play audio tied to live play actions.

The system includes Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures that provide context to the Smart Bricks. All components connect via a local wireless layer called BrickNet. The first partner is Star Wars, with three sets launching:

• Darth Vader TIE Fighter (473 pieces) - $70
• Luke's Red Five X-Wing (584 pieces) - $100
• Throne Room Duel & A-wing (962 pieces) - $160

L'Oreal presented three beauty technology devices:

• LED Eye Mask: Uses red and near-infrared light for puffiness and fine lines
• LED Face Mask: A flexible mask currently in prototype form
• Light Straight + Multi-styler: Uses infrared light and sensors to straighten hair at temperatures not exceeding 320°F

The LED Face Mask and Light Straight are expected to arrive in 2027.

Amazon announced the rollout of a web-based version of Alexa+, making the generative AI assistant accessible without Amazon devices. Early Access customers are receiving first access.

Several AI-powered devices were displayed, including:

• Sweekar: A Tamagotchi-style virtual pet from Takway that remembers interactions. Expected to cost between $100 and $150 via Kickstarter.
• Fraimic: An E Ink display that generates images using OpenAI. Priced at $399 for the 13-inch model, including 100 AI-generated images per year.
• AI MindClip: A wearable microphone from SwitchBot that records and transcribes conversations.
• NotePin S: A follow-up to Plaid's NotePin, featuring a button to record conversations and flag key moments for AI summaries. Available for $179.

In mobile hardware, Clicks introduced the Clicks Communicator, an Android 16-based phone with a tactile keyboard, fingerprint sensor, and 4-inch OLED display. Priced at $399 for pre-orders. The company also unveiled the Power Keyboard accessory for iOS and Android phones, featuring a 2,150 mAh battery, available for $79 pre-order.

Punkt launched the MC03 phone running on AphyOS, a privacy-centric system based on Android Open Source Project. Priced at €699 with a mandatory monthly subscription of €10.