Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * Samsung unveiled its 2026 audio ecosystem at CES 2026, emphasizing immersive, multi‑device sound powered by enhanced Q‑Symphony. * New products include Music Studio 5 and 7 speakers, the HW‑Q990H soundbar and a Sound Tower for social or active spaces. * The system can combine up to five
Gadgets
Key Takeaways: * Asus updates the ZenBook A14 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite and enhanced NPU performance. * Retains sub‑1kg portability and OLED display, now adds a 16‑inch model for 2026. * 70Wh battery promises over 28 hours of video playback; Wi‑Fi 7 and modern ports included. What’s new
Gadgets
* TCL's X11L flagship uses Super QLED (SQD-MiniLED) and targets extreme brightness and contrast. * Peak brightness claimed at 10,000 nits with 20,736 local dimming zones. * Slim 2 cm chassis, integrated Bang & Olufsen soundbar, and US prices from $7,000 to $10,000. * Outperforms TCL's
AI
• Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing told reporters at CES 2026: "Nobody can avoid it." • Lenovo unveiled Qira, a personal AI assistant for Lenovo and Motorola devices, plus concept AI laptops and Project Maxwell wearable tech. • CTO Tolga Kurtoglu emphasized responsible development and opt-in controls for privacy and compliance. Lenovo’
Chips
• Key takeaways • Intel is centering its turnaround on the Core Ultra 3 chip to push on-device AI across PCs and robotics. • Jim Johnson says Intel will embed chips in many devices: “The devices between PCs and the cloud are almost infinite.” • Oversonic Robotics plans to move from Nvidia to Intel
Games
Key Takeaways: * Xbox’s Developer_Direct returns January 22 with new gameplay and studio-led segments for Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation. * Playground Games will show an extended look at Fable and the first gameplay for Forza Horizon 6, set in Japan. * Game Freak will present an in-depth
AI
* Key Takeaways: * Google is testing an “AI Inbox” tab in Gmail that reads messages and suggests action items and topics using the Gemini model. * Each suggested to‑do or topic links back to the original email for verification; users can opt out and Google says inbox data won’t train
Gadgets
* LEGO introduced the Smart Brick as part of a new Smart Play system that adds sound, light and motion to physical bricks. * Play experts and commentators say the tech risks undermining open-ended, imagination-driven play. * LEGO says Smart Bricks are a complementary, screen-free evolution and it will not abandon traditional bricks.
Games
* Key Takeaways: * GTA 6 (Rockstar/Take-Two) is expected in 2026 with a $1bn+ budget and near-photorealistic Florida-inspired world. * Recent releases (Death Stranding 2, Alan Wake 2) and upcoming titles (Unrecord, Forza Horizon 6) blur the line between games and reality. * Experts say realism increases immersion but doesn't equal
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * Apple is reportedly evaluating multispectral imaging components in the iPhone supply chain, per Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station. * Multispectral imaging captures light across multiple wavelength bands (beyond RGB), enabling material detection and improved scene analysis. * The technology could enhance Visual Intelligence, on-device machine learning, portrait and depth performance,
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * ASUS unveiled a fully redesigned Zenbook Duo at CES 2026 with a new "hideaway" hinge and much narrower bezel gap (8.28 mm) between two 3K 144Hz Lumina Pro OLEDs. * The second‑gen Duo packs a larger 99Whr battery in a chassis that's 5%
Gadgets
* Asus previewed the ROG NeoCore, a proof-of-concept Wi‑Fi 8 router, at CES 2026. * NeoCore is an experimental design from Asus’ ROG (Republic of Gamers) line aimed at addressing congestion, latency, and device density. * The unit shown at CES is a concept, not a shipping product, and signals Asus’ direction