AI
* Amazon launched a web version of its Alexa+ assistant at Alexa.com, bringing the AI beyond Echo devices. * Alexa.com offers answers, content creation, itinerary planning and can update calendars or make reservations. * The new web app is currently available to early-access Alexa+ users; Amazon says over 10 million have
Chips
* Key takeaways: * Intel is launching Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) laptop CPUs built on its new 18A process this month. * 14 SKUs across five families will appear in 200+ designs; first units available Jan. 27, others through H1 2026. * High-end X9/X7 chips include a 12-core Intel Arc B390
Gadgets
* Key takeaways: * Lego introduced a sensor-packed Smart Brick and Smart Play platform to add lights, sound, and interactivity to physical builds. * Three Star Wars Smart Play sets launch March 1 (preorders begin Jan 9): Luke’s X‑Wing ($100), Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter ($70), Throne Room Duel ($160). * Smart
Gadgets
Key Takeaways: * Aukey unveiled the MagFusion DeskHive 5X Pro at CES 2026: a compact 200W desktop charger with a built-in 25W Qi2 puck. * The unit includes four outputs: a fixed USB-C, a USB-A, and two retractable USB-C cables (up to 29.5 inches) with up to 140W on the main
AI
* Key Takeaway 1: Mercedes’ Drive Assist Pro handled point-to-point driving on surface streets in a San Francisco demo, reading stop signs, lights and speed bumps. * Key Takeaway 2: The system runs on a software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture using Nvidia Orin and an end-to-end AI stack with rules-based safety guardrails. * Key
Gadgets
* Xreal unveiled the 1S, an upgraded entry-level AR headset, at CES 2026. * The 1S raises video resolution from 1080p to 1200p and ships in a new blue finish. * The glasses are priced at $449 and target casual media and mobile users. * Xreal positions the 1S as a refined successor to
Gadgets
• Samsung unveiled its 2026 home-theater TV lineup at CES, highlighting a trend toward much larger screens. • New LCD-based 4K models use upgraded backlighting to reproduce a wider color gamut, Samsung says. • The company introduced a jumbo 130-inch Micro RGB display and a new series of high-end OLEDs aimed at challenging
Gadgets
* Key takeaways * Belkin unveiled the ConnectAir wireless HDMI adapter at CES. * ConnectAir lets devices cast to a display without requiring a Wi‑Fi network or a companion app. * The adapter is designed for quick, cross‑room linking of devices and displays, useful for meetings and shared screens. What is the
Gadgets
• Key Takeaways: * Takway unveiled Sweekar at CES 2026: a palm-sized, egg-shaped AI pocket pet that learns a unique personality. * Sweekar remembers your voice, logs shared activities, and becomes autonomous once it reaches adulthood (unkillable from Level 51). * It has four life stages, a two-day incubation, swappable shells and outfits, and
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * SwitchBot unveiled the MindClip at CES 2026: a wearable clip-on microphone that records and transcribes what you say. * MindClip uses on-device AI to summarize conversations and can extract actionable items, including generating reminders. * SwitchBot showcased the concept but did not demonstrate a working unit; availability, pricing and full
Gadgets
* Samsung positions AI as a unifying platform across TVs, appliances, wearables and services. * Vision AI Companion (VAC) powers entertainment and lifestyle features across Micro RGB, Micro LED, OLED, Neo QLED and more. * SmartThings now serves 430 million users; Family Hub refrigerators gain Google Gemini-powered AI Vision for food tracking and
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * Clicks' new Communicator phone, announced ahead of CES 2026, supports Qi2 wireless charging. * The device is a BlackBerry-style Android handset with a physical keyboard and swappable backplates. * Clicks confirmed to 9to5Google that Qi2 will work despite the interchangeable backplates. * With Clicks, only a handful of Android phones