200,000+ steps, 50+ cups of coffee, and countless media, client, and industry meetings, all within the first week of January, can mean only one thing: we survived and thrived at CES 2026.
From early-stage startups to global technology giants, the Gallium team spent the week on the show floor uncovering the innovations shaping consumer experiences, health, and play in the year ahead. Here’s our annual CES download.
AI Dominates, Again
It will come as no surprise that AI once again dominated the CES show floors. What felt different this year, however, was not just how much AI was on display, but how deeply embedded it has become across devices, platforms, and services.
Startups like Verne Technologies debuted a mask-style device designed to reduce voice leakage so people can interact with AI assistants privately while taking meetings in public spaces. On the other end of the spectrum, global technology powerhouse Lenovo demonstrated its “Smarter AI for All” vision across its entire ecosystem. One standout was the Legion Pro Rollable proof of concept, which sees a 16-inch laptop expand seamlessly into a 24-inch display.
The key takeaway? AI is no longer a headline feature. It’s foundational infrastructure. Across CES 2026, it was clear that companies are moving beyond experimentation and focusing on how AI can quietly and effectively solve everyday problems.
Look Out for Longevity Tech
The growing desire for longer, healthier lives is accelerating innovation across digital health, remote care, and wellness technologies and CES 2026 reflected this shift in force.
The show floor was filled with longevity-focused solutions and smart home technologies designed to support living and aging in place. These innovations point to a future where healthcare becomes increasingly proactive, personalised, and home-based.
One notable reveal was the Withings Body Scan 2, set to launch in Q2 2026. Described as “the world’s first science-backed longevity station,” it scans over 60 biomarkers, including indicators related to metabolic health and hypertension. As global healthcare systems face mounting pressure, products like this signal a broader move toward empowering people with deeper insights into their own long-term health.
Techy Toys Take Centre Stage
CES wouldn’t be complete without a few playful surprises, and this year did not disappoint. One of the most talked-about launches was the Lego Smart Brick. At first glance, it looks like a standard Lego brick, but inside are integrated speakers, sensors, and flashing lights. Transforming traditional building blocks into an interactive, connected play experience.
Beyond novelty, the Smart Brick sparked wider conversations about the future of play. As physical and digital worlds continue to converge, toys that blend creativity, technology, and learning could play a crucial role in developing problem-solving, STEM skills, and imagination for the next generation.
In Summary
CES 2026 truly had something for everyone. From AI-driven productivity and privacy solutions to longevity-focused health tech and the evolution of play, the event reinforced just how rapidly customer experiences are transforming.
As we move through 2026, AI developments will continue to accelerate, embedding themselves further into the products and services we use every day, often in ways that feel seamless rather than disruptive.
Looking ahead to CES 2027, one trend we hope to see resurface is sustainability technology. After dominating conversations at CES 2023, it appears to have taken a back seat in recent years, despite its continued urgency. A renewed focus here could mark the next major shift in consumer technology innovation.
Next up, you can catch the Gallium team at Toy Fair at London Olympia, where we’ll be exploring the latest toy innovations on Tuesday, 20 January.
Drop into our LinkedIn messages or get in touch at if you’ll be there too and like to meet up.