CES 2026 is now a few weeks behind us and after a while to relaxation and replicate, we are able to look again on the total expertise.
Hackster presence
Just a few us had been in Las Vegas to characterize Hackster, together with myself and Will Donaldson because the on-camera faces on the occasion.
You doubtless noticed Donaldson throughout social media, posting thrilling brief movies offering fast glimpses at a number of the most compelling know-how on show. That was Donaldson’s first time at CES and although he could have been overwhelmed by the large metropolis lights, he did a tremendous job.
My focus was on written items and longer interview movies, which is able to seem on the Hackster Movies web page as they get launched. This was my fourth time at CES and I’ve seen the way it has advanced over the previous decade.
Like final yr, Hackster hosted a VIP dinner for notable figures from a number of key firms and organizations throughout a number of industries. That was an ideal success and you need to see the outcomes of lots of our dinner conversations in future content material.
Tendencies
CES is enjoyable for tech fanatics, however it’s significantly helpful as a software to assist folks inside the business perceive ongoing and rising developments.
To that finish, I wrote an article describing the most important developments that I noticed at CES this yr. These developments embrace AI, humanoid robots, and revolutionary — or doubtlessly deceitful — new battery know-how.
You shouldn’t consider these developments as consultant of complete manufacturing or funding. It isn’t like humanoid robots are going to be filling our cities subsequent month. These developments simply point out modifications relative to earlier years. As is all the time the case, there have been additionally loads of TVs and the entire standard shopper electronics merchandise on show.
Tech deep dives
Some know-how requires a bit extra rationalization to completely perceive, which is why I selected a few applied sciences that I believe our viewers wish to know extra about.
The primary up is UV printing, which is model new to the patron market. Skilled print retailers have used UV printers for a very long time, however exterior of that business, they’re nearly unknown. In that deep dive, I clarify how UV printers work, why you need to care, and which producers that you must take note of proper now.
CES 2026 was additionally large for the burgeoning shopper UV laser machine market — one thing that has nothing to do with UV printing, apart from wavelength. UV lasers be a part of the plethora of different laser sorts on the patron and prosumer markets, so I made a decision to break down the entire totally different sorts of laser machines you may get and which supplies are perfect for every.
CES isn’t what it was once
Even within the final 9 years, I’ve observed what looks like a decline in enthusiasm for CES. That was significantly true this yr and I heard from many others who felt upset.
Why is that? What has modified and why are so many individuals feeling like CES isn’t what it was once? I tried to reply these questions.
The very best of CES 2026
Transferring previous melancholic ruminations, there was nonetheless lots to see at CES 2026 that was actually cool. No CES retrospective could be full and not using a “better of” record and I’ve obtained you coated on that entrance, too.
I did my finest to pick merchandise that you simply gained’t see on many different lists, as a result of our readers have distinctive pursuits. You all don’t care concerning the Bose’s new headphones or no matter it’s that the majority different tech shops report on.
And I assure there may be one merchandise specifically on my record that you simply didn’t see anyplace else, however that may blow you away. It’s one thing that I’d have written off as foolish hyperbole if I hadn’t skilled it for myself.
Transferring forward
The enjoyable gained’t be ending simply because CES is over. We’ll be releasing opinions of a number of the merchandise we noticed at CES and shall be persevering with to construct relationships with the businesses that had been there.
What does that imply for our group? We don’t have specifics to share but, however you might even see a few of these firms sponsoring Hackster contests and competitions sooner or later. These are all the time enjoyable and provide the likelihood to take part locally and doubtlessly win cool prizes!