TL;DR
CES 2026 delivered a mix of expected big‑ticket demos and a handful of unexpected turns: Motorola showed a book‑style Razr foldable, Samsung demoed a creaseless folding panel, and makers began marketing Wi‑Fi 8 hardware before the standard is finalized. Robot vacuums gained legged locomotion and cars were notably scarce on the show floor.
What happened
At CES 2026 several developments broke from the usual pattern of incremental gadget upgrades. Motorola expanded its Razr line with a book‑style foldable device, signaling a move beyond the company’s recent focus on clamshell designs. Samsung exhibited a creaseless folding OLED as an R&D concept, while Bloomberg coverage linked such panel advances to reported Apple folding plans. Chip and router vendors including Asus, Broadcom, and MediaTek announced Wi‑Fi 8 hardware despite the IEEE 802.11bn successor not being ratified until late 2028. Robotic vacuums showed new mobility with Roborock’s Saros Rover prototype that can climb stairs. Meanwhile, television offerings skewed toward very large, expensive sets rather than the more affordable sizes consumers often expect, and the traditional car presence at CES was diminished in favor of AI chatbots, humanoid robots and a single concept SUV from Sony and Honda.
Why it matters
- Early Wi‑Fi 8 hardware on draft specifications could force future firmware updates or compatibility headaches if the standard changes before ratification.
- Creaseless folding displays may lower a key barrier to mainstream foldable phones, affecting device design and supplier partnerships.
- Legged robot vacuums change expectations for home robotics’ capabilities and the kinds of environments these devices can service.
- A shift away from automotive showcases at CES may reflect industry cycle changes or shifting marketing strategies for vehicle makers.
Key facts
- Motorola unveiled a book‑style foldable carrying Razr branding at CES 2026.
- Samsung demonstrated a creaseless folding OLED panel but described it as an R&D concept with no commercialization timetable.
- Asus, Broadcom, and MediaTek announced Wi‑Fi 8 routers and chipsets at the show even though IEEE 802.11bn is not expected to be ratified until late 2028.
- Vendors plan to start selling hardware based on the Wi‑Fi 8 draft specification later in 2026, potentially requiring firmware updates to meet the final standard.
- Roborock displayed the Saros Rover prototype, a robot vacuum with legs capable of climbing stairs.
- Robot vacuums with manipulation arms had appeared in 2025; 2026 brought more focus on locomotion.
- TV offerings at CES leaned heavily toward very large and expensive sets; TCL’s 98‑inch was listed at $9,999.99.
- Some expected TV updates and information were missing: Sony TVs were absent, Hisense provided no new details at the event, and TCL displayed the QM8L with limited information.
- Automakers’ presence was reduced; Hyundai showed a production version of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot, BMW announced Alexa Plus integration, Mercedes revealed an Nvidia‑powered driver‑assist, and the only concept car onstage was the Sony/Honda Afeela SUV.
What to watch next
- Whether Samsung moves the creaseless folding panel from R&D to a commercial product and on what timeline — not confirmed in the source.
- How Wi‑Fi 8 draft‑based hardware performs in the market and whether manufacturers will need firmware updates to conform to the final 2028 standard — not confirmed in the source.
- If and when robot makers combine advanced locomotion (legs) with manipulation (arms) in consumer vacuums and when those hybrids reach retail — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Wi‑Fi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn): The next generation specification following Wi‑Fi 7; new standard features are still subject to change until final ratification.
- Creaseless folding display: A flexible screen design that minimizes or eliminates the visible crease where the panel folds, aimed at improving durability and visual uniformity.
- Draft specification: An early version of a technical standard released for implementation before final ratification; hardware built to a draft may need updates if the standard changes.
- Robot vacuum (robovac): An autonomous floor‑cleaning device; recent models may include additional mobility systems or manipulators to expand capabilities.
Reader FAQ
Did Motorola show a new type of foldable at CES 2026?
Yes. Motorola revealed a book‑style foldable that uses Razr branding.
Is Wi‑Fi 8 finalized and ready as a standard?
No. IEEE 802.11bn is not expected to be ratified until late 2028, though vendors announced draft‑based hardware.
Will Samsung sell the creaseless folding display soon?
Samsung said the panel shown was an R&D concept with no current timeline for commercialization.
Were cars a main focus at CES 2026?
No. Traditional automotive displays were limited; the show featured more AI and robotics, with the Sony/Honda Afeela the only noted concept car.
TECH GADGETS TRANSPORTATION What surprised us the most at CES 2026 The appearances, absences, and trends we didn’t expect. by Verge Staff Jan 7, 2026, 2:34 PM UTC 0 0…
Sources
- What surprised us the most at CES 2026
- CES 2026 Live: All the New AI Devices, Home Tech …
- Welcome to Roborock CES 2026
- CES 2026 highlights: 8 new gadgets you can already buy
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