TL;DR
The Verge published a roundup of the oddest devices on display at CES 2026, noting that beyond sleek innovations there were plenty of gadgets that prompted a double-take. The piece highlights items such as a superthin TV and a tri-folding phone while collecting other wacky finds from the show floor.
What happened
CES 2026 brought a mix of cutting-edge displays and experimental, sometimes puzzling, devices. In a roundup published on January 7, 2026, The Verge cataloged some of the event’s weirder offerings, calling out a superthin television and a tri-folding phone as examples of the year’s eccentric hardware alongside a broader set of unconventional gadgets. The coverage frames these items as part of the show’s tradition of pairing genuinely useful innovations with concept pieces and novelty products that provoke curiosity. Reporters working the show floor described moments of bemusement as they encountered devices that made them go "huh," and the article gathers several of those moments into a single feature. Beyond noting these standout oddities, the public details and wider commercial prospects for most featured gadgets are not provided in the source excerpt.
Why it matters
- Shows like CES mix practical innovation with experimental designs that can indicate future directions or dead ends.
- Coverage of unusual gadgets helps readers separate mainstream product trends from one-off curiosities.
- Concept and novelty devices can influence design thinking even if they don't reach mass markets.
Key facts
- Source: The Verge article titled 'The weirdest tech we've seen at CES 2026.'
- Published date: January 7, 2026.
- The article highlights a superthin TV and a tri-folding phone among the show’s oddities.
- The Verge assembled a roundup of what it described as the 'weirdest' gadgets observed on the CES show floor.
- Reporters noted that some devices provoked reactions of bemusement—"huh" moments—on the exhibit floor.
- Full detailed descriptions of the individual gadgets beyond the excerpt are not available in the provided source.
What to watch next
- Whether any of the concept or novelty gadgets noted in the roundup move toward commercial release: not confirmed in the source.
- How mainstream consumer trends will absorb or ignore the design ideas showcased: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- CES: An annual trade show where consumer electronics companies display new products, prototypes and industry trends.
- Superthin TV: A television design approach emphasizing extremely slim chassis and reduced panel thickness compared with traditional TVs.
- Tri-folding phone: A foldable smartphone design that folds in three sections to change its size and shape.
- Show floor: The exhibition space at a tradeshow where companies present products, demos and prototype devices to attendees and press.
Reader FAQ
What were the weirdest gadgets at CES 2026?
The source specifically mentions a superthin TV and a tri-folding phone; other examples were included in the Verge roundup but are not detailed in the provided excerpt.
Are any of these weird devices available to buy now?
Not confirmed in the source.
Where can I read the full roundup?
The Verge published the article on January 7, 2026; see the cited Verge piece for the complete roundup.
Do these weird gadgets signal broader trends?
The source suggests CES mixes mainstream innovations with experimental designs, but it does not draw firm conclusions about long-term trends.
You’re not ready for this level of weirdness. There's never a shortage of exciting and innovative tech at CES. A superthin TV and tri-folding phone are cool and all, but…
Sources
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