TL;DR
At CES 2026, The Vergecast recorded a live episode in Las Vegas discussing a show that felt different — less about high-end TVs and cars and more about fresh takes on familiar gadgets. Hosts highlighted impressive hardware on the floor that often still needs software to catch up, including a wave of robot demos that struggled with basic mobility.
What happened
David Pierce and Nilay recorded a live episode of The Vergecast at the Brooklyn Bowl during CES 2026 to unpack the most notable themes from the trade show. Rather than centering on cutting-edge televisions or concept cars, the exposition felt dominated by new iterations of established devices and striking hardware demonstrations that sometimes outpaced their software. The hosts discussed a spate of robot demonstrations, many of which appeared unable to stay upright, and considered what that means for the promise of household robots. The episode also highlighted a range of products seen on the floor — from a Lego Smart Brick and the Clicks Communicator to rows of robotic vacuums — and included a game segment about which items might actually ship and succeed. The coverage frames CES as a window into industry priorities and possible shifts for the coming year.
Why it matters
- CES can reveal where consumer tech companies are investing their engineering and design resources.
- A recurring hardware-software mismatch suggests that impressive demos may not translate into ready-to-use products.
- The prominence of many robot demos highlights ongoing interest in home robotics, but functionality gaps challenge near-term usefulness.
- Trends shown at CES can indicate broader shifts in product strategy, such as companies expanding into more categories or revisiting older device types.
Key facts
- The Vergecast episode was recorded live in Las Vegas at the Brooklyn Bowl during CES 2026.
- Hosts on the episode included David Pierce (editor-at-large and Vergecast co-host) and Nilay.
- Reporters observed a shift at CES away from dominant focus on futuristic TVs and cars toward new takes on existing gadgets.
- Several robot demonstrations at the show appeared unable to stand up reliably, a topic discussed on the episode.
- Notable products mentioned in coverage included the Lego Smart Brick, the Clicks Communicator, and numerous robot vacuums seen around the convention center.
- The episode included a segment evaluating which showcased products are likely to ship and succeed.
- Series coverage from The Verge linked to multiple CES 2026 roundups, including best tech lists and award coverage.
What to watch next
- Whether software development catches up to the advanced hardware prototypes shown at CES.
- Which of the gadgets demonstrated at the show actually ship and reach consumers (not confirmed in the source).
- Progress on robot stability and real-world reliability after many demos showed units that couldn’t consistently stand.
- Battery life improvements across new devices and laptops highlighted during the event.
Quick glossary
- CES: An annual consumer electronics trade show where companies reveal new products, prototypes, and industry trends.
- Robot vacuum: An autonomous floor-cleaning device that navigates indoor spaces to collect dirt and debris with varying levels of sensors and software.
- Hardware-software gap: A situation where physical device capabilities outpace the software needed to make those features practical for consumers.
- Prototype: An early model or demo of a product used to show capabilities and test ideas before mass production.
Reader FAQ
What felt different about CES 2026 compared to previous years?
Attendees and hosts noted a move away from headline TVs and cars toward new ideas applied to established gadget categories and striking hardware demos.
Who hosted The Vergecast episode recorded at CES?
David Pierce and Nilay hosted the live episode; David Pierce is identified as editor-at-large and a Vergecast co-host.
Were the robots at CES functioning well?
Many robot demonstrations appeared to struggle with basic mobility and standing, a point discussed on the episode.
Which CES products will be successful for consumers?
Not confirmed in the source
PODCASTS GADGETS TECH The Vergecast Live at CES 2026: What is the point of a robot that falls over? All the gadgets, gizmos, and stories from another year at the…
Sources
- The Vergecast Live at CES 2026: What is the point of a robot that falls over?
- AI moves into the real world as companion robots and pets
- The robots, phones and Lego of CES 2026 – The Vergecast
- The robots, phones and Lego of CES 2026
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