The robots, phones and Lego of CES 2026 - The Vergecast Recap

Podcast: The Vergecast

Published: 2026-01-06

Duration: 1 hr 33 min

Guests: Min Ling Tan

Summary

CES 2026 showcases a mix of groundbreaking and quirky tech innovations, from AI robots and foldable phones to smart Legos and art TVs. The Verge team discusses which gadgets might succeed and which may not make it beyond the show floor.

What Happened

CES 2026 is teeming with innovations and unexpected tech products. David Pierce and Nilay Patel dive into the numerous AI and robot announcements, discussing the feasibility and practicality of these gadgets. A highlight is the LG CLOiD robot, designed to fold laundry but requiring a specialized washing machine to work effectively. Switchbot's humanoid robot, a rebranded Chinese model called Onero, claims it can perform a range of household tasks, though these assertions are met with skepticism.

The episode also covers the new Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold phone, which boasts a unique foldable design with three panes. This phone is part of a growing trend of foldable devices that offer increased screen space. Meanwhile, smart home integration sees advancements with the launch of the Alero smart lock standard, which supports multiple platforms like HomeKit and Google Home.

In the domain of home entertainment, the LG OLED evo W6 Wallpaper TV returns, boasting improved brightness. Art TVs are gaining traction, offering dim, reflective displays that mimic framed artwork. Amazon's Ember Art Line TV emerges as a competitor, integrating seamlessly into home decor.

Lego's introduction of Smart Bricks marks a significant evolution in their product line. These bricks are equipped with sensors and batteries, allowing them to interact with each other and produce sounds. However, there are mixed reactions to the concept of needing to charge Lego bricks.

The episode also touches on the broader implications of AI in content creation. Adam Mosseri from Instagram and Satya Nadella from Microsoft discuss the rise of AI-generated content and its impact on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, raising concerns about the future of human-created content.

Lastly, the elusive 'Trump phone' saga continues, with production delays linked to a supposed government shutdown. The phone has yet to see the light of day, fueling intrigue and speculation about its existence and development challenges.

Key Insights

• The LG CLOiD robot is designed to fold laundry but requires a specialized washing machine to function effectively, raising questions about its practicality for general consumers.
• The Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold phone introduces a unique foldable design with three panes, contributing to the trend of foldable devices that offer increased screen space.
• Lego's Smart Bricks are equipped with sensors and batteries, allowing them to interact with each other and produce sounds, though there are concerns about the need to charge these bricks.
• The 'Trump phone' continues to face production delays, reportedly due to a government shutdown, leaving its existence and development status uncertain.