CES 2026: Rollable Screens, AI Companions, and the Return of Dell's XPS

CES 2026 has wrapped, leaving a trail of intriguing gadgets and technological advancements in its wake. From rollable screens and AI companions to practical smart home solutions and the resurrection of a beloved laptop brand, this year's show offered a glimpse into the near future. While some innovations bordered on the bizarre – a toilet-mounted health tracker comes to mind – others demonstrated a genuine effort to improve our lives, whether through enhanced productivity, accessibility, or sheer entertainment.

Dell's XPS Returns From the Brink

One of the most notable stories coming out of CES 2026 is the return of Dell's XPS line. After a misguided rebranding effort last year, Dell COO Jeff Clarke admitted the company had made a mistake, stating, “We’re getting back to our roots,” according to Engadget. The XPS brand, known for its excellent design and performance, will once again be Dell's flagship consumer line. New XPS 13, 14, and 16 models are expected, with Dell teasing a thinner and lighter XPS 13. Segmented touchpads and physical function keys are also making a comeback, addressing past criticisms.

This reversal highlights the importance of brand recognition and listening to customer feedback. As Engadget noted, Dell's decision to ditch the XPS name “was throwing the best part of Dell’s consumer business in the trash for no real reason.” Dell's willingness to acknowledge its misstep and course-correct is a positive sign, signaling a renewed focus on delivering quality products that resonate with consumers. With a revamped internal structure and a straightforward motto – “great products win” – Dell seems poised for a major comeback in the premium laptop market.

AI Everywhere: From Companions to Cooking Robots

Artificial intelligence permeated nearly every aspect of CES 2026. AI companions like Takway’s Sweekar virtual pet and Ludens AI's Cocomo robot were on display, showcasing the potential for personalized and interactive experiences. Even more practical applications of AI were evident, such as the Nosh cooking robot, which, according to Engadget, prepares “low-effort, sauce-heavy meals like soups, curries and pasta.” While a robot chef might not replace traditional cooking anytime soon, it offers a convenient alternative to microwaved meals.

NVIDIA's CES press conference focused heavily on AI, announcing Alpamayo, a group of open-source reasoning models for autonomous vehicles. Intel also touted the AI capabilities of its new Core Ultra Series 3 chips, claiming a 77% faster gaming performance than previous-generation models, even without a dedicated GPU. AMD, not to be left out, declared that “AI is everywhere” and “changing the face of gaming.” While the hype surrounding AI can be overwhelming, these advancements demonstrate its growing influence across various industries.

Displays That Follow You and Analyze Your… Everything

This year's CES showcased a range of innovative display technologies. Dell unveiled a massive 52-inch ultrawide curved 6K monitor, targeting professionals who work with vast datasets. The UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor can connect up to four PCs simultaneously and allows users to control all connected PCs via a single mouse and keyboard. For gamers, LG introduced the UltraGear GX7, a 27-inch QHD OLED gaming monitor with a blazing-fast 540Hz refresh rate.

On the weirder side, Hisense presented a “FollowMe display,” a screen that physically follows you around the room. Engadget aptly described it as “the logical endpoint of smart TVs becoming increasingly clingy.” Perhaps the most bizarre gadgets, however, were those focused on analyzing bodily functions. The Throne toilet computer uses cameras and microphones to analyze bowel movements, while Vivoo's FlowPad smart menstrual pad tracks fertility and hormone markers. While the usefulness of these devices is debatable, they highlight the increasing trend of quantifying every aspect of our lives.

CES 2026 demonstrated a mix of practical innovations and outlandish concepts. While rollable screens and AI companions might still feel like a distant reality for most consumers, the advancements in computing, display technology, and smart home solutions are already shaping the future of technology. The show underscored the importance of listening to customer feedback, pushing the boundaries of innovation, and, perhaps most importantly, not taking ourselves too seriously. As the dust settles on this year's event, it's clear that the tech industry is continuing its relentless pursuit of a more connected, efficient, and, yes, sometimes slightly strange future.