CES 2026 is in full swing, and as usual, it’s a glorious mix of innovation and head-scratching excess. From AI-powered everything to gadgets that solve problems you didn't even know you had, this year's show doesn't disappoint in sheer spectacle. But does any of it really matter? Let's cut through the hype.

Mobility That Makes You Raise an Eyebrow

Navee is making waves – or perhaps wakes – with a lineup that includes a 43 mph e-scooter (the UT5 Ultra X), an auto-following golf cart (the Eagle F1X), and, yes, an electric seaplane (the WaveFly 5X). Engadget reports the seaplane can hit 53 mph, with a 70-minute flight time. Sounds… terrifying.

The scooter's real-world range will likely be "around half of what manufacturers promise," Engadget rightly points out. And let's be honest, who's trusting a startup with a seaplane? Still, points for audacity. Just don't expect me to test that thing.

Foldables: Still Trying to Fold Their Way Into Our Hearts

Samsung is back with another foldable, the Galaxy Z Trifold. After launching its double-folding smartphone in Korea, Samsung is giving its newest foldable the press tour at CES 2026 and, despite reservations, it’s slick. According to Android Authority, it's "an engineering marvel, that feels like a restart." Sam Rutherford of Engadget got hands-on time and notes it's closer to "what we’re used to."

But do we need a phone that unfolds into a tablet? Or is it just another pricey gimmick searching for a problem to solve? The value proposition remains questionable, especially considering the durability concerns that still plague foldable devices.

The Rest of the Noise: AI, TVs, and Smart Bird Feeders

Elsewhere, CES is awash in the usual suspects. AMD announced new Ryzen AI 400 laptop processors and updated desktop chips, including the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, with a new focus broadly on AI processing improvements. Sony Honda showed off its next car, even though the current model isn't even on sale yet, according to Engadget. Because why not?

LG and Samsung are predictably battling it out in the TV space, with bigger and thinner screens. LG is resurrecting its ultra-thin Wallpaper TV, while Samsung is flaunting a massive 130-inch Micro RGB TV. These are cool, sure. But are they worth the astronomical price tags? Probably not.

"The value proposition remains questionable, especially considering the durability concerns that still plague foldable devices."

— On foldable phones

And then there's Birdbuddy, with new smart bird feeders that pack 2K HDR video and bird song identification. MacRumors reports that the Birdbuddy 2 will retail for $199, while the Birdbuddy 2 Mini will cost $129. I'm all for connecting with nature, but at what point does it become overkill?

CES is always a wild ride, a glimpse into a future that may or may not arrive. This year's show is no exception. While there are glimmers of genuine innovation, much of it feels like tech for tech's sake. The real test, as always, will be whether these gadgets can deliver on their promises in the real world – and whether consumers are actually willing to pay for them.