LG is set to unveil its vision for 'Affectionate Intelligence' at CES 2026, promising a harmonized and connected customer experience. But let's be real, the pre-show leaks have already given us a pretty good idea of what to expect. The question is, will there be any genuine surprises, or just marketing fluff?
What We Already Know: Micro RGB and More
LG is jumping into the Micro RGB TV arena, directly challenging Samsung's displays. We're talking about 100-inch, 86-inch, and 75-inch options boasting next-gen screen tech with multicolor backlights. This is supposed to be a step up from mini-LED, but I'll believe it when I see the real-world performance.
They're also taking on Samsung's Frame TVs with the new LG Gallery TV, available in 55- and 65-inch sizes. What I want to know is, how's the anti-glare? Because if it's anything less than stellar, it's a deal-breaker.
Robots and Audio: CLOiD and XBOOM
Expect to see the CLOiD, LG's humanoid home automation robot, on stage. Word is, it might even demonstrate folding laundry. As for audio, LG is pushing a Dolby-powered modular home audio system and a new line of XBOOM speakers co-developed with will.i.am. Hopefully, these aren't just celebrity endorsements with no actual sonic improvements.
LG Gram Gets a Makeover
The ultralight Gram laptop line is getting a revamp with a new 'Aerominum' material. Engadget's Devindra Hardawar, got an early peek, noting that LG might have found a sweet spot “between building a super-light notebook (the 16-inch Gram Pro weighs just 2.6 pounds), and crafting something that actually feels durable.” That's promising, but I'll be putting it through its paces myself to test that build quality.
The AI Question: Affectionate or Just Annoying?
Like every other tech company at CES, LG is hyping AI. They're calling it 'Affectionate Intelligence,' which sounds a little creepy to me. The real test will be whether this AI actually improves our daily lives, or if it's just another layer of unnecessary complexity. I'm not holding my breath, but I'm always open to being proven wrong.
CES is a deluge of promises. The real challenge for LG, and all these companies, is to deliver products that live up to the hype. We'll be watching to see who actually delivers, and who's just blowing smoke.