The biggest week in tech is here: the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES). ZDNET is on the ground in Las Vegas and also keeping a virtual eye on the products and concepts that debuted on the show’s first day.
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So far, we’ve seen announcements from big names like Samsung, LG, and HP, as well as new and innovative brands with cool concepts. Here’s the tech gear that has impressed us the most.
1. AI-integrated TVs
TVs are always big at CES, and this year, the common thread among new TV models seems to be AI integrations. For example, Samsung’s new lineup of TVs takes advantage of AI upscaling to make older content look better through HDR Remastering, which enhances standard dynamic range content to high dynamic range levels.
LG’s AI-powered TV technology includes features like AI-powered recommendations with voice recognition, an AI chatbot and AI search, and an LG AI Concierge that tracks your preferences alongside search history to provide contextual insights based on what’s playing on your screen.
Also: Every Samsung TV announced at CES 2025
Plus, Google is improving its TV experience by incorporating its Gemini AI into Google Assistant to converse with your Google TV and ask more complex questions.
2. An alternative to Dolby Atmos
Eclipsa Audio is Samsung and Google’s answer to Dolby Atmos. One big difference in this new 3D audio format compared to Dolby Atmos is that it doesn’t have licensing fees; it will be a free and open-source audio format. So far, the format is available only on Samsung’s 2025 lineup of Crystal UHD to Neo QLED 8K TVs and its 2025 lineup of soundbars, but we’re excited to hear it in person nonetheless.
3. World’s first 500W charger
CES is the place where unprecedented innovations make their entrance, and this year we’re seeing the world’s first 500W charger. Ugreen’s Nexode 500W charger has six USB ports — five USB-C and one USB-A port. There’s one USB-C port that supports up to 240W, while the other four each offer up to 100W, and the USB-A has a maximum output of 20W.
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Ugreen says this charger is “powerful enough even for large, power-hungry devices like e-bikes.”
4. Smart home collaborations
Smart home devices are about to get even smarter thanks to a few key collaborations we’ve seen at CES. First off, Ring and Kiddie are pairing up to launch a new collection of smart smoke and combination detectors featuring Ring technology. When the alarms detect harmful levels of smoke or carbon monoxide (CO), you’ll receive a notification through the Ring app.
Also: Ecobee just launched a surprisingly affordable smart thermostat at CES 2025
In addition, Home Depot is throwing its hat in the ring of smart home tech with its new Hubspace devices, which will debut later this year. These new devices include a Remote Switch to control on/off functionality and brightness control for lights, as well as two Vissani AC units with smart climate control and customizable schedules and modes.
5. Circular’s smart ring gets upgrades
In what’s arguably the fastest-growing wearables category, smart ring maker Circular made a huge announcement at CES. Alongside new heart health monitoring like Atrial Fibrillation detection included within the ECG capability and improved sensors, smart ring buyers can now figure out their ring size without the need for a physical kit — something no other smart ring brand has done so far. You can try on the Circular 2 via Digital Ring Sizing, which uses a smartphone’s camera to determine a user’s ring size.
Also: One of my favorite smart rings is getting an 18K gold upgrade
6. TCL’s new devices are easy on the eyes
TCL debuted two new devices that caught our eye and benefit your eyes. The TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G is a smartphone with Nxtpaper 3.0 display technology, which blocks blue light to promote visual comfort and reduce eye strain. And, of course, there’s AI involved: the Smart Eye Comfort Mode and the Personalized Eye Comfort Mode adaptively configure the display’s colors, brightness, and contrast levels based on the user’s preference.
The QM6K mini LED TV is packed with features like precise dimming and brightness controls, a redesigned backlighting system to reduce the halo effect of images on screen, a new color optimization algorithm, and enough quantum crystals to render over one billion colors, which we are excited to test out.
7. Lots of laptops
Monday seems to be the day dedicated to laptops, as we’ve so far seen announcements from HP, Dell, and Acer. HP’s Elitebook series got an AI boost, and Dell nixed its XPS namesake to rebrand its entire portfolio into the Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max. These Dell models will, of course, feature AI capabilities alongside Wi-Fi 7 support and snappy performance.
Also: Qualcomm set to bring fast Snapdragon X performance to mid-range laptops with new chipset
Meanwhile, Acer’s lineup of devices is super versatile, thanks to their lightweight form factors and OLED displays. Finally, we were impressed by Lenovo’s 14-inch laptop with a “rollable” display that extends upwards over 16 inches. The expandable display is triggered by hitting a button on the keyboard, but it also responds by holding your palm out in front of the device, and then raising or lowering it will activate the display.
8. A hands-free smart lock
Imagine approaching your front door, and it automatically unlocks without you having to do anything. That’s exactly what Schlage debuted at CES Monday in the Sense Pro lock. The lock uses Ultra Wideband (UWB) radio signals and a paired device, such as a smartphone, to calculate speed, trajectory, and motion, unlocking the door as you reach for the handle.
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The lock also supports Matter-over-Thread, meaning it can securely connect to your smart home network of devices.
9. A robot vacuum with an arm
You know how you have to pick up clothes, toys, or other obstacles from your floor before running a robot vacuum? Well, Roborock has a solution: a robot vacuum with a mechanical arm that grabs small obstacles while it cleans.
Also: This new robot mower looks to replace your traditional grass cutter
The Roborock Saros Z70’s mechanical arm uses OmniGrip technology to remove obstacles under 8 oz while it mops and vacuums your floors. The flagship model is set to debut during the first half of 2025, and we can’t wait to try it out in our homes.
10. MSI’s massive lineup of gaming laptops
Gamers will appreciate MSI’s CES announcement, which includes more than ten 18-inch laptops with new AMD processors and special edition designs. For example, the 18-inch Titan HX AI has a chassis inscribed with shimmering old Norse runes, while the back features an illustration of dragon eyes.
Also: Razer just announced its latest Blade 16 gaming laptop, and it’s even thinner than before
Other laptops in the lineup include dual fan setups, Wi-Fi 7 bandwidths, up to 240Hz displays, and up to 96GB of memory, to name a few of the standout features.
11. A new entry-level TV you can actually pre-order
TCL unveiled its QM6K, which brings the company’s Mini LED technology to its entry-level QLED TV at an aggressive price. This TV sports the kind of brightness, contrast, and color depth you’d typically find in a much more premium model from the big TV vendors.
Also: TCL won the opening of CES 2025 with a great new TV you can actually pre-order
But TCL is offering it starting at $799 for the 65-inch QM6K and you can even pre-order it today, a first at CES. You may have to put it in your shopping cart to see the price drop from the retail price of $999 down to $799. But when you pre-order, TCL will also send you a Q75H 5.1.2 soundbar for free (an $899 retail value). TCL is also offering the 75-inch QM6K for $999 and the 85-inch for $1,499.
12. AI Bluetooth speakers
LG’s new line of Bluetooth speakers is joining the AI product parade. The speakers’ artificial intelligence capabilities include AI-powered equalizer settings, AI lighting features, AI room calibration, and an AI radio host. The new Xboom speakers spring from a collaboration with artist Will.i.am, who said his vision was to “mimic the speakers on stage to promote creativity and musicality.”
Also: Govee’s CES launches include a smart table lamp with a built-in JBL speaker