CES 2026 in Review: The Highlights Engadget Loved
The annual tech showcase delivered a wave of bold ideas, from AI-powered cameras to transformative health wearables. In this special Engadget podcast, hosts Devindra and Cherlynn sift through the noise to highlight the moments that stood out at CES 2026. The show’s best-of lineup spotlights innovative designs, compelling product prototypes, and demonstrations that hint at what’s next for everyday tech users.
Key themes emerged across booths and keynote stages. First, the continued push toward smarter, more intuitive wearables that bridge fitness tracking with real-time health insights. Second, the growing importance of energy efficiency and sustainable materials in consumer electronics. And third, the ongoing maturation of AI-assist features that feel genuinely useful rather than novelty-driven. Engadget’s best-of CES awards reflect these shifts, rewarding devices that offer tangible benefits in daily life, not just buzzworthy specs.
The Best of CES Awards: What Won and Why
The awards lineup covered a range of categories, from mobile devices and smart home tech to immersive displays and autonomous accessories. Each winner was chosen for a blend of practicality, design, and the promise of a better user experience. Listeners will find notes on why certain wearables impressed with battery life or health-tracking accuracy, while other entries stood out for innovative form factors or surprising applications of new sensors. The conversation also addresses who the awards are for — everyday consumers seeking reliable tech that integrates seamlessly into their routines.
In Conversation: Pebble Founder Eric Migicovsky on the Pebble Smartwatch Revival
Cherlynn sits down with Eric Migicovsky, the founder behind Pebble, to discuss the smartwatch brand’s revival and what the new Pebble brings to the table. The interview explores the original Pebble’s legacy, the design philosophy guiding the comeback, and how the revived Pebble aims to balance long battery life with smart features that don’t overwhelm the user. Migicovsky shares candid insights on product strategy, community feedback, and the challenges of reintroducing a beloved classic in a crowded wearable market.
For Pebble fans and curious onlookers alike, the chat offers a candid look at product roadmaps, new form factors, and how a retro-inspired smartwatch can coexist with the latest health sensors and seamless software experiences. The interview underscores a broader trend: startups and legacy brands reimagining iconic devices for today’s connected lifestyle.
<h2 Why This Episode Resonates with CES Enthusiasts
Beyond the highlights and interviews, this episode captures the spirit of CES as a place where experimentation meets user-centric design. Listeners gain practical takeaways about how new wearables could integrate with health apps, how accessory ecosystems evolve, and what to expect from the next wave of connected devices. For tech lovers, the blend of show-floor excitement and a thoughtful founder interview makes this episode a strong companion to the CES 2026 buzz.
Takeaways for Consumers
- Look for wearables that balance battery life with meaningful health metrics.
- Seek devices with well-thought-out software that feels useful, not cluttered.
- Watch for brands revisiting classic designs with modern sensor suites and efficient hardware.
<h2 Final Thoughts
CES 2026 delivered on the promise of smarter, more practical consumer tech, and Engadget’s Best of CES awards provide a trusted compass for shoppers and enthusiasts. The Pebble interview adds a human element to the tech-forward conversations, reminding listeners that behind every device there are designers, engineers, and communities shaping how we connect with technology every day.
