CES 2026: A Deep Dive into Tech's Future with Cory Doctorow, Michael Fisher, and More

Clicks Communicator and Physical Keyboards

• 📱 Clicks Communicator is a new Android phone with a 4-inch screen and a physical QWERTY keyboard, aiming to be a dedicated communication tool.
• 💡 The device runs Android 16 with a custom launcher and aims to appeal to users who carry multiple phones or desire a more focused communication experience.
• ⌨️ The keyboard has been improved with a 30% increase in key size and capacitive touch for swipe gestures, offering a tactile typing experience.

CES 2026: Trends and Disappointments

• 🤖 Many exhibitors focused on AI and LLM wrappers, leading to a sense of repetition and a lack of true innovation.
• 🚗 The automotive sector was notably absent, with reduced enthusiasm for EVs potentially dampening participation.
• 🧐 There's a concern about the prevalence of vaporware and products that may not reach the market or contribute to e-waste.

Amazon's Surveillance Tech and Privacy Concerns

• surveillance tower with cameras was discussed, raising questions about police access to footage and data privacy.
• 🔒 The product manager struggled to answer technical questions about encryption and data access, highlighting potential transparency issues.
• 🏢 Amazon's history of insider threats and lax access controls was brought up as a concern regarding the security of user data.

Innovative and Questionable Tech

• 💡 Lego's Smart Brick system was praised for its interactive play experience, though concerns about e-waste were noted.
• 👓 Exxi's adaptive eyewear uses LEDs and liquid crystal lenses to change prescriptions dynamically, offering a glimpse into the future of corrective lenses.
• 💔 Resolve XR offers a VR experience for grief counseling, using therapist-puppeteered avatars and cloned voices, raising ethical questions about digital necromancy.

The Future of AI and CES

• 📉 The abundance of AI products suggests a potential AI bubble that might burst, leading to a more focused and sustainable tech landscape.
• 💡 Innovations like local AI voice agents on low-cost hardware (under $10) point to a more accessible and practical future for AI.
• 🧐 CES is seen as a place to gauge consumer priorities and whether the industry is developing products that align with genuine human needs beyond mere convenience.