#ces

#ces

Hyundai's decision to use its CES keynote to tout Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot sends a pretty clear message about how the auto industry is absorbing the bad news about EVs in the United States in 2025, and where it thinks things are heading in the new year. EVs are out, and AI and robotaxis are in. In addition to Hyundai, Mercedes announced its plans to roll out its Nvidia-powered Level 2++ driver assist feature in the US later this year.

Here's the thing about CES, though: it showcases fantasies as much as it brings us what's next. People had VCRs (if you don't know what that is, go ask a grandparent or a nearby millennial) in their homes for decades. I am still waiting for flying cars to be a thing. Thus, it's good to take what you see at this show with a grain of salt. Or a gallon of it.

Jackery, the home battery company, is back at CES with a solar-powered Gazebo it swears you'll be able to buy in the second half of the year, starting in California. With an expected price of between $12,000 and $15,000 before adding any battery storage, you might want to save a few bucks and build one yourself from solar panels and power stations that Jackery, and many others, will happily sell you.

First up is a line of Bluetooth speakers dubbed the ELIE (Extremely Loud Infinitely Expressive). The lineup includes two models, the E6 and E12. The speakers leverage a combination of DSP and system-on-a-chip processing, which Fender says can deliver more volume while maintaining greater power efficiency. Each speaker can handle up to four audio channels at once, including a Bluetooth source, a wired XLR or 1/4-inch input and two additional wireless channels with compatible Fender Audio accessories.

The brand will introduce its first smart ring and first action camera during CES, which takes place in just a few days in Las Vegas. Dreame will have two booths this year, a "flagship ecosystem exhibit" taking up over 1,200m² at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and a separate booth at the Venetian with a "dedicated zone for premium smart cleaning experiences".

CES is upon us, as the flood of teasers and marketing campaigns from every tech brand would suggest in December. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or ordinary consumer, the annual tech trade show is guaranteed to feature something you care about -- be it the launch of a new TV display type or a demo of some visionary technology with the potential to change the future. Also: The 5 most innovative tech products that surprised us this year (including a first for robot vacs) Want to keep up with the conference's latest and hottest news? ZDNET will have a team on the ground bringing you all the announcements throughout the week-long show.