Plughitz Live Special Events (audio)

Maono continues to expand its presence in the creator‑focused audio market with new microphones and audio interfaces designed to support flexible recording environments. The company's latest products emphasize hybrid connectivity, simplified monitoring, and durable construction suited for podcasting, streaming, and mobile production. At CES 2026, Maono showcased a lineup that reflects the evolving needs of creators who work across multiple devices and platforms.The company's approach centers on versatility. Many creators record on computers, capture content on mobile devices, and monitor audio through separate systems. Maono's new hardware is designed to bridge these workflows without requiring additional adapters or complex routing.PD200W Hybrid Microphone With Triple ConnectivityThe PD200W hybrid microphone is the centerpiece of Maono's new lineup. It supports simultaneous USB, wireless, and XLR output, allowing the microphone to feed multiple devices at once. This configuration enables creators to record t

Monster continues to expand its smart lighting portfolio with products designed to enhance home décor, gaming environments, and outdoor spaces. The company's 2026 lineup focuses on flexibility, ease of installation, and deeper integration across its lighting ecosystem. While Monster's audio products are now developed through Jem, the lighting category remains a core focus for the brand, and this year's additions highlight a commitment to both creativity and practicality.The lighting platform is built around app‑based control, voice assistant compatibility, and a consistent user experience across devices. Whether used for ambient décor, gaming immersion, or architectural lighting, the products are designed to work together through a unified interface that long‑time Monster users already understand.Two‑Sided Sconce and HDMI‑Reactive LightingOne of the standout additions is the two‑sided sconce, a modular lighting element that rotates to create customizable patterns. The design supports both decorative and funct

Stern Pinball continues to evolve the arcade landscape by combining classic mechanical gameplay with modern digital features. The company's Insider Connected platform has become a central part of that evolution, allowing players to track achievements, earn badges, and compete across locations. At CES 2026, Stern highlighted how this system enhances both home and commercial play while showcasing two new titles that build on the company's long‑running legacy of licensed pinball machines.Insider Connected functions as a persistent profile system that follows players from machine to machine. By scanning in with a mobile device, players can save scores, unlock achievements, and participate in global leaderboards. The platform has become a defining feature of Stern's recent releases, supporting operators who want deeper engagement and players who enjoy long‑term progression.The Walking Dead Remastered on the Spike 3 PlatformOne of the major announcements this year is The Walking Dead Remastered, a refreshed version

My Arcade continues to build on its reputation for creative, nostalgia‑driven gaming hardware with a new lineup that blends classic arcade experiences with modern design. The company's approach focuses on reimagining retro play in ways that feel familiar to longtime fans while remaining accessible to new audiences. At CES 2026, My Arcade introduced several products that highlight this philosophy, including a jukebox‑inspired gaming speaker, an updated handheld system, and a growing catalog of licensed titles from major gaming publishers.The company's design direction emphasizes playful form factors, authentic arcade aesthetics, and user‑friendly features. These elements support a wide range of players, from collectors seeking display‑worthy hardware to casual gamers who want portable access to classic titles.Jukebox Player Combining Music and Arcade GameplayOne of the most distinctive products introduced this year is the Jukebox Player, a device that merges a portable Bluetooth speaker with built‑in arcade ga

AIWA returns to CES with a product line that blends classic design with contemporary functionality. The company's latest audio systems draw heavily from the iconic look and feel of the 1980s and 1990s, an era when AIWA boomboxes and mini systems were staples in bedrooms, dorm rooms, and living spaces. This retro‑inspired lineup reflects a renewed cultural interest in physical media and vintage aesthetics, driven in part by the resurgence of cassette tapes, CDs, and analog radio among younger listeners.The design direction embraces authenticity rather than imitation. The products feature the same tactile controls, analog tuners, and visual cues that defined the original AIWA experience. At the same time, modern conveniences such as Bluetooth streaming ensure that the systems remain compatible with today's listening habits. This combination of nostalgia and practicality positions the lineup as both a tribute to the past and a functional audio solution for the present.Compact Retro Units with Cassette PlaybackTh

Edifier continues to refine its position in the consumer audio market by introducing products that blend high‑fidelity performance with modern connectivity. At CES 2026, the company presented new bookshelf speakers and a flagship studio monitor designed to elevate both entertainment and creative workflows. These additions reflect Edifier's ongoing commitment to delivering accessible, high‑quality sound for home theaters, gaming setups, and professional audio environments.The company's approach emphasizes versatility, allowing users to integrate premium audio into a variety of spaces without requiring complex equipment. By combining traditional acoustic engineering with contemporary digital features, Edifier supports listeners who want reliable performance across music, movies, and gaming.M90 Bookshelf Speakers with HDMI‑ARCOne of the key introductions is the M90, a bookshelf speaker system designed for both desktop and large‑screen use. Traditionally positioned as a computer‑focused speaker, the M90 now incor

Smart home technology continues to evolve as consumers seek devices that are easy to install, simple to manage, and capable of integrating seamlessly into daily routines. Energizer Connect focuses on delivering accessible smart home products that combine practical functionality with straightforward setup. The company's portfolio includes security cameras, smart locks, thermostats, and lighting solutions, all designed to operate through a single app‑based ecosystem. This approach supports homeowners who want to enhance convenience and security without complex wiring or professional installation.The brand's emphasis on DIY installation reflects a broader shift in the smart home market. Many consumers want the benefits of connected devices but prefer systems that can be installed quickly and managed without subscriptions or proprietary hubs. Energizer Connect addresses this need by offering products that pair directly with home Wi‑Fi networks and operate through a unified mobile application.Light‑Socket Cameras

Each year, the Tech Podcasts Network honors the most compelling innovations showcased at CES. The Best of CES Awards highlight companies whose technologies demonstrate exceptional creativity, real‑world impact, and forward‑looking vision. The 2026 awards span energy, health, wellness, wearables, and artificial intelligence, reflecting the diversity and ambition of this year's show. Five winners were selected by the hosts, production team, and the full TPN staff, each representing a different facet of technological progress.Commonwealth Fusion Systems - Scott Ertz's AwardScott Ertz of PLUGHITZ Live selected Commonwealth Fusion Systems for its work in advancing fusion energy. The company develops fusion power plants designed to deliver clean, carbon‑free energy through a fundamentally different process than traditional nuclear fission. Its approach uses compact, high‑field tokamak systems engineered to achieve net energy gain, a milestone long considered out of reach. The company's SPARC demonstration device, c

Outdoor entertainment has grown rapidly as homeowners and businesses look for ways to extend living and social spaces beyond traditional interiors. Sylvox focuses on creating televisions engineered specifically for outdoor environments, offering durability, brightness, and weather resistance that standard indoor displays cannot match. The company has become a leading online brand in the outdoor TV category, supported by a broad product lineup that includes bathroom TVs, kitchen displays, RV televisions, and portable models designed for flexible placement.The latest addition to the portfolio is the frameless outdoor TV series, which introduces a minimal‑bezel design intended to blend seamlessly into outdoor settings. The one‑millimeter bezel creates an immersive viewing experience by reducing visual distractions and allowing the screen to integrate naturally into patios, backyards, pool areas, and commercial outdoor spaces. This design reflects a growing trend toward sleek, modern aesthetics in outdoor living

Anime fans have traditionally engaged with their favorite characters through screens, merchandise, and events, but direct interaction has remained out of reach. Gakugeki introduces a virtual reality platform designed to change that dynamic by allowing users to meet, speak with, and experience moments alongside licensed anime characters in immersive digital environments. The platform creates a new category of entertainment where characters are not simply viewed but encountered in a shared virtual space.The experience is built around VR headsets, beginning with support for Meta Quest devices. Users launch the Gakugeki application, select a character, and enter a virtual environment where real‑time interaction becomes possible. The platform is designed to support natural conversation, character‑driven responses, and shared activities such as taking photos or participating in themed events. This approach transforms passive fandom into an interactive encounter that feels personal and memorable.Licensed Characters

The mobile phone market is dominated by a small group of global brands, yet there remains a growing demand for devices that prioritize practicality, affordability, and simplicity. Unnecto focuses on value‑oriented mobile phones designed to deliver essential features without the cost or complexity associated with flagship devices. The company operates across the Americas, with a presence in the United States, South America, and the Caribbean, and develops products informed by direct feedback from local markets.Unnecto's strategy centers on creating devices that serve real‑world needs rather than competing in the high‑end specification race. This includes offering 5G connectivity, eSIM support, NFC, large batteries, and generous storage in its Android smartphones. The emphasis is placed on usability and reliability, ensuring that customers receive meaningful functionality rather than features that inflate cost without improving everyday experience.Meeting the Needs of Diverse MarketsIn South America and the Car

As automotive design evolves, manufacturers increasingly rely on advanced materials to reduce weight, improve durability, and support sustainability goals. Covestro focuses on developing polycarbonate‑based solutions that replace heavier metals, enhance surface performance, and enable circular manufacturing practices. These innovations support automakers seeking to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and deliver premium experiences to consumers.Material selection plays a critical role in modern vehicle engineering. Components must withstand demanding thermal, mechanical, and environmental conditions while meeting strict cost and performance requirements. Covestro's approach combines raw material expertise with process development, allowing the company to collaborate closely with OEMs and suppliers to create next‑generation components that are lighter, safer, and more sustainable.Lightweight Thermal‑Conductive PolycarbonateOne of Covestro's key developments is a thermally conductive polycarbonate

As vehicles transition into software‑defined platforms, the complexity of integrating operating systems, middleware, and application layers has increased dramatically. QNX, a division of BlackBerry, focuses on solving these challenges through secure, reliable, and high‑performance embedded software. Its technology is deployed in hundreds of millions of vehicles worldwide, supporting systems that require stability, safety, and predictable behavior. With the introduction of Alloy Kore, QNX expands its role by offering a foundational software platform designed to streamline integration and accelerate development for modern automakers.The rise of software‑defined architectures has created new demands on engineering teams. Software now originates from multiple vendors, spans numerous domains, and must operate cohesively across the entire vehicle. This complexity has contributed to delayed vehicle programs, increased development costs, and a growing number of software‑related recalls. Alloy Kore was developed to ad

In‑car technology continues to evolve as drivers seek faster, simpler, and more seamless ways to connect their smartphones to their vehicles. Ottocast focuses on wireless CarPlay and Android Auto solutions designed to eliminate the need for cables and reduce the friction that often accompanies daily driving routines. The company develops compact plug‑and‑play devices that convert wired CarPlay systems into wireless experiences, supporting a more convenient and efficient workflow for drivers who rely on navigation, communication, and media throughout the day.The shift toward wireless connectivity reflects a broader trend in automotive technology, where drivers expect their vehicles to integrate smoothly with their digital lives. Many factory‑installed systems still require a physical cable to activate CarPlay or Android Auto, creating inconvenience for users who frequently enter and exit their vehicles. Ottocast addresses this gap by offering a device that plugs directly into the vehicle's USB port and establi

Content creation continues to expand across music, social media, and mobile video, yet high‑quality audio remains one of the most persistent challenges for creators. HISONG Music Tech introduces the Air Studio S1, a mobile recording system designed to simplify the process of capturing clean, professional‑grade sound without the need for bulky equipment or complex setup. The device combines a condenser microphone with low‑latency wireless earbuds, creating a streamlined solution for musicians, performers, and mobile storytellers.The system addresses a common problem faced by creators who rely on smartphones for video production. Built‑in microphones often struggle with clarity, noise control, and tonal accuracy, while traditional recording setups require adapters, cables, and external power sources. The Air Studio S1 eliminates these barriers by offering a plug‑and‑record experience that connects directly to a mobile device through a USB‑C interface. Once connected, the microphone becomes immediately active, a

Electric vehicle development continues to accelerate as manufacturers seek greater range, improved efficiency, and reduced production costs. Tanaka Precision Industries focuses on component innovation that supports these goals through advanced materials engineering and precision manufacturing. The company develops lightweight inverter cases and structural components designed to reduce overall vehicle mass, improve energy efficiency, and streamline assembly processes.Weight reduction remains one of the most effective ways to extend the driving range of electric vehicles. While battery chemistry receives much of the industry's attention, the structural components surrounding the powertrain also play a significant role in determining efficiency. By reducing the mass of these components, less energy is required to move the vehicle, allowing each charge to support longer distances. Tanaka Precision Industries approaches this challenge through material optimization and advanced casting techniques that maintain stre

Accessibility technology continues to evolve as companies explore new ways to support blind and low‑vision individuals in daily life. Mangoslab introduces a voice‑activated Braille printer designed to make labeling and identification more intuitive, immediate, and inclusive. The device converts spoken words into Braille labels, allowing users and their support networks to create tactile markers without requiring Braille literacy. This approach expands access to essential information and supports greater independence in home, school, and care environments.Traditional Braille printers often require specialized knowledge, manual input, or complex interfaces. Mangoslab's system removes these barriers by enabling anyone to generate Braille labels through simple voice commands. The result is a tool that supports both blind individuals and the people around them, including family members, caregivers, teachers, and healthcare professionals. By lowering the learning curve and reducing the time required to produce labe

Rapid diagnostics continue to play a critical role in global healthcare, and Wondfo USA focuses on expanding access to fast, reliable testing across clinical, consumer, and public health environments. The company develops point‑of‑care solutions designed to deliver accurate results within minutes, supporting early detection, timely treatment, and improved decision‑making. As healthcare systems worldwide shift toward decentralized testing, rapid diagnostics have become essential tools for both professionals and individuals seeking immediate insight into their health.Wondfo's portfolio spans multiple categories, including infectious disease screening, fertility and hormone monitoring, chronic condition management, and general wellness. These solutions are designed to be easy to use, portable, and accessible, allowing testing to occur in clinics, pharmacies, workplaces, and homes. The company's approach reflects a broader movement toward empowering individuals with actionable information without requiring comple

CES continues to serve as one of the most influential technology events in the world, and few people understand its evolution better than CTA spokesperson Allie Fried. With two decades of experience supporting the show, she brings a unique perspective on how the event has grown, diversified, and reshaped the global technology landscape. Her role places her at the center of communications, media engagement, and industry coordination, offering a view into the scale and complexity required to operate an event of this magnitude.The show has expanded far beyond its origins as a showcase for consumer electronics. Today, it represents a cross‑industry gathering where technology intersects with health, education, mobility, sustainability, entertainment, and enterprise innovation. The presence of global companies, startups, researchers, and policymakers reflects a broader shift toward technology as a foundation for improving human life. This evolution is visible across every hall, from advanced robotics and AI‑driven

Fertility care is undergoing a significant shift as new diagnostic technologies offer deeper insight into reproductive health. OTO Fertility focuses on predicting the likelihood of IVF success before treatment begins, giving couples clarity at a stage where uncertainty has traditionally dominated the process. The system uses a wearable device that captures physiological signals and converts them into predictive metrics, offering a noninvasive method for understanding fertility readiness.The challenge addressed by this technology is substantial. IVF remains expensive, time‑consuming, and emotionally demanding, yet the success rate for a single transfer remains low. Many couples undergo multiple cycles without clear guidance on their likelihood of success. By providing predictive insight before treatment, the system aims to reduce unnecessary cycles, lower financial burden, and support more informed decision‑making.Physiological Monitoring and Predictive ModelingThe OTO Fertility device performs medical‑grade E