> At a Glance
> – Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold named Best Overall product at CES 2026 awards
> – Emerson Smart unveils offline voice-controlled appliances to protect privacy
> – Samsung S95H OLED TV praised for being 35% brighter with Frame-like art display
> – Why it matters: Tech giants are blending bold design with real utility across phones, TVs, and smart home devices
The CNET Group’s Best of CES 2026 ceremony crowned the tri-screen Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold as the show’s top product, while privacy-first gadgets and brighter TVs stole the spotlight on the busy Las Vegas show-floor.
Best Product Revealed
A panel of journalists from CNET, ZDNET, PCMag, Mashable, Lifehacker, IGN and Everyday Health selected the Galaxy Z TriFold after reviewing 63 finalists across 22 categories. Organizers praised the handset for turning “a foldable, full-size tablet-phone hybrid” into a pocket-friendly reality.
Privacy-First Smart Home
IAI Smart’s new Emerson Smart lineup-fans, heaters, plugs and air fryers-accept up to 1,000 voice commands without Wi-Fi or companion apps. The wake word is simply the device name (“Hey air fryer”), sidestepping Amazon and Google data collection.
Key details:
- No network connection required
- Up to 1,000 built-in commands
- Voice data never leaves the device
TV Brightness Breakthrough
Samsung’s S95H OLED TV delivers 35% higher brightness than its predecessor and uses antiburn-in tech to double as an art frame. Four HDMI ports and wireless setup options target both gamers and minimalists.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brightness | 35% boost over prior model |
| Art Store | Access to 5,000+ images |
| Inputs | Four HDMI, wireless option |
| Availability | Pricing, sizes TBA |
Robots, Health & Quirky Finds
Boston Dynamics showed Atlas lifting girders and twisting torsos, while Beatbot’s RoboTurtle mimics sea-turtle movement to monitor reefs without disturbing wildlife. L’Oréal demoed a flexible LED mask for skin therapy, and Emerson’s lollipop plays music through bone-conduction when bitten.
Key Takeaways
- Foldables are moving from gimmick to utility with the TriFold win
- Offline voice control answers growing privacy concerns
- OLED TVs are getting brighter and doubling as art
- Robots are tackling both factory work and delicate eco-monitoring
Expect the Galaxy Z TriFold to hit North American shelves after its CES victory lap, while privacy-first appliances and brighter OLEDs head to stores later this year.
