I just returned from Las Vegas, where the annual Consumer Electronics Show transformed the desert city into a dazzling tech wonderland once again. CES 2026 showcased the usual abundance of cutting-edge displays and autonomous vehicles, but this year’s event featured some genuinely surprising innovations that pushed technological boundaries in unexpected directions. After navigating packed exhibition halls and attending countless product demonstrations, I’ve identified five standout gadgets that represent where consumer technology is heading.
The spectacle of CES never disappoints, but sorting through thousands of products to find true innovation requires a discerning eye. These five selections aren’t just technically impressive—they potentially reshape how we might interact with technology in our daily lives.
Holographic communication took a major leap forward with Sony’s HoloConnect, a tabletop device that projects remarkably detailed 3D images of the person you’re speaking with. Unlike previous holographic attempts that required specialized rooms or bulky headsets, the HoloConnect works in normal lighting conditions and needs just 3 feet of open space. During my demonstration, the hologram of my colleague maintained consistent eye contact and displayed subtle facial expressions that typically get lost in video calls.
“We’ve solved several core problems with light diffraction that previously made consumer holograms impractical,” explained Keiko Matsuda, Sony’s lead engineer on the project. “Our proprietary depth-sensing cameras capture volumetric data that our algorithms transform into photorealistic projections.”
The system requires specialized camera arrays on both ends, but Sony plans to integrate the technology into future smartphones. At $3,400 for the complete setup, it’s clearly aimed at early adopters and business applications initially, but represents a significant step toward making science fiction communication a household reality.
Perhaps the most surprising product came from healthcare tech company Mediwise, whose Dermascan device analyzes skin conditions using advanced imaging technology originally developed for Mars rovers. The handheld scanner, slightly larger than a deck of cards, uses hyperspectral imaging to detect skin issues like potential melanomas, eczema flare-ups, and even nutritional deficiencies—all without breaking the skin.
“Traditional dermatological diagnosis relies heavily on visual inspection, which can miss subsurface problems,” said Dr. Amara Patel, Mediwise’s chief medical officer. “Our technology sees beyond the visible spectrum to identify conditions before they manifest externally.”
The device connects to smartphones and provides preliminary assessments while storing images for professional review. The company emphasized that Dermascan doesn’t replace dermatologists but serves as an early warning system and monitoring tool. At $299, it’s positioned as an accessible home health device that could potentially save lives through early detection.
In the sustainable technology arena, Bloom Energy unveiled its Microfarmer, a countertop appliance that grows protein-rich foods using vertical farming techniques. About the size of a microwave, it cultivates edible insects—primarily mealworms and crickets—in a sealed, odorless environment. Before you wrinkle your nose, consider that the system converts these insects into protein-rich powder for cooking or ready-to-eat snacks that mask their origins.
“Western consumers remain hesitant about eating insects despite their nutritional benefits and minimal environmental footprint,” noted Gabriel Torres, Bloom’s sustainability director. “Microfarmer makes this sustainable protein source accessible by automating the growing process and transforming the end product into culturally familiar forms.”
The system produces approximately one pound of protein monthly while consuming just 5 gallons of water and minimal electricity—a fraction of the resources required for traditional protein sources. Early taste tests of their cricket protein pasta and mealworm protein bars suggested most consumers couldn’t identify the ingredients when properly prepared. The Microfarmer launches this summer at $895.
On the more whimsical side, LG introduced the Styler Pet, an AI-powered grooming station for dogs and cats that might eliminate trips to pet groomers. This enclosed booth uses computer vision to identify your pet’s breed, coat type, and temperament before administering a gentle water-free cleaning, brushing, and even simple trims for certain breeds.
“Pet parents increasingly treat their animals as family members deserving human-grade care,” explained Sarah Kim, LG’s product manager. “The Styler Pet provides salon-quality grooming without the stress of unfamiliar environments.”
The system uses a combination of air jets, soft brushes on robotic arms, and specialized dry shampoo formulations. During demonstrations, most animals seemed remarkably calm in the booth, which plays soothing sounds and dispenses treats at strategic moments. The $1,200 device targets affluent pet owners initially, though LG plans commercial versions for veterinary offices and pet stores.
Finally, automotive innovation extended beyond self-driving capabilities with Mercedes-Benz’s Concept Sphere, a vehicle that transforms between driving and living configurations. This experimental car features interior walls, ceiling, and floor surfaces composed entirely of flexible display panels that can physically reshape themselves.
“We’re moving beyond the question of what cars will do when driving becomes automated to exploring what cars can become when not in motion,” said Klaus Müller, head of Mercedes-Benz advanced design. “The Concept Sphere transforms from transportation device to personalized environment.”
In driving mode, the interior appears conventional, if futuristic. When parked, the steering wheel retracts, seats reorient, and the digital surfaces physically shift to create entirely new spaces—from productive office configurations to immersive entertainment environments where content wraps around occupants. Though clearly a concept vehicle years from production, it represents the auto industry’s evolving vision of vehicles as experiential spaces rather than mere transportation.
While CES always features products that never reach consumers, these five innovations feel substantively different from typical vapor-ware. They represent meaningful advances in established technology paths rather than mere novelty. As these products move from convention floor to retail channels in the coming months, they’ll provide valuable insights into which technological directions truly resonate with consumers in 2026 and beyond.
