CES recap interview: trends and awards

Rich talked about attending CES 2026 in Las Vegas and some of the trends he saw, including robots, AI, and wacky gadgets.

Rich mentioned using the WiFi sharing feature on Android phones.

If you got an email about an Instagram Password Reset request, ignore it for now, but be sure you have a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication turned on.

Arnold from Rancho Cucamonga is wondering why his cloud storage isn’t saving files. Rich mentioned free versions of Office apps here.

Rich mentioned the Lollipop Star, which plays music in your mouth as you suck it.

Rich mentioned how TCL released its 2026 flagship TV, the X11L, the same time as they announced it at CES, which is rare.

Rich mentioned the ChocoStar vending machine that 3D prints a chocolate figurine on demand.

Rich mentioned a startup that’s making a digital doorlock for public restrooms so you pay for access. Flush Locks USA.

Mark in Seattle wants a digital door lock and a thermostat to manage his VRBO. Rich mentioned digital locks from Schlage, Yale and Lockly, along with Nest Thermostat and Ecobee.

Vanessa in Pahrump Nevada wants to know how to move from Lastpass to Bitwarden.

Rich mentioned iPolish, which is a startup making digital color-changing nails. He also referenced Lee Press on Nails. WATCH

Gmail is giving users AI features for free, which were previously paid.

A caller asks why her iPhone plays the same song each time she gets in the car. Rich says to set a silent MP3 to fix this.

Matt Swider from The Shortcut joins to break down the biggest trends at CES and explain which products earned this year’s Shortcut CES Awards and why they matter to consumers.

Rich mentioned laptop screen extenders from a company named XEBEC.

Mary in Riverside wants to ditch the paid version of AOL.

Rich mentioned a few more gadgets from CES including PlantPetz, Seattle Ultrasonics Chef’s Knife, Glyde Smart Hair Clipper, Iceplosion, Chamelo tint changing glasses.

Linda in San Pedro wants to know what happens if she subscribes to a YouTube Channel.

Will in Colorado Springs wants to know how to reconnect to the internet.

Kate Rouch, Chief Marketing Officer at OpenAI, joins to explain the new ChatGPT Health experience.

Rich mentioned wearing the Bee device, which listens to your life 24/7 to offer insights.

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Rich DeMuro brings you the latest tech news, helpful tips, gadget reviews, and more - plus interviews with industry experts - all in this weekly show.

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