CES 2026: Cool Stuff Found That Actually Matters
Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
TP‑Link AIreal: Conversational Router Interface
Dave previews TP‑Link's AIreal conversational UI for Deco routers and how it simplifies network tasks with LLM style chat.
You walk the CES 2026 floor with Pete and Dave and quickly realize this episode is about practical gear that earns its place in your life. You hear about clever headphones, smarter thermostats, compact travel tech, and simple photo organization that fixes real annoyances without overthinking them. The crew cuts through the hype, calling out what feels thoughtful versus what just looks flashy, so you can spot the difference between tools that solve problems and gadgets that will gather dust.
Then things get broader and more futuristic without losing focus. You explore consumer health tech that is finally becoming accessible, modular controllers that rethink how you interact with devices, and open-ear audio that fits real-world use. Robots take over yards and floors, smart calendars and water sensors aim to reduce daily friction, and networking gear shrinks without giving up power. It is a fast tour of ideas that are close enough to touch, if not already shipping, with one consistent reminder guiding the whole conversation: stay curious, stay selective, and Don’t Get Caught chasing shiny things that do not actually improve your day.
- 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1124 for Monday, January 12th, 2026
- January 12th: National Curried Chicken Day
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of Ecamm Live or Carbon Copy Cloner 7!
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- Cool Stuff Found at CES 2026
- 00:03:41 TDM Twist Headphones
- 00:06:36 Eve Thermostat
- 00:08:08 FotoStax – $25 for a 10-pack
- 00:11:09 Targus Voyager EXP – $89.99
- 00:14:04 NOMATIC Travel Pack
- 00:15:52 Eloquens Email AI Autoresponder
- 00:21:25 Consumer-focused Blood Glucose Monitors
- Sponsors
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- 00:28:49 SPONSOR: Shopify. In 2026, stop waiting and start selling with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/MGG
- 00:30:25 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at gusto.com/MGG
- MOAR Cool Stuff Found at CES 2026
- 00:31:33 Modue – Modular controllers for gamers, creators, and more
- 00:35:00 Shokz OpenFit Pro Earbuds
- 00:38:58 Robot Lawn Mowers
- 00:43:58 Robot Vacuums
- Eureka E10 Evo Plus – $299
- Eureka Z50 $799
- Roborock Saros Rover
- 00:51:13 Skylight Calendar 2
- 00:53:28 Droplet Smarthome Water Sensor from Hydrific
- 00:58:04 TP-Link Aireal Digital in-app assistant
- 01:00:31 TP-Link BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Portable Travel Router TL-WR3602BE
- 01:03:21 CubicScreen.com
- 01:06:22 MGG 1124 Outtro
- MGG Monthly Giveaway
- Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
- MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors
- Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
- The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
- Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
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