The Vergecast Live from CES: What is the point of a robot that falls over?
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Jan 9, 2026 Live from CES, the hosts explore the rapid evolution of gadgets and the challenges facing AI and robotics. They discuss the curious vibe of the show, highlight advances in experimental laptop designs, and critique the unclear use cases for AI-branded products. The conversation includes the potential of AR glasses for accessibility, the need for better interoperability standards in smart homes, and a reflection on how tech is integrating into home decor. The excitement culminates with their favorites from the show, including innovative TVs and mobility gadgets.
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LLMs Dominate Investment, Not World Models
- Current AI investment overwhelmingly targets LLMs, not the world models robots need.
- Nilay Patel argues robotics requires different research focus and more data for embodied training.
Test Form Factors With Real Utility
- Experiment with new form factors but focus on real utility over gimmicks.
- Nilay Patel suggests the big question is where AI models should live if not on phones.
Browsers Could Lead Smart Home AI
- Browsers and agents may reach reliable AI-enabled tasks before smart-home assistants do.
- David Pierce says browsers can observe and learn from the web, making them easier to trust and improve.