
MacStories Unwind The Wonderful Weirdness of CES
Jan 9, 2026
Join Federico and John as they share their holiday experiences, from family time to gaming. John covers CES 2026 from home, discussing the hype around AI and quirky gadgets like nibbling cat toys. They highlight standout gear, including the 8BitDo flip pad and smart locks, while exploring the growing trend of AR glasses. Federico raves about the visuals in Avatar: Fire and Ash, and John dives into a nostalgic rewatch of Parks and Recreation. Plus, don’t miss the deal on the Thunderbolts movie!
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Episode notes
Holiday Break: Music, Games, Family, And Coding
- Federico spent his holiday break listening to music, reading, playing Metroid Prime 4, and spending time with family and friends.
- He found coding again relaxing and satisfying after a decade away from it.
Live Events And Family Time Over Screens
- John attended a Davidson College basketball game with his kids and enjoyed live events after screen time.
- He also saw a bluegrass Christmas band and spent time with family watching movies and eating well.
CES Trend: AI Everywhere, Robots For Show
- John graded CES 2026 about a B, criticizing the trend of adding AI to every gadget as uninteresting.
- He found robots more fun because they generate spectacle, even when overhyped or vaporware.
