Better Offline CES 2026: Part Eight (Friday)
Jan 10, 2026
Cory Doctorow, an advocate for digital rights, joins a talented group including YouTuber Michael Fisher, Engadget's Cherlynn Low, tech writer Edward Ongweso, and commentator Garrison Davis. They explore the potential of the Clicks Communicator for focused communication and express concerns over Amazon's surveillance capabilities. Discussions cover advanced eyeglasses like IXI and ethical questions around XR grief therapy. The panel also critiques automation, hardware accessibility, and the latest tech trends shimmering amidst the glitz of CES.
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Dedicated Phone For Focused Communication
- Michael Fisher demoed the Clicks Communicator, a dedicated Android phone with a physical QWERTY keyboard for focused communication tasks.
- He described it as a device for people who carry two phones and want one optimized for messaging and calls rather than content consumption.
Design For Purpose, Not Phone Cases
- When building hardware products, prioritize tactile quality and purpose-built design over forcing a phone-shaped accessory.
- Michael Fisher noted designing a product around its own chassis produced better keyboard feel and user experience for Clicks.
Missing Players Made CES Feel Hollow
- Attendee and exhibitor absence changed CES's feel; big automotive and themed exhibits were missing this year.
- Cherlynn Low linked the thinner show to industry shifts like tax credits, automaker decisions, and broader participant hesitancy.
