Tech News Weekly (Audio) TNW 419: Utah Trusts AI to Renew Prescriptions - AI Prescribing Meds?
Jan 8, 2026
Join technology journalist Jacob Ward for insights on this year's CES trends, where AI and humanoid robots reigned supreme. He shares his thoughts on Lego's innovative SmartBrick, enhancing interactive play. Stephen Robles provides live updates from the show floor, highlighting smart home advances and robot vacuums evolving into multi-functional appliances. Ruth Reeder discusses Utah's groundbreaking pilot program, allowing AI to renew prescriptions, its safety checks, and regulatory challenges, sparking crucial conversations about AI's role in healthcare.
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CES As A Calves-and-Massage Marathon
- Jacob Ward described CES as a grueling boozy show where attendees walk until their calves give out and seek reclining massage chairs.
- He recalled dragging himself hungover through aisles and the ritual of lining up for massage chairs to survive the show.
Lego Reimagines Play With Sensor Brick
- LEGO's SmartPlay adds sensors and speakers to a standard brick to enable play-focused interactivity without screens or AI.
- The platform aims to extend play value and let builders keep or repurpose sets instead of treating them as static collectibles.
CES Flooded With 'AI' And Autonomy Hype
- CES shows a broad push to add 'AI' labels to many products, often without democratic input from users.
- The dominant theme is autonomy and humanoid robots marketed as consumer-ready despite unclear usefulness or affordability.