Episode 558 - CES 2026

On this week's show: CES 2026 gave us everything from refrigerators with ads and humanoid laundry bots to pool cleaners smarter than your thermostat. Amazon and Samsung double down on AI (for better or worse), IKEA floods the market with affordable Matter gear, and Ring keeps dancing with Sidewalk and privacy. Kwikset locks in a new Matter smart lock under $200, SwitchBot wants to do your chores, and Roborock dares to climb stairs. Plus, Home Assistant gets a powerful new Music Assistant, Bose open-sources old gear instead of bricking it, a pick of the week, project updates, and so much more!Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!Show NotesThe HandyWorst in Show' CES products include AI refrigerators, AI companions and AI doorbells - AP NewsHomeTech HeadlinesCES 2026Samsung Reveals Wireless 'Music Studio' Speakers and Soundbars for Home Theaters - CEPROBose is open-sourcing its old smart speakers instead of bricking them - The VergeAmazon Introduces Ember Artline Lifestyle TV, Expands Ring Security Portfolio at CES 2026 - CEPROAlexa+ is Coming to Samsung TVs, BMW Cars, and More - Thurrott.comKwikset’s new Matter-over-Thread smart lock costs under $200 - The VergeRing Unloads a Flood of New Security Tech at CES: What’s Coming to Canada | iPhone in Canada - iPhone in Canada | Canada’s source for Apple, telecom, tech news, and dealsRing’s Fire Watch turns doorbell cameras into wildfire detectors - The VergeRing’s new smart home sensors use Sidewalk instead of Wi-Fi or Z-Wave - The VergeA Broad New Lineup of Affordable Matter-over-Thread Devices from IKEA Unlocks Easier Whole-Home Automation for SmartThings Users - SmartThings Blog - SmartThings BlogLifx launches a smart mirror and a $30 dimmer switch that can control smart bulbs - The VergeGE’s new smart fridge wants to help you shop for groceries - The VergeRainPoint Unveils First All-in-One Irrigation System at CES, Revolutionizing Home Gardening with Smart Home Tech - All For Gardening - All For GardeningSegway unveils new Navimow robotic lawn mower lineup at CES 2026 - The AmbientRoborock’s Rover walks, jumps, and vacuums your stairs - The VergeMammotion unveils its most ambitious pool cleaner yet - The AmbientBeatbot’s new mid-range pool robot is all about value - The AmbientSwitchBot says its humanoid household robot can do your laundry - The VergeAiper showcases autonomous robot pool cleaners and more at CES 2026 - The AmbientEcovacs adds a mop cover to its flagship robot vacuum - The VergeLG says its CLOiD home robot will be folding laundry and making breakfast at CES - The VergeECOVACS Wants to Run Your Whole Home, and Yes, There’s a Robot Dog | iPhone in Canada - iPhone in Canada | Canada’s source for Apple, telecom, tech news, and dealsTP-Link announces Aireal, its AI assistant - The VergeIt’s all about AI robotics for Switchbot at CES 2026 - The AmbientGoogle TV Is Getting Smarter and It’s Powered by Gemini | iPhone in Canada - iPhone in Canada | Canada’s source for Apple, telecom, tech news, and dealsLEGO introduces 'Smart Brick' that has tiny computer inside - MobileSyrupGemns™ | Energy Harvesting Technology - Gemns™DONUT LAB INTRODUCES THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIFICATION AT CES PRESENTING WORLD’S FIRST ALL-SOLID-STATE BATTERY READY TO POWER UP PRODUCTION VEHICLES NOW - Donut Lab - Donut LabPick of the Weekfiio.comMusic Assistant 2.7 - Taking over the airwaves - Blog - Home Assistant Community - Home Assistant CommunityOpen Home Foundation (@[email protected]) - Fosstodon2026.1: Home is where the dashboard is 🥂 - Home AssistantChanges to Home Assistant Green pricing - Nabu CasaUniFi Protect + Home Assistant — Integration Update (now Platinum quality)