The biggest week in tech is here: the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES). ZDNET is on the ground in Las Vegas and also keeping a virtual eye on the products and concepts that debuted on the show’s first day.
Also: The best CES 2025 products you can buy right now
So far, we’ve seen announcements from big names like Samsung, Abbott, and Dell, as well as new and innovative brands with cool concepts. Here’s the tech gear that has impressed us the most.
1. AI-integrated TVs
TVs are always big at CES, and this year, the common thread among new TV models seems to be AI integrations. For example, Samsung’s new lineup of TVs takes advantage of AI upscaling to make older content look better through HDR Remastering, which enhances standard dynamic range content to high dynamic range levels.
LG’s AI-powered TV technology includes features like AI-powered recommendations with voice recognition, an AI chatbot and AI search, and an LG AI Concierge that tracks your preferences alongside search history to provide contextual insights based on what’s playing on your screen.
Also: Every Samsung TV announced at CES 2025
Plus, Google is improving its TV experience by incorporating its Gemini AI into Google Assistant to converse with your Google TV and ask more complex questions.
2. A premium entry-level TV you can pre-order
TCL unveiled its QM6K, which brings the company’s Mini LED technology to its entry-level QLED TV at an aggressive price. This TV sports the kind of brightness, contrast, and color depth you’d typically find in a much more premium model from the big TV vendors.
Also: TCL won the opening of CES 2025 with a great new TV you can actually pre-order
But TCL is offering it starting at $799 for the 65-inch QM6K–> and you can even pre-order it today, a first at CES. You may have to put it in your shopping cart to see the price drop from the retail price of $999 down to $799. But when you pre-order, TCL will also send you a Q75H 5.1.2 soundbar<!–> for free (an $899 retail value). TCL is also offering the 75-inch QM6K for $999 and the 85-inch for $1,499.
3. Over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors
Not one but two over-the-counter glucose monitors debuted at CES on Tuesday to make glucose monitoring affordable and accessible for both diabetics and the general public. The one from Dexcom is targeted for those with Type 2 diabetes not using insulin (though people without diabetes can also use it) and attaches to your arm, tracking glucose levels 24/7. It also lasts up to 30 days and is connected to an app on your phone that delivers your readings. It’s compatible with Android and iOS.
Also: This AI mirror could track your weight, blood pressure, sleep, and more
On the other hand, the Lingo device from Abbott is for anyone looking for more insight into their general health and wellness by tracking glucose spikes. It uses personalized data to offer suggestions and coaching on eating habits, stressors, and exercise through a companion app. It’s limited to iPhone.
4. A device that gives your phone a full charge in seconds
In what might be one of the best mobile accessories we’ve seen at CES so far, the Swippitt charges your smartphone in just two seconds. You simply insert your phone (with the compatible battery phone case on it) into the Hub, and your case battery gets swapped out for another fully charged 3,500 mAh battery that should last you a full charge.
Also: Anker debuts first wall charger with a display and new TSA-certified power bank
There are a total of five batteries inside the machine, so multiple people can use it back-to-back, and it works with a free app that allows you to check your battery’s percentages and control what percentage you want it to be charged to.
5. Circular’s smart ring gets upgrades
In what’s arguably the fastest-growing wearables category, smart ring maker Circular made a huge announcement at CES. Alongside new heart health monitoring like Atrial Fibrillation detection included within the ECG capability and improved sensors, smart ring buyers can now figure out their ring size without the need for a physical kit — something no other smart ring brand has done so far. You can try on the Circular 2 via Digital Ring Sizing, which uses a smartphone’s camera to determine a user’s ring size.
Also: One of my favorite smart rings is getting an 18K gold upgrade
6. A robot vacuum with an arm
You know how you have to pick up clothes, toys, or other obstacles from your floor before running a robot vacuum? Well, Roborock has a solution: a robot vacuum with a mechanical arm that grabs small obstacles while it cleans.
Also: This new robot mower looks to replace your traditional grass cutter
The Roborock Saros Z70’s mechanical arm uses OmniGrip technology to remove obstacles under 8 oz while it mops and vacuums your floors. The flagship model is set to debut during the first half of 2025, and we can’t wait to try it out in our homes.
7. World’s first 500W charger
CES is the place where unprecedented innovations make their entrance, and this year we’re seeing the world’s first 500W charger. Ugreen’s Nexode 500W charger has six USB ports — five USB-C and one USB-A port. There’s one USB-C port that supports up to 240W, while the other four each offer up to 100W, and the USB-A has a maximum output of 20W.
Also: Satechi’s new MagSafe accessories charge all your mobile devices on the go
Ugreen says this charger is “powerful enough even for large, power-hungry devices like e-bikes.”
8. Smart home collaborations
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