Each January, the global technology community descends upon a chilly Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show, better known as CES. This annual spectacle attracts thousands of journalists, industry analysts, and influencers, all eager to witness the latest innovations from the world's leading tech minds. Having attended twenty of these events, I've developed a keen eye for predicting which gadgets will soar and which will stumble. The experience involves navigating vast exhibition halls, clocking up miles of walking each day, and occasionally parting with a small fortune for subpar refreshments.
Reflecting on past predictions, one notable misjudgement was the combined refrigerated beer glass with an integrated speaker, a Canadian invention designed for musical accompaniment to your drink. Unsurprisingly, it failed to capture the public's imagination. Among my more successful forecasts was the now-ubiquitous selfie stick, essential for countless tourists, and the Ember self-heating coffee mug. Initially mocked for its £179 price tag, especially after former Chancellor Rishi Sunak was seen with one, the Ember has since become a popular and effective product, with prices now more accessible.
CES 2026: Tech for the 50-Plus Generation
This year, my focus shifted towards innovations that particularly resonate with the over-50s demographic. This group, often less interested in gaming or social media trends, consistently seeks practical gadgets that genuinely improve daily life. Here are seven standout discoveries from CES 2026 that fit this brief perfectly.
1. The Memory-Jogging Smart Ring
In the category of affordable and useful tech, the Pebble Index 01 smart ring emerged as a clear winner. Priced at approximately £75, this device from the startup that pioneered the smartwatch in 2012 serves a singular, valuable purpose: helping you capture thoughts, reminders, and ideas on the go. Simply click its button and speak; the swim-proof ring records your voice, wirelessly transferring both audio and a transcript to your smartphone via a dedicated app. With no need for charging or annoying subscriptions, it's a hassle-free solution for organising your mind.
2. The Power-Up for Your Legs
Exoskeleton technology, once the realm of science fiction, has arrived from China with practical applications for walking, running, and cycling. This motorised harness, strapped around the waist with robotic arms cradling the thighs, provides a boost of ten to forty percent more power per step, depending on settings. Designed for both those with mobility challenges and fitness enthusiasts, it enhances performance without reducing cardiovascular benefits, leaving legs noticeably less fatigued after use. Models from leading brand Hypershell range from £700 to £1,600.
3. The Fridge You Can Speak To
Smart fridge innovations have often missed the mark, but Samsung's latest offering shows promise. The Family Hub smart fridge, priced around £2,000, now features voice-activated door opening and closing. This hands-free operation is ideal when your hands are full of groceries or covered in cooking ingredients. While voice-controlled gadgets have historically faced accuracy issues, this fridge's potential to understand natural commands could make it a kitchen staple.
4. The Four-in-One Health Scanner
Health monitoring is a priority for many over-50s, and French company Withings continues to excel in this field. Their new BeamO device, a compact handheld scanner priced at £230, combines four essential functions: a contactless thermometer, an ECG checker, a digital stethoscope for lung and heart health, and a pulse oximeter for blood-oxygen levels. This comprehensive tool empowers users to track vital signs proactively, aligning with the growing trend of preventative healthcare.
5. The AI Home Help
For those concerned about ageing parents or their own future needs, the ElliQ AI companion presents a compelling solution. Although not yet available in the UK, this tabletop device offers messaging, medication reminders, health tracking, entertainment, and calendar management. Priced at approximately £250 plus a £50 monthly subscription, it provides comprehensive support without the complexities of a physical robot.
6. The Sound Booster
Struggling to follow dialogue on television is a common issue, and British firm Geemarc addresses it with the Sonarya. This £198 device wirelessly streams audio from your TV to a portable speaker, using AI to enhance clarity. It's an elegant solution for improving auditory comprehension without the need for bulky hearing aids or complex setups.
7. The Really Handy Recording Device
Rounding out the list is the Plaud NotePin, a £149 pocket-sized recorder designed for discreetly capturing conversations. With permission, it proves invaluable in meetings with professionals like lawyers or doctors, work discussions, and other scenarios where accurate recall is essential. Automatically syncing recordings and transcripts to your phone, it offers practical utility far beyond novelty, unlike some past CES curiosities.
CES 2026 demonstrated that technology continues to evolve with a keen focus on enhancing everyday life, particularly for the mature demographic. These seven innovations highlight how smart design and practical functionality can create gadgets that are both accessible and genuinely useful.
