CES 2026 is officially underway in Las Vegas, and TechCrunch editors and reporters are on the ground to bring you live coverage of the biggest tech announcements, the most innovative gadgets, and the wild, wacky, and sometimes questionable new products hitting the floor. While the official show begins on January 6, major reveals have already started, with Amazon, NVIDIA, AMD, Hyundai, and others kicking off the event with a flurry of announcements. AI remains the dominant theme, but this year’s focus is shifting toward the fusion of artificial intelligence with the physical world—spanning robotics, manufacturing, smart homes, and autonomous vehicles. From AI-powered appliances to smart wearables and futuristic mobility concepts, the convergence of digital intelligence and real-world applications is taking center stage. One of the most unexpected entries comes from Govee Life, the home appliance arm of smart lighting brand Govee. They’ve unveiled the Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro, a countertop device that can produce 60 pounds of ice per day and make a batch in just six minutes. But the real twist? It uses AI to reduce noise. The system is trained to detect freeze-ups—common in nugget ice makers—that cause loud clunking and grinding. When such issues are identified, the ice maker automatically initiates a defrost cycle, keeping the operation smooth and quiet. Yes, they’ve put AI in an ice maker. And yes, it’s for the perfect cocktail. Clicks, known for turning smartphones into BlackBerry-style devices with physical keyboards, is back with two new products. First is the $499 Communicator, a standalone smartphone designed as a secondary device. It features a sleek, retro-inspired design with physical keys and a compact form factor—effectively a modern homage to the classic BlackBerry. The second product is a $79 slide-out keyboard that works with any smartphone, supporting both portrait and landscape modes. It’s aimed at users who want a tactile typing experience on the go. Pebble is also making a comeback with the Pebble Round 2, a $199 smartwatch that’s thinner and more refined than its predecessor. The device features a rounded display, a 14-day battery life, and basic health tracking for steps, sleep, and activity. Notably, it lacks a heart rate monitor, keeping the focus on simplicity and endurance. It’s available in three colors—black, silver, and rose gold—with interchangeable bands in 14 mm or 20 mm sizes. The TechCrunch team is already immersed in the buzz of CES, attending the CES Unveiled event on January 4 and connecting with startup founders, engineers, and visionaries. Though the official show floor opens on January 6, the momentum is building fast. Major announcements are already coming from companies like Amazon, Bosch, LG, and more, with new hardware, AI integrations, and bold new concepts flooding the space. From smart appliances to next-gen wearables and AI-driven mobility, CES 2026 is shaping up to be a showcase of how artificial intelligence is no longer just in the cloud—it’s in the kitchen, on the wrist, and on the move. Keep checking back for real-time updates, hands-on impressions, and the most surprising (and sometimes baffling) tech of the year.